Southeast Asia’s digital economy is on track for explosive growth, rising from roughly US$300 billion today to as much as US$1 trillion by 2030. A new report from Kissflow, the software company headquartered in India but with operations in the US, Dubai and the Philippines, shows that AI adoption alone could contribute 13 percent to 18 percent of the region’s GDP by the end of the decade, reshaping how businesses operate and how households access digital services.
Low-code platforms—software tools that let users build applications with minimal coding—are becoming a major force behind this growth. According to the report, 86 percent of chief information officers (CIOs) worldwide now rely on low-code tools to speed up software delivery and reduce dependence on traditional developers. In Southeast Asia, strong digital-first mandates in both government and industry are accelerating adoption even further.
However, the region faces a shortage of ICT talent, even as demand for digital services surges. CIOs report rising pressure to roll out more applications quickly, and 55 percent believe AI will sharply increase the number of apps produced, making automation essential.
Kissflow executives say the combination of AI and low-code is helping organisations scale innovation without waiting for scarce technical expertise. This is especially important in sectors like banking, government and logistics, where complex operations and regulatory requirements demand faster and more flexible solutions.
The report also highlights a shift toward business-led innovation. Increasingly, non-IT teams—operations (33 percent), finance (25 percent), and HR (23 percent)—are building their own applications through no-code tools. This “citizen development” trend allows organisations to respond to on-the-ground needs more quickly.
For businesses, the rise of AI and low-code means faster service delivery, easier expansion across multiple countries, and greater resilience despite talent shortages. For households, it translates into better access to digital government services, smoother banking experiences, improved logistics, and more personalised digital products.
As ASEAN countries continue to push nationwide digital transformation, low-code and AI are emerging as strategic technologies that can help bridge skill gaps, support economic growth, and build a more digitally empowered region.
