Confronting Rising Risks: The Tech Trends Shaping APAC CIOs in 2026

As the technological landscape evolves rapidly in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) face mounting challenges characterized by accelerating AI adoption, intricate regulatory frameworks, and intensifying execution pressures. At the upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2026 event in Brisbane on March 17-18, 2026, CIOs will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights during the Tech Trends 2026 session. This session is designed to help them assess emerging technologies through a multifaceted strategic lens focusing on risks, execution readiness, and organizational capacity.

The Current Landscape for APAC CIOs

CIOs are operating in a unique environment where the margin for error has narrowed significantly. The rapid scaling of AI initiatives presents opportunities but also demands accountability for translating technology decisions into tangible business outcomes. The complexity of regulatory requirements adds an additional layer of scrutiny on these leaders. At Info-Tech LIVE 2026, the Tech Trends 2026 session aims to equip IT leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

Key Highlights of Info-Tech LIVE 2026

The featured session at Info-Tech LIVE 2026 will draw from the insights provided in Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2026 report and the Future of IT Survey. It will delve into how IT leaders can prioritize their initiatives, sequence the adoption of new technologies, and manage inherent risks when their resources, talent, and governance capacity are limited.

George Khreish, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group APAC, emphasizes that as AI adoption accelerates variably throughout the region, technology decisions have become increasingly accountable. The objective of the session is to help CIOs identify which trends require immediate action and which demand a stronger execution foundation first.

An In-Depth Look at Tech Trends

During the Tech Trends 2026 session, attendees will explore eight primary technology trends reshaping enterprise priorities. These trends echo the current challenges and opportunities CIOs face:

1. Resilient Supply Chain Sourcing

With ongoing global disruptions, CIOs are re-evaluating sourcing strategies. The goal is to reduce dependency risks while ensuring access to critical platforms and capabilities.

2. Integrated Organizational Resilience

Unlike the traditional approach of siloed controls, risk management is evolving into coordinated enterprise-wide capabilities that unify IT, security, and business response planning.

3. Multi-Agent Orchestration

The development of interconnected AI agents is enhancing productivity, although it presents new governance and integration challenges for IT teams.

4. Smart Sensing Networks

Combining IoT and edge intelligence paves the way for quicker, localized decision-making. However, it also increases demands on infrastructure and data management.

5. AI as Adversary and Ally

AI is increasingly being leveraged both defensively and as a growing component of cyber threats, challenging CIOs to rethink their security measures comprehensively.

6. Federated Data Governance

The rise of decentralized, domain-based data ownership is necessitating fresh strategies for automation and cross-functional collaboration.

7. Purpose-Built Platforms

Organizations are shifting towards platforms tailored for specific business objectives, which amplifies the pressure to align technological architecture with overall strategy.

8. Service as Software

The evolution of services into AI-enabled, continuously transforming software capabilities alters expectations related to delivery speed, costs, and value measurement.

Delivering Clarity and Value

The Tech Trends 2026 session plays an essential role in supporting CIOs and senior IT leaders who are under heightened scrutiny to deliver measurable results. By reframing emerging trends as inputs to disciplined decision-making, attendees will learn how to align their technological investments with organizational capacities and strategic goals while allowing for flexibility in response to changing conditions.

Networking and Learning Opportunities

Info-Tech LIVE 2026 promises to bring together CIOs, senior IT executives, and technology leaders for two days of rich programming. The event will feature a mixture of main-stage presentations, interactive breakout sessions, peer discussions, and one-on-one analyst engagements. These opportunities aim to help leaders seamlessly transition from strategy to execution in an increasingly complex and fast-paced environment.

Additional announcements regarding sessions and speakers will be made leading up to the event. For updates and comprehensive event details, attendees are encouraged to visit the Info-Tech LIVE 2026 website.

Media Engagement

Journalists, podcasters, and influencers are invited to apply for complimentary media passes to gain exclusive access to research insights, content, and interviews with leading industry experts. Interested media professionals can reach out through pr@infotech.com for more information.

---

As we approach this pivotal event, the insights garnered at Info-Tech LIVE 2026 will undoubtedly empower CIOs across APAC to make informed, strategic decisions amidst a backdrop of rapid technological advancement and heightened accountability. The gathering aims not just to share knowledge, but also to forge networks that will persist long after the event concludes.