Google report says Southeast Asia AI adoption is accelerating

Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company have published the 11th edition of the annual e-Conomy SEA report, saying generative AI is already widely used across Southeast Asia and will reshape the region’s digital economy.

• The report says generative AI is used by 243 million people (58% of the working population) and forecasts regional digital economy GMV of $368 billion in 2026, with a path to $1 trillion by 2035.
• It also says AI adoption will require a ~3x expansion in data center capacity over the next five years, alongside Singapore PUE rules, Malaysia’s CRESS, and the ASEAN DEFA pact in November 2026.
• This is a report / commentary and analysis article, not a project announcement; it summarizes findings from Google and partners rather than announcing a new deal or investment.