EY
THE RISE OF AUTONOMOUS ENTERPRISES IN ASIA
Across Asia, a new wave of digital transformation is taking shape. This is unlike what was witnessed during the rise of the internet or the smartphone revolution. This new wave is faster, deeper and more consequential. We are entering the era of the autonomous enterprise.
At the heart of this change is a new class of systems known as AI agents. These artificial intelligence systems do more than respond to commands: they execute tasks, make decisions, learn continuously and deliver outcomes with minimal human involvement.
Explaining this implication for Sri Lanka and the wider Asian region, Shanaka De Silva says: “Economic uncertainty, talent shortages, rising costs and operational inefficiencies have placed pressure on organisations. AI agents offer a way for companies to overcome these constraints without heavy upfront investment and are becoming central to the future competitiveness of Asian enterprises.”
AI agents are autonomous, goal driven digital workers. They understand context, extract insights, interact with enterprise systems, communicate with employees and customers, and refine their performance over time.
“They are far more capable than chatbots or simple automation tools. A modern AI agent can draft emails, analyse financial trends, negotiate payment plans, monitor compliance, predict supply shortages or initiate updates on enterprise systems,” he adds.
De Silva enthuses: “It can complete tasks that once required teams of people; and that too quickly, accurately and at scale. Their independence is what makes them transformative.”
He believes Asia is well placed to adopt these capabilities.
“Many markets in the region still rely on labour-intensive processes across finance, logistics, manufacturing and public services. Skills shortages add further strain especially in fields such as cybersecurity, accounting and data analytics. Rising inflation and tighter margins are forcing organisations to rethink their cost structures,” he muses.
AI agents give companies the ability to operate faster and smarter without waiting for expensive system upgrades or multi-year transformation programmes. They enable smaller teams to accomplish more – “a vital advantage for Sri Lankan and regional businesses,” in De Silva’s view.
He says: “No function stands to benefit more from autonomous technology than finance and operations. Across Asia, these divisions often struggle with documentation heavy workflows and outdated systems. AI agents are already addressing these challenges in advanced markets such as Singapore and India.”
Accounts receivable agents manage overdue accounts and negotiate with customers. Cash flow agents analyse liquidity and recommend strategies. Procurement agents compare supplier prices and ensure compliance. And inventory agents forecast demand and prevent stock shortages.
Month end closing can now be completed in hours rather than days. For Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and service sectors, this offers an immediate path to greater efficiency.
“Human resources departments across Asia face high workloads. Recruitment cycles are long, documentation is heavy and administrative tasks consume time. AI agents ease these burdens by handling the volume and complexity,” De Silva observes.
Recruiter agents screen applicants and coordinate interviews. Onboarding agents guide new hires through forms and system access. Employee service agents operate around the clock, resolving routine questions. And performance insights agents support managers with trend analysis and productivity reports.
He says: “In Sri Lanka where talent shortages and employee turnover are persistent challenges, HR automation can strengthen engagement while preserving human capacity. Asian consumers expect speed and personalisation. Companies that deliver frictionless service gain a competitive edge.”
De Silva points out that AI agents enhance customer experience by detecting issues before they escalate, suggesting tailored solutions and responding instantly across multiple platforms.
“For Sri Lankan banks, telcos and insurers, AI driven service quality could become a key differentiator,” he says.
Cybersecurity threats are on the rise across Asia. AI agents provide 24/7 monitoring, detect anomalies, contain threats and enforce compliance. They operate faster than traditional response models, reducing risk exposure. This is particularly valuable for Sri Lankan organisations with smaller technology teams.
Companies that adopt AI agents early gain structural advantages – namely, lower operational costs, faster decision making, data driven insights and improved resilience. They amplify human effectiveness rather than replace it.
Adopting AI agents requires addressing obstacles such as legacy infrastructure, poor data quality, cultural resistance and limited understanding. Moreover, organisations must also introduce governance structures to ensure responsible use.
Elaborating further, De Silva says: “Successful leaders treat artificial intelligence as an extension of human capability – not a substitute. They invest in skills, redesign processes and strengthen oversight. The future enterprise will combine human judgment with AI autonomy.”
He envisions AI managing routine tasks and heavy workloads while people focus on strategy, innovation and relationships.
“This hybrid workforce model will define competitiveness across Asia,” De Silva affirms.
By 2030, a Sri Lankan conglomerate could run autonomous procurement cycles, close books in hours, deliver proactive customer service and maintain real-time cybersecurity. These capabilities already exist in advanced markets. With strategic commitment, Sri Lankan enterprises can catch up quickly.
For Sri Lanka, this is more than a technological shift. It is an opportunity to reposition the country for the intelligence driven global economy.
“The question is no longer whether AI will transform industry. It is whether organisations are ready to embrace the autonomous enterprise,” De Silva emphasises.
– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira
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