AI Revolution Empowers Southeast Asian SMEs To Redefine Competitive Advantage

Technology Adoption: A Critical Imperative

Southeast Asia’s small and medium-sized enterprises are transforming as they harness artificial intelligence to remain competitive. Experts warn that those who fail to embrace innovation will either be forced into niche markets or ousted by larger players with more advanced capabilities. As marketing professor Jochen Wirtz of the National University of Singapore Business School puts it, “Either you grow and adopt, or you die.”

Unlocking Economic Potential

Recent projections from Boston Consulting Group suggest that AI and generative AI could contribute nearly $120 billion to the region’s GDP by 2027, redefining business processes and unlocking new revenue streams. Complementary insights from Google’s e-Conomy SEA 2024 report show that nations such as Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia are at the forefront of AI interest and search demand, underscoring the region’s appetite for technological innovation.

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Capitalizing on Youth and Innovation

The youthful demographic in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines provides a substantial competitive edge. Soumik Parida from RMIT University Vietnam emphasizes the region’s internet-savvy youth, who are quick to adapt to new technologies and are beginning to make a global impact. This tech-forward perspective is paving the way for Southeast Asian enterprises to integrate AI seamlessly into their business models.

Real-World Applications And Success Stories

Applications of AI in Southeast Asia are already evident. Customer service is the leading use case in e-commerce, followed by marketing and advertising. For instance, Indonesia-based Lita Global leverages OpenAI’s models to double its online gaming events and boost revenues by an average of 20% per event. Additionally, the use of AI in chat functions has led to a significant 10% to 20% increase in orders, enhancing overall efficiency and customer engagement.

Innovating Through AI Livestreaming

Another notable innovation is AI-driven livestreaming, which is rapidly gaining traction in live shopping. By reducing the need for traditional studio setups and human hosts, platforms can significantly lower costs and redirect resources toward revenue-generating activities. Companies like TopviewAI are showcasing how AI livestreaming, priced as low as $1 per minute, can deliver a strong return on investment for micro, small, and medium enterprises across the region.

Managing Costs And Future Affordability

Despite its benefits, the adoption of AI comes with considerable initial expenses. Small businesses, in particular, often limit their AI usage to basic tasks such as chatbot management due to cost constraints. However, industry forecasts by Gartner predict that by 2027, the cost of application programming interfaces for generative AI will plummet to less than 1% of current prices, potentially democratizing access to this technology for smaller enterprises.

An Optimistic Outlook Amid Global Competition

Even as traditional labor costs remain low in many emerging markets, Southeast Asian businesses recognize the far-reaching advantages of technology adoption. AI is now seen as a natural progression—much like the evolution enabled by e-hailing services—which enhances operational efficiency and customer security. With a tech-savvy population driving innovation, the region is well-positioned to capitalize on the emerging AI wave and secure its place in a rapidly transforming global marketplace.

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Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

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Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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