APAC CIOs prioritizing technology to drive new revenue streams, reveals Logicalis report

Yet, 86 per cent of CIOs report growing pressure for technology to demonstrate tangible business impact, while 66 per cent acknowledge that their next-generation technology investments have yet to deliver anticipated returns.

The 11^th annual CIO Report 2025 by Logicalis revealed that 96 per cent of CIOs in Asia Pacific are prioritizing technology to drive new revenue streams. The report also revealed that 96 per cent are exploring how next-generation technology can support commercial growth in the region.

The report is based on a survey of 1,000 global CIOs, including more than 300 from APAC. Interestingly, findings from the report also revealed that CIOs are taking on a larger role in business strategy, with many now regularly reporting to the board on return on investment (ROI).

According to Lee Chong-Win, CEO, Logicalis Asia Pacific, technology is no longer just an enabler, it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and competitive advantage. With 96 per cent of organizations in APAC investing in technology to create new revenue streams this year, CIOs play a critical role in ensuring these investments drive tangible ROI.

"Logicalis’s 2025 CIO Report highlights this expanding mandate. The research reveals how technology leaders are moving beyond traditional IT alignment to actively shape their organisations' futures. From leveraging AI and optimizing cybersecurity investments to integrating sustainability initiatives for commercial advantage, CIOs are now driving business-critical transformation,” said Lee.

With emerging technologies accelerating the shift, all organizations are exploring how next-gen technologies can support commercial growth. In fact, AI (65 per cent), machine learning capabilities and private 5G (54 per cent each), and IoT (50 per cent) initiatives are among the most widely adopted emerging technologies over the past 12 months.

The study clearly indicated that there are no signs of any slowdown in tech investments and adoption. However, ROI is important to these investments. While 86 per cent of CIOs report growing pressure for technology to demonstrate tangible business impact, many (66 per cent) acknowledge that their next-generation technology investments have yet to deliver anticipated returns. As the gap between balancing investments and realised value intensifies, CIOs remain optimistic about the potential of these technologies.

"The APAC technology market continues to grow, presenting both opportunities and complexities. The vast array of available solutions can lead to inefficiencies, making strategic partnerships essential. CIOs seek trusted advisors who understand their unique business objectives and can help them navigate this landscape effectively,” said Lee.

Lee also pointed out that Logicalis’s findings show that CIOs in APAC face greater pressure to deliver quick wins than their global peers, yet they remain highly confident in their ability to balance short-term gains with long-term success.

“They are proving the value of technology as well as redefining its role in shaping the future of business across the region,” added Lee.

With most (86 per cent) of APAC CIOs facing growing pressure to demonstrate the business impact of their technology investments, CIOs must continue to navigate business-critical objectives while considering innovations that support future growth.

As the report revealed APAC CIOs being confident that their IT spending is yielding a return, many (91 per cent) believe there is room for improvement. As challenges around complexity, resources and performance visibility remain, the report highlights the importance of building strong technology partnerships to help CIOs meet this changing landscape, alleviate pressures, and unlock value.

Apart from investing in AI, cybersecurity is another area which is expected to see increasing investment. 91 per cent of APAC CIOs stated they experienced cybersecurity incidents in the last 12 months with 53 per cent enduring multiple breaches, raising questions about the effectiveness of security spending.

While 81 per cent say the volume of breaches increased or remained the same, the most reported cyber incidents were malware and ransomware (41 per cent), data breaches, AI-driven attacks/compromises (both 35 per cent) as well as phishing and deepfakes (both 34 per cent).

Meanwhile, one area delivering tangible financial results is the integration of environmental technologies. APAC CIOs are seeing direct financial benefits, with 94 per cent reporting gains and 60 per cent describing the impacts as significant. Investment in environmental sustainability initiatives continues to grow, with 96 per cent of organizations in APAC prioritising these initiatives over the past 12 months. 95 per cent have also set clear targets to reduce carbon emissions from their IT environment.