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APAC Leads in AI Adoption but Lags in Workforce Readiness, Aon Study Finds
AI Adoption Accelerates
AI adoption across APAC is accelerating, with 74 percent of organisations having already deployed or piloting AI programs. The region has moved from experimentation to implementation, as organisations focus on efficiency, automation and innovation. However, talent shortages remain a structural constraint to scaling, with only 21 percent believing they can effectively recruit and retain sufficient AI talent – trailing the global average of 24 percent.
Organisations increasingly view AI as a tool to augment and reshape work rather than eliminate jobs. In APAC, 84 percent of respondents expect AI to automate certain tasks without replacing jobs entirely, while 87 percent anticipate it will create new roles requiring different skills. At the same time, 25 percent expect some job displacement as AI adoption evolves, reinforcing the need for continued investment in skills and workforce development.
“Across the Asia Pacific region, businesses are making strong progress in AI and workforce data, but technology alone will not deliver better outcomes,” said Tim Dwyer, head of Human Capital in APAC for Aon. “The study highlights a critical gap between access to workforce data and the ability to act on it meaningfully. Insufficient investment in skills and workforce planning is constraining the value organisations can realise from AI. Addressing this gap will require stronger workforce planning, more personalised employee experiences and closer alignment between talent strategies and long-term business priorities – unlocking productivity gains and sustaining long-growth across the region.”
APAC Lags in Personalised Employee Benefits
Employers across APAC report higher HR data maturity than the global average, enabling greater access to real-time workforce insights. Forty-two percent report high HR data maturity compared with 38 percent globally, and 74 percent having deployed or piloted AI, slightly ahead of the global level of 73 percent. This capability is supported by ongoing workforce development, with only 9 percent reporting that their workforces have not recently participated in AI reskilling or upskilling initiatives.
Despite these advancements, only 22 percent of employees in the region have access to customizable employee benefits, well below the global average of 33 percent. This is significant, given that 76 percent of APAC employees place a high value on personalised benefits, yet the majority lack access to them.
In response, organisations are focusing on three core priorities: accelerating digital transformation within HR functions, strengthening leadership and succession planning and optimising workforce planning and organisational design. Adaptability and change management are also cited as the most critical workforce skills required over the next three years, underscoring the rapid pace of business and technology change across the region.
Wellbeing and Employee Value Proposition Show Mixed Progress
While 85 percent of organisations report that their wellbeing strategy meets workforce needs, leadership visibility remains a concern, with only 26 percent reporting strong and visible commitment.
The employee value proposition (EVP) also remains underdeveloped, with just 22 percent stating that their EVP is clearly defined and understood by employees. Communication challenges persist, with information overload identified as the top barrier to effective employee engagement.
Pay Transparency and Equity Require Greater Focus
The report highlights persistent gaps in compensation practices across the region. Only 18 percent of organisations rate their pay transparency practices as mature, while 26 percent have not benchmarked employee compensation in the past year.
At the same time, 31 percent of organisations are implementing initiatives to close the gender retirement savings gap – exceeding the global average. Together, these findings show uneven progress, with continued gaps in pay equity and transparency.
“The findings demonstrate that organisations in APAC are positioning themselves to thrive in the future of work, but accelerating the shift from insight to action remains critical,” said Puneet Swani, head of Talent Solutions in APAC for Aon. “Enhancing pay transparency, expanding benefits personalisation and aligning workforce strategy with business priorities will help build greater workforce resilience.”
About the Report
Aon’s Human Capital Trends 2026 Study surveyed 2,361 business, HR and people leaders globally, including 504 respondents from APAC across markets including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. More information about the report can be found here.
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About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
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AECOM and Urban Land Institute launch inaugural Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index, highlighting region’s evolving infrastructure innovation priorities
Developed in collaboration between AECOM and ULI, the report brings together perspectives from stakeholders across infrastructure, government, utilities, investment, planning and development sectors. It draws on a survey of more than 100 senior infrastructure professionals in Asia Pacific, alongside in-depth interviews with industry leaders. As the first edition of the Index, it establishes a baseline for understanding how infrastructure innovation is currently being prioritized and delivered across the region.
“This report highlights how organizations are moving beyond ideas and applying innovation in practical ways to improve delivery, resilience and system performance,” said Ian Chung, chief executive of AECOM’s Asia region. “Infrastructure leaders across Asia Pacific are responding to growing complexity by strengthening digital capabilities, improving coordination across interconnected systems and focusing on long-term operational performance.”
“Our collaboration with AECOM reflects a growing recognition that infrastructure and real estate are increasingly interdependent,” said Alan Beebe, CEO Asia Pacific, ULI. “As cities in Asia Pacific evolve, infrastructure is no longer just a technical consideration, but plays a critical role in shaping how places function, grow and perform. Understanding how innovation is being applied in this context is essential for those involved in the built environment.”
Among the top ten takeaways highlighted in the report, three key themes emerged consistently across both the survey findings and interview insights: the role of AI in infrastructure systems, the integration and growing demands on energy systems, and the need to design and operate infrastructure for climate resilience. Together, these themes highlight a broader shift toward enhancing how infrastructure systems are developed and perform under increasingly complex, real-world conditions.
