Southeast Asia’s digital economy is expected to surpass $1 trillion in Gross Merchandise Value by 2035. The region's digital market is forecast to reach $368 billion in Gross Merchandise Value in 2026.
Generative AI currently serves 243 million people across Southeast Asia, reaching 58% of the working population. This technology is expanding four times faster than the rollout of mobile internet, with usage in the region projected to surge 60-fold over the next five years.
E-commerce Gross Merchandise Value in the area stands at $226 billion, representing an 18% year-on-year increase. Online travel and media sectors contributed $59 billion and $44 billion respectively, rising by 10% and 22% year-on-year.
Mobility and food delivery services reached a Gross Merchandise Value of $40 billion, up 15% annually. Digital financial services Gross Transaction Value hit $1,650 billion, a 16% annual rise.
Data shows 72% of users rely on everyday features like price tracking, while 75% are willing to let AI agents autonomously compare prices and complete transactions. Trust in AI tools has increased, with 62% of people reporting greater confidence today than a year ago.
Infrastructure requirements include a three-fold expansion in data center capacity over the next five years to support these trends. Commerce media currently forms a $4 billion market as the region prepares for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement in November 2026.
