e-Conomy SEA 2026 Report Projects Southeast Asia Digital Economy to Reach $1 Trillion by 2035 Driven by Generative AI

Key summary

The annual e-Conomy SEA 2026 report, released by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, highlights the growing role of Generative AI across the Southeast Asian digital economy. The combined Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) for the region's ten ASEAN countries is projected to reach $368 billion in 2026, a 17% increase from 2025. At a sustained annual growth rate of 13%, the total value is expected to hit $1 trillion by 2035. The report details AI impacts on e-commerce (+18%), travel services (+10%), social media and online content (+22%), delivery (+15%), and finance (+16%). Consumer confidence in AI has risen, with 62% expressing greater trust than last year. Key AI use cases include price comparison and purchasing (75%) and scheduling appointments (59%).