New Policy: SAP Appoints Verena Siow as APAC President Amid AI Acceleration
New Policy – Under the new policy, SAP has officially appointed Verena Siow as the new President of its Asia Pacific (APAC) business unit. This strategic move comes at a pivotal moment as the company accelerates its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries. Verena, based in Singapore, will lead efforts to enhance client success, drive innovation through AI solutions, and strengthen SAP’s ecosystem in the APAC region, which is a key market for digital transformation. Her leadership aligns with SAP’s overarching vision to leverage AI as a cornerstone of modern business operations.
Verena Siow’s Leadership and Experience
Verena Siow brings nearly three decades of expertise in technology and business transformation to her new role. Over the past 15 years, she has held senior positions at SAP, including leading cloud growth and end-to-end customer transformation initiatives as the Business Suite Leader for APAC. Her tenure as President and Managing Director of SAP Southeast Asia further underscores her ability to navigate complex markets and drive strategic change. This new policy reflects SAP’s confidence in her leadership, particularly in steering the region toward AI-driven innovation.
“Asia Pasifik is at a critical juncture, and the new policy positions SAP to capitalize on the transformative potential of AI. Verena’s proven track record in scaling digital solutions makes her the ideal leader to guide this evolution,” stated Manos Raptopoulos, Chief Revenue Officer at SAP. Her comments highlight the significance of the new policy in shaping SAP’s future in the APAC region, where AI adoption is rapidly gaining momentum across sectors.
Verena emphasized that the current era represents a turning point for businesses embracing AI. “The new policy underscores our commitment to building an Autonomous Enterprise, where data, processes, and people work in harmony to deliver sustainable value. This vision has already yielded measurable results for clients adapting to the AI era,” she said. Her insights reveal how the new policy is not just about technological advancement but also about fostering a culture of innovation and client-centricity.
SAP’s Strategic Expansion in Asia Pacific
SAP’s APAC business spans multiple key markets, including Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. The company currently employs over 50,000 professionals across 46 offices and SAP Labs facilities in these regions. With a diverse clientele ranging from NEC Corporation to Alibaba Group, SAP aims to solidify its position as a global leader in digital transformation through the new policy. This expansion is particularly critical in an environment where AI is reshaping traditional business models.
The new policy also focuses on strengthening SAP’s offerings in areas such as AI agents, automation, and data-driven decision-making. By integrating these technologies into core business processes, SAP seeks to enhance operational efficiency and create tailored solutions for clients. The upcoming SAP Sapphire 2026 event will showcase these advancements, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the new policy’s goals. This strategy is designed to ensure SAP remains at the forefront of AI adoption in the APAC region.
As part of the new policy, SAP is also prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency in its operations. The company is investing in geothermal energy initiatives and exploring ways to optimize resource utilization through AI. These efforts demonstrate how the new policy extends beyond technological innovation to address global challenges such as climate change and energy conservation. By aligning its business strategies with environmental goals, SAP aims to lead by example in the APAC market.
Indonesia’s Role in AI Adoption
Indonesia is emerging as a key player in AI adoption within Southeast Asia, with the new policy supporting its rapid digital transformation. The country’s strategic position as a hub for technology and innovation has allowed it to become a leader in AI implementation, surpassing many ASEAN nations in terms of adoption rates. The new policy emphasizes the importance of balancing technological advancement with data security and local economic benefits, ensuring that AI integration is both impactful and sustainable.
“The new policy ensures that AI is not just a tool for technological progress but a means to empower local industries and communities. Indonesia’s growth in this space is a testament to the effectiveness of our approach,” noted Gibran, a senior analyst. This statement highlights the broader implications of the new policy, which seeks to create a more inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem across the APAC region. By focusing on regional collaboration, SAP aims to address unique challenges and opportunities in each market.
Verena Siow’s leadership will also play a crucial role in advancing Indonesia’s AI initiatives. Her experience in managing large-scale projects, such as those at Unilever Filipina, positions her to drive similar success in the region. The new policy is expected to accelerate the deployment of AI solutions in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, fostering a culture of innovation that benefits both businesses and end-users. This approach underscores SAP’s dedication to adapting to the evolving digital landscape while maintaining a strong regional presence.
