Canalys Forums APAC: Insights, Predictions, and Industry Transformations

The twelfth Canalys Forums APAC and 38th worldwide event commenced in Bangkok from Dec 5 to 7, spotlighting growth prospects in managed services, cybersecurity, XaaS, and cloud solutions. With 1,000+ in-person participants, comprising prominent industry distributors and tech vendors, the event underscored its significance in shaping the APAC tech channels landscape. Attendees seized the exclusive opportunity to glean insights from experts, explore potential collaborations, and exchange strategies for business expansion. The forum served as a valuable platform for fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing collective understanding within the rapidly evolving technology sector in the Asia-Pacific region.

Canalys offered distinctive perspectives on the channel's current state, with a specific emphasis on the transformative potential of AI in professional lives. Renowned for providing autonomous, thought-provoking, and relevant content, Canalys Forums has earned a reputation for influencing business decisions and reshaping strategic priorities.

Canalys Forums APAC predicts a significant shift in AI trends by 2026, anticipating that 70% of AI power will be deployed on devices. However, many software companies lag in integrating unique AI features. While devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs are on the brink of possessing AI capabilities rivaling today's supercomputers, users may be disappointed due to uneven implementation on costly devices. Leading in on-device AI capabilities are Microsoft, Google, and Apple, leveraging exclusive access to proprietary AI models, substantial user data, and a skilled AI team. Vendors need strategic investments now to stay competitive and avoid losing users to more agile rivals in the next five years.

During the same period, generative AI is projected to shift from a standalone product to an essential component in every software, hardware, and service. Unlike current models imposing additional charges for AI features, generative AI is expected to seamlessly integrate into products without extra costs. Companies like Microsoft and Salesforce, presently charging for copilot and Einstein GPT, are anticipated to align with a new industry landscape that prioritizes integrated features and services, unveiling a lucrative $158 billion opportunity.

The geopolitical and regulatory environment is set to transform the AI industry, potentially resulting in the closure of certain AI companies. The surge in regulatory complexities will pose escalating challenges for companies navigating this dynamic landscape. Furthermore, technological factors and market partnerships will play pivotal roles in shaping the ever-evolving realm of AI.

By 2026, a substantial change in coding dynamics is foreseen, where a quarter of all code is projected to be created by individuals lacking formal programming training. Generative AI, centered on language comprehension, translation, and production, is emerging as a key player in code generation. Currently, about 40% of co-pilot users observe AI-generated code, a trend poised for expansion. This positions generative AI as the driving force behind the upcoming era of no-code builders. 

The dynamic tech industry, marked by swift evolution, offers distinct opportunities. The shift from crypto-centric activities to generative AI underscores the sector's adaptability and resilience. Unlike crypto, Bitcoin, IoT, and the metaverse, generative AI emerges as a transformative force in both life and business. Although job displacement, especially in routine automated tasks, is unavoidable, new prospects will arise. Concerns, such as fears of image reuse in an AI-driven world, highlight societal impacts. Yet, the emergence of innovative roles, from data scientists to social media managers, showcases the job market's adaptive nature. To thrive in this ever-changing landscape, individuals must embrace adaptability and continuous learning in the dynamic tech industry.