Read the report here: Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index | AECOM Insights
Hashtag: #AECOM #AsiaPacificInfrastructureInnovationIndex
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle — from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a non-profit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 48,000 members worldwide and over 3,000 members in the Asia Pacific region representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. For more information on ULI Asia Pacific, please visit 
asia.uli.org, or follow us on 
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From Masar Makkah to New destinations: Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Launches New Five-Year Strategy and announces Its Second Destination in Makkah
The strategy also strengthens the company’s ability to manage a diversified portfolio of urban and investment destinations with long-term economic and urban impact across Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah.
The unveiling of the new strategy comes in the wake of the company successfully achieving the objectives of its 2021-26 strategy, which served as a roadmap for its institutional transformation over the past five years. This journey led to the completion of Masar Destination’s main infrastructure and its transition into the operational phase, alongside the development of a mature investment and financial platform and the enhancement of its institutional and operational capabilities.
These achievements were further reinforced by its listing on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), strengthening investor confidence and positioning the company for a new phase of large-scale expansion built on its core strengths and focused on creating sustainable, long-term value for communities, people, and investors.
During the period from 2021 to 2026, the company successfully established an integrated and scalable business model driven by its accumulated expertise and strong financial performance. This included a compound annual growth rate exceeding 60% in revenues and more than 45% in net profit, alongside operating cash flows surpassing SAR 2 billion in the most recent fiscal year. The company also attracted approximately SAR 40 billion in development investments for the destination, forged more than 30 strategic partnerships, and developed a comprehensive governance framework. In parallel, it built advanced operational and development capabilities that support sustainable growth and enhance the company’s readiness for its next phase.
The new strategy is anchored in a planned and selective expansion approach that does not seek to increase the number of projects as much as it focuses on delivering sustainable value for place, community, and investors. This will be achieved through the development of high-quality urban destinations in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, within a carefully targeted geographic focus that enhances operational integration and maximizes the efficient deployment of resources and expertise.
In this phase, the company is adopting a clearly defined approach to capital allocation, balancing growth with the maximization of returns while maintaining the flexibility of its financial position. It aims to manage an additional development portfolio exceeding SAR 50 billion, alongside deploying incremental capital investments ranging between SAR 3-5 billion over the course of the strategy, further reinforcing its ability to deliver sustainable long-term growth.
In parallel, the company will adopt a flexible operating model that enables it to lead projects as a master developer or to participate as a partner and development manager, in line with defined investment criteria that ensure carefully considered decision-making aligned with its strategic direction.
The company also confirms that Masar Destination will remain a central cornerstone within its future portfolio, with ongoing development of its extensions and expansions in accordance with approved plans. As its flagship project, Masar continues to serve as the primary foundation for the company’s activities and the model through which it will launch new urban destinations that contribute to enhanced quality of life and support economic growth across its target cities.
Commenting on this, Yasser Abdulaziz Abuateek, CEO of Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction, stated: “The launch of our new strategy represents a pivotal turning point in the company’s journey, as we move from a phase of capability building to one of considered expansion. The achievements of the past years have provided us with the confidence, expertise, and readiness to advance toward managing a fully integrated portfolio of urban destinations. Through this, we aim to create sustainable value for place, community, and investors within a robust governance framework that supports continued growth and contributes to generating long-term impact across the western region.”
This strategy reaffirms Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction’s commitment to supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by developing high-quality urban destinations that enhance quality of life, stimulate investment, and strengthen economic integration within a growth model driven by value creation and sustainability.
For more information, visit: www.ummalqura.com.sa/en/new-strategy-2030
Hashtag: #Development #SaudiArabia
https://www.ummalqura.com.sa/en
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Umm Al Qura for development & Construction
Umm Al Qura for development & Construction is the owner and developer of MASAR destination that works with a developmental vision to elevate the urban and investment landscape of Makkah through pioneering the development of Masar destination and exploring new avenues to help improve the quality of life for Makkah residents, pilgrims and visitors.
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Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group Strike Three-Year Deal to Supercharge Global Live Events Pipeline
Strategic alliance to drive headline concerts, sports events and premium travel experiences for international audiences, accelerating Macau’s push to become a global “City of Performing Arts.”
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury integrated resort, has entered into a landmark three-year strategic partnership with Trip.com Group, the global leading one-stop travel services platform, spanning 2026 to 2029. Anchored in the fast-growing convergence of live entertainment, sports and premium travel, the alliance signals an ambitious push to reshape Asia’s high-value tourism and events landscape.
At the core of the collaboration lies a shared commitment to scale world-class live experiences, leveraging Trip.com Group’s expansive global membership ecosystem alongside Galaxy Macau’s proven expertise in venue operations and large-scale event execution. This includes the flagship Galaxy Arena, a premier destination for international concerts, sporting spectacles and marquee entertainment programming.
Through this partnership, both parties will deepen integration across event curation, execution and distribution, while unlocking new layers of value through cross-platform membership privileges. The result is designed to deliver a more seamless, diversified and elevated experience for audiences — from ticket access and travel planning to on-ground entertainment delivery.
The agreement marks a pivotal step forward in advancing the integration of culture and tourism, a priority theme shaping the next phase of regional tourismdevelopment. By combining digital reach with physical destination excellence, Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group are positioned to explore a broader spectrum of co-branded initiatives, immersive event formats and destination-led campaigns that extend beyond conventional travel offerings.
As the collaboration evolves, Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group will jointly shape emerging trends at the intersection of luxury tourism and cultural entertainment, injecting fresh momentum into Macau’s ambition to strengthen its standing as a world centre of tourism and leisure.
For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit 
www.galaxymacau.com,www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
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