IDC predicts that, by 2028, 80% of foundation models used for production-grade use cases will include multimodal AI capabilities to deliver improved use case support, accuracy, depth of insights, and inter-mode context. This is just one of the predictions unveiled in the report titled, IDC FutureScape: Worldwide AI and Automation 2025 Predictions — Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Implications .
This shift underscores a broader trend toward more sophisticated AI systems that can process and integrate multiple data types—text, images, audio, and video—enabling enterprises to unlock new levels of intelligence and automation.
AI adoption in Asia/Pacific is accelerating, driven by smaller, domain-specific models, edge AI for real-time decision-making, and growing investments in AI security and explainability. Organizations need to focus on skill development as they progress in their AI adoption journey. As industries scale AI, skill development and compliance remain key priorities, especially in regulated sectors. The region’s diverse AI governance policies are fostering local AI providers, while growing data privacy concerns are pushing enterprises to adopt compliant, integrated AI strategies, moving beyond siloed approaches.
"The Age of AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace. By 2025, we will see the rise of smaller, more efficient models, driving cost optimization and improved performance. The commoditization of AI infrastructure will further lower development costs, while the integration of traditional AI/ML models with large language models (LLMs) will pave the way for intelligent agents to dominate, unlocking even greater capabilities," according to Deepika Giri, head of research, Big Data &AI, IDC Asia/Pacific.
IDC’s report presents the top 10 predictions for AI and automation initiatives through 2030. Each prediction is assessed based on its impact (a mix of cost and complexity to address) and time frame to the expected stated adoption level. This study also highlights IT impact and guidance for technology buyers for each prediction statement.
The following predictions highlight key trends that will shape AI adoption, automation, and business transformation across Asia/Pacific:
Small models: By 2026, 90% of Asia-based top 1000 (A1000) enterprises’ use cases for LLMs will be dedicated to training SLMs because of cost, performance and expanded deployment options.
AI Adoption Inflection Point: By 2027, AI adoption barriers will become indistinct due to the AI infrastructure commoditization, advanced LC/NC tools and security frameworks, leading to reduction of AI build costs by nearly 70%.
Dawn of Enterprise AI Agents: By 2025, 60% of A1000 organizations will use enterprise agents configured for specific business functions, instead of focusing on individual co-pilot technologies to achieve faster business value from AI.
Hybrid Cloud Inferencing: By 2026, 70% of A1000 enterprises will adopt hybrid edge-cloud inferencing as organizations fully integrate edge into cloud infrastructure and management strategy.
Each year, IDC releases its top technology predictions at worldwide, regional and country levels through its IDC FutureScape Reports and offers strategic and data-driven insights into what is ahead for the rapidly changing IT industry. These predictions have been used to shape the strategies and business objectives of technology leaders and business executives in the next 1-5 years. All the predictions stated here cover Asia/Pacific implications.
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