How APAC Data Whisperers Are Taming AI With Data Management

Asia Pacific Chief Data Officers (CDOs) have long recognized that data alone is insufficient for AI success; they need high-quality data. 

It’s one reason these CDOs are investing in robust data management strategies. They are not waiting for the AI revolution to arrive; they're actively shaping it, ensuring their organizations are AI-ready.

A new survey, "CDO Insights 2024: Charting a Course to AI Readiness," from Informatica, lays bare APAC's unique challenges and how regional CDOs are using AI-ready data to unlock AI’s hidden potential.

AI-ready data: Analyzing the obsession

The survey showed that APAC CDOs are laser-focused on getting data AI-ready. 40% of them rated the delivery of reliable and consistent data as their highest priority.

While data governance and privacy matter everywhere, APAC CDOs are also busy cranking up the dial on prepping their data for the AI revolution. They see it as crucial for driving generative AI projects where AI governance is paramount.

“More than 50% of the data chiefs surveyed are looking to implement generative AI into their environments in the next 24 months," observed Richard Scott, senior vice president at Informatica, in a Ticker News interview.

The overall results show that the region's data leaders are becoming keenly aware that the effectiveness of AI models hinges on the quality and readiness of the underlying data. Many are prioritizing their investments in data quality, timeliness, and accessibility, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of the data-to-AI pipeline.

Guardians of the data galaxy

CDOs are equally concerned about building robust data governance processes that address potential data breaches and ethics concerns. The survey showed that many are investing heavily in security and privacy. A significant 51% of APAC respondents highlighted data privacy and security as critical areas for increased investment, and 50% are examining data governance. Meanwhile, 41% of organizations are prioritizing data governance and ethics this year.

APAC's CDOs also see data governance as more than a roadblock; they view it as a strategic enabler. It’s easy to see why: Effective data governance frameworks ensure data assets are managed consistently and responsibly.

By ensuring data is handled responsibly, APAC CDOs are creating the foundation for better decision-making and a thriving, increasingly complex AI ecosystem.

Stubborn challenges on the data horizon

When it comes to data challenges, APAC CDOs remain realistic. The increasing volume and variety of data is a challenge cited by 39% of APAC respondents, aligning closely with global figures. However, the region’s pronounced issue with data and application silos and fragmented tooling (37%) highlights the need for more integrated data management solutions.

Rapid technological advancements also present a significant challenge, with 35% of APAC organizations struggling to keep pace. This underscores the necessity for continuous adaptation and investment in new technologies. “The amount of data use and engagement is still explosive,” Scott acknowledged.

But they're fighting back with advanced DataOps to streamline data workflows, automate data management tasks, and ensure data quality across the pipeline. They also have a laser focus on upskilling their teams. It's a constant race to stay ahead of the competition, but APAC's data leaders are determined to use data and AI to create differentiation.

Collaboration and cutting-edge tech: The APAC way

They may be pragmatic, but APAC's data mavericks are also unafraid to shake things up. For example, the survey highlighted their willingness to embrace new technologies and tear down data silos to create a more agile, collaborative data culture.

42% of them prioritize business agility through adopting new technologies. This shows that they are looking ahead at aligning tech-driven transformation with business goals.

"[So they are] ensuring they’re touching all sources of data that [their businesses] need, and then bringing them into the [organization] effectively," Scott emphasized.

This proactive stance is mirrored in the region’s approach to data democratization. Enhancing collaboration across business units is a priority for 40% of APAC organizations. It's a bold vision for the future of data: accessible, shareable, and empowering everyone in the organization.

GenAI: It’s a cautious dance

GenAI is the new kid on the block, and APAC CDOs are giving it a cautious welcome. Instead, they're tackling the challenges head-on: bolstering data privacy and security (45%), ensuring data quality and observability (42%), and data integration and engineering (40%), among others. They're not just deploying AI but building the frameworks that ensure AI operates fairly and effectively.

While adoption is slower than the global average, the region is planning a big leap forward. A substantial 40% of APAC organizations plan to adopt generative AI within the next 24 months, indicating a solid forward momentum.

Conclusion: APAC is plugged into an AI-led future

The Asia Pacific region is becoming a data and AI powerhouse. With a relentless focus on AI readiness, rock-solid governance, and a collaborative spirit, APAC's CDOs are forging a new path. They're not just managing data; they're wiring the future of AI.

The survey showed that APAC CDOs understand it isn’t a lonely journey. Companies are working closely with their solution providers as partners as they carve out their unique paths toward an AI-driven future.

“And that's one of the reasons why companies like Informatica are really heavily invested in that end-to-end Data Management Cloud,” concluded Scott.

Want to know what Asia-Pacific CDOs are buzzing about? How does the region stack up against the U.S. and U.K./E.U.? Get the full download right here. 

Image credit: iStockphoto/ConceptCafe