In a rapidly changing global landscape, confidence is rising among Asia-Pacific (APAC) CEOs. According to the Egon Zehnder The CEO Response survey reveals that APAC leaders are prioritising regional partnerships, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI) as engines for growth amidst geopolitical uncertainty.
The survey, which encompassed 1,235 CEOs globally, including 132 from the APAC region, indicates a significant shift in mindset. While 72% of global CEOs express concerns over declining prospects for global prosperity, APAC CEOs are responding with renewed confidence. Notably, the percentage of those feeling moderately unprepared for complexity has dropped from 24% in 2024 to 17% this year.
Source: Egon Zehnder 2025
A key theme emerging from the survey is the APAC leaders' strong focus on their workforce. They are more concerned with the human aspect of their businesses compared to their global peers, with 42% prioritising talent acquisition and development, and 35% emphasising workforce health and safety. This human-centric leadership style is underpinned by a commitment to adaptability, with 66% of APAC CEOs recognising its importance, significantly higher than the 55% global average.
In terms of strategic direction, APAC CEOs are pivoting towards regional partnerships, identifying the APAC region (51%) and India (50%) as prime areas for investment and trade. This contrasts sharply with U.S. and European counterparts, who are more focused on domestic markets. To bolster this regional vision, 46% of APAC leaders plan to invest in new strategic alliances, while 45% are prioritising AI.
The findings underscore a growing sense of responsibility among APAC leaders, with 48% believing they must engage beyond their businesses to contribute to global prosperity, compared to 40% of their international peers. This desire reflects an expanding leadership purpose, with many leaders seeking to define their roles not just in terms of business success, but also in fostering broader societal impacts.
"Faced with global headwinds, APAC leaders are not waiting for the world to stabilise; they are actively building a more resilient future from within the region," remarked Ang Wan May, managing partner at Egon Zehnder Singapore. This proactive approach demonstrates that APAC CEOs are not merely reacting to challenges but are strategically positioning themselves for sustainable growth.
