As Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries dominate the list of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, their advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping global business and technology landscapes. From Singapore to Australia, and India to China, a new generation of AI leaders is rising—guiding organizations through digital transformation and forging the future of intelligent automation.
In a world where businesses are under increasing pressure to invest in emerging technologies, these AI pioneers are not just adopting innovation—they’re leading it. In recognition of their groundbreaking contributions, Global Biz Outlook Magazine celebrates the APAC’s Top 10 AI Trailblazers Driving Global Innovation in 2025, whose visionary work is driving meaningful impact across industries such as automotive, cloud computing, academia, retail, and financial services.
1. Mei May Soo – Chief of AI Global Solution Specialist, Dell Technologies | Singapore
A powerhouse of data science and analytics, Mei May Soo leads Dell Technologies’ AI/ML initiatives across its global presales division. Based in Singapore, she collaborates with enterprises to solve complex problems using scientific methods and AI strategies. Her team’s recent development of a Deep Learning model for coral identification, aiding Great Barrier Reef conservation efforts, exemplifies her unique blend of tech expertise and environmental consciousness.
2. Purshottam Purswani – CTO APAC, Atos | Australia
At the helm of Atos’ technology vision in the APAC region, Purshottam Purswani combines deep technical insight with a strategic approach to digital innovation. With vast experience across IoT, machine learning, blockchain, and cloud, he guides enterprise clients through their digital journeys. A distinguished member of the Atos Scientific Community, Purswani plays a critical role in shaping future-ready solutions for one of the region’s foremost digital service providers.
3. Mohit Kapoor – Group CTO, Mahindra Group | India
A technology leader with over 30 years of experience, Mohit Kapoor is transforming one of India’s largest conglomerates through AI, digital innovation, and process excellence. As Group CTO of Mahindra, he is steering the company’s ambitious tech roadmap, developing futuristic business models and enhancing customer experiences. Kapoor also chairs FICCI’s AI and Digital Technology Committee, solidifying his role as a thought leader in India’s digital revolution.
4. Janice Carey – Head of Advanced Analytics and AI, Coles Group | Australia
Known for her courage, practical mindset, and innovation, Janice Carey has made her mark across multiple sectors—from healthcare to finance and now retail. At Coles Group, she drives AI-led organizational improvements, creating efficiencies through predictive analytics and automation. With a background at IBM and Bupa, Carey brings a rich blend of corporate experience and visionary thinking to the table, enabling business transformation at scale.
5. Jingren Zhou – CTO, Alibaba Cloud | China
A globally respected expert in cloud architecture and machine learning, Jingren Zhou leads Alibaba Cloud’s AI infrastructure and applications. After earning his PhD from Columbia University and spending over a decade at Microsoft, Zhou now shapes Alibaba’s next-gen technologies. Under his leadership, the company’s AI systems power innovations in e-commerce, cloud, and big data—bolstering China’s tech ecosystem on a global stage.
6. Ugur Ersoy – Head of AI, NIO | China
As the head of AI at electric vehicle trailblazer NIO, Ugur Ersoy is revolutionizing the automotive industry with cutting-edge machine vision and autonomous driving solutions. Leveraging years of cross-industry experience, Ersoy applies AI to enhance manufacturing efficiency, vehicle performance, and user experience. His work fuels NIO’s rise as a tech-first EV brand that is redefining mobility in China and beyond.
7. Mandali Khalesi – VP of AI and Cloud, Renesas Electronics | Japan
Mandali Khalesi brings a rare mix of software engineering prowess and strategic leadership to his role as VP of AI and Cloud Engineering at Renesas Electronics. A former executive at Toyota’s autonomy software arm, Woven by Toyota, Khalesi now spearheads cloud-enabled AI development for embedded systems. His work bridges the gap between hardware and intelligent software, fueling Japan’s reputation as a leader in high-tech manufacturing.
8. Susan Gibson – Head of Data Analytics and AI, University of Technology Sydney | Australia
Susan Gibson is shaping the future of ethical AI in academia. At the University of Technology Sydney, she leads data strategy and AI governance initiatives that enhance decision-making and drive innovation. Her passion for responsible AI adoption and cross-organizational transformation makes her a vital figure in Australia’s academic and business AI communities.
9. Anirban Nandi – VP of AI Products & Business Analytics, Rakuten India | India
With a track record of delivering scalable AI products across sectors like retail, fashion, and e-commerce, Anirban Nandi is one of India’s most respected AI leaders. At Rakuten India, he oversees teams building intelligent systems that power business decisions. Nandi is known for his collaborative approach, fostering a culture of curiosity and agility while keeping the business sharply focused on innovation.
10. Craig Price – Head of Data Science & AI CoE, Suncorp Group | Australia
Craig Price blends deep industry experience with technical mastery as he leads the Data Science and AI Centre of Excellence at Suncorp Group. Specializing in data science for insurance and financial services, Price empowers a wide analytics community across the enterprise. Under his guidance, Suncorp’s data investments are being transformed into real-world customer and business value through predictive models and AI automation.
Outlook
From global tech giants to financial institutions and universities, the APAC region is brimming with AI leaders who are not only transforming their organizations but also reshaping the technological future of their nations. These top 10 trailblazers are proof that APAC is no longer just catching up in AI—it is leading from the front. As these visionaries continue to drive intelligent transformation, the world will be watching—and learning.
Read more: China’s Top 10 AI Startups to Watch in 2025
