Southeast Asia is moving at lightning speed when it comes to digital transformation, and a new report from Kissflow reveals exactly how CIOs are making it happen. With businesses racing to modernize, governments pushing digital-first initiatives, and consumers expecting smoother online experiences, the region is now leaning heavily on AI-powered low-code platforms to get things done faster.
For Filipino companies especially those balancing limited tech talent with rising digital demands this shift offers a massive opportunity.
A Digital Economy Growing Toward US$1 Trillion
According to Kissflow’s CIO Low-Code Strategy Pulse Report 2025, ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to skyrocket from US$300 billion to as much as US$1 trillion by 2030. A big driver of that growth is AI, which is expected to contribute 13%–18% to the region’s GDP by the end of the decade.
But there’s a challenge: ICT talent across Southeast Asia can’t keep up with the pace of transformation.
The report shows:
- 86% of CIOs worldwide now rely on low-code tools to build and deliver applications faster
- Many organizations are struggling with growing IT backlogs
- Over 55% of CIOs believe AI will dramatically increase the number of apps created
This paints a clear picture: while digital ambitions are rising, the region needs more efficient, scalable ways to build technology.
Low-Code + AI: The New Formula for Faster Innovation
Kissflow notes a major shift taking place not just in tech departments but across entire organizations.
A Tool for Solving Talent Shortages
Low-code platforms allow teams to build applications without deep programming skills. When combined with AI, development becomes even faster and smarter.
Kissflow’s APAC AVP, Rakesh Nandakumar, put it simply:
Southeast Asia is at the digital frontier, and low-code + AI gives CIOs the boost they need to innovate quickly without waiting for a larger tech workforce.
Key Highlights for Southeast Asia
1. Strong Adoption in Banking, Government, and Logistics
Industries with multi-branch operations, strict compliance requirements, and high customer demand are moving away from traditional development. Low-code tools help them respond faster and modernize more efficiently.
2. Business Teams Are Now Building Apps Too
Kissflow’s data shows that operations (33%), finance (25%), and HR (23%) departments are already creating applications using no-code tools with minimal IT help.
This rise of citizen developers signals a shift toward business-led innovation where teams closest to the work can quickly build what they need.
3. AI as a Key Factor in Buying Decisions
Today, 34% of CIOs consider AI capabilities essential when choosing a low-code platform. AI is no longer just a nice-to-have it’s becoming a major competitive advantage, especially for organizations operating in multiple countries with localized compliance needs.
4. A Strategic Solution for Regional Growth
Southeast Asian businesses now view low-code as a core strategy. It enables them to launch new services faster and empower their workforce to keep up as the region’s digital transformation accelerates.
Kissflow’s Influence in APAC and the Philippines
Kissflow stands out as a unified platform offering both no-code and low-code capabilities:
- No-code for business teams to automate processes
- Low-code for IT teams to build full business applications
- Built-in integration, reporting, and lightweight BI modules
Some major APAC organizations relying on Kissflow include True Corporation, Bank of the Philippines, and SCG International.
A notable Philippine success story is SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP), which saw a 451% ROI after deploying Kissflow’s low-code platform to streamline workflows and develop over 100 applications. The achievement earned them the ROI Award 2025 from Nucleus Research.
Recognized by Gartner, Forrester, and G2, Kissflow remains a leader in low-code and no-code solutions globally.
As Southeast Asia races toward a trillion-dollar digital economy, low-code and AI are becoming essential tools not just for tech giants, but for any organization that wants to stay competitive. For Filipino businesses navigating tech talent gaps and growing digital expectations, platforms like Kissflow offer a powerful way to innovate quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re in banking, logistics, government, or even SMEs, embracing low-code may be your next big leap into the future.