2026 Outlook: Industry Trends and Digital Transformation Strategy Across APJ
As organizations across Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) move into a new stage of digital transformation, the focus is no longer limited to system implementation. Instead, enterprises are shifting toward operational redesign, stronger governance, long-term optimization, and enhanced scalability to stay competitive in an increasingly complex market.
As a member of TDI Group Japan, TDI APJ is expanding its support across the region – including Vietnam – by delivering industry-focused ERP solutions and integrating advanced technologies such as AI. We spoke with Mr. Kazuo Hosoi, Executive Officer of TDI Group and COO of TDI APJ, to explore key trends shaping 2026 and how digital strategy and enterprise operations are expected to evolve in the coming years
Q: How do you see the ERP and technology landscape evolving across APJ in 2026?
A: The shift we are observing is fundamental. ERP is rapidly evolving from a transactional system of record to a true transformation platform. In 2026, we will see stronger demand for real-time data integration, stringent governance, and highly integrated ecosystems.
Furthermore, AI is moving decisively from experimental projects to practical application, becoming truly embedded into daily operational processes, which is key for driving efficiency and better decision-making.In markets like Vietnam, this adoption is accelerating as enterprises push for greater transparency and cost optimization.Finally, the region is heading toward a model where resilience, agility, and business continuity become core priorities in response to global uncertainties.
Mr. Kazuo Hosoi – Executive Officer, TDI Group; COO, TDI APJ.
Q: What will be TDI APJ’s key focus in supporting customers across APJ, especially in Vietnam, in the coming year?
A: Our core strategy is to strengthen our regional expertise and local delivery capabilities. We are moving with an industry-driven approach, focusing especially on sectors like Retail and Manufacturing, where digital adoption is accelerating across APJ. In Vietnam, specifically, our team will continue to expand its consulting and implementation services with a strong focus on helping businesses achieve measurable, sustainable value through SAP ERP and related digital solutions. Our goal is to ensure technology investments translate directly into tangible business outcomes for our clients.
Q: From your viewpoint, what are the major challenges enterprises in these industries will face in 2026?
A: We anticipate several major headwinds. Firstly, the pressure to comply with increasingly complex global standards and regulations will continue to rise. Secondly, businesses will struggle with the persistent complexity in global supply chains and rising operational costs. Crucially, there remains a significant talent gap in digital capabilities across the region, particularly in fast-growing markets, including AI literacy gap. Many organizations still lack a strong data foundation, which limits their ability to fully leverage AI, automation, and predictive insights. Without clean, connected, and well-governed data, even advanced technologies cannot deliver meaningful value.
This underscores the critical need for stronger governance and more accurate, data-driven decision-making to navigate these challenges successfully.
Q. How does TDI APJ plan to further strengthen trust and long-term partnerships with its clients?
A: For TDI APJ, customer success is our top priority. We emphasize a long-term approach of partnership rather than engaging in one-time, transactional projects. Our entire operation is guided by a fundamental “Customer First” mindset, which ensures that every engagement, from consulting to implementation, is designed to deliver sustainable and valuable outcomes for our clients. Trust is built on reliable results and enduring commitment. Some of TDI Japan’s customers have been with us for over 50 years.
TDI APJ also brings more than 28 years of experience in digital consulting and system implementation to support this long-term partnership approach. Although we are still only halfway there, we have brought many Japanese-style processes to Vietnam.
And we developed new AMS (Application Management Services) program with valued services and sustainable support to help clients maintain stable operations and maximize long-term system performance.
TDI APJ reinforces its commitment to customer success through enduring partnerships.
Q. How is TDI Group leveraging AI and its ecosystem to support this transformation?
A: TDI Group is utilizing its comprehensive AI ecosystem to support our clients’ transformation journeys. We view AI as a powerful business enabler, not merely a technology trend. Our focus is on the practical integration of AI directly into SAP ERP and other core business processes, allowing our clients to automate, predict, and optimize operations seamlessly. This strategic integration is where the true value of AI is realized. TDI Japan actually executed over 400 projects.
Q. How does TDI APJ balance Japanese quality standards with the agility required in fast-growing APJ markets?
A: This is a good question, balancing these elements is our unique strength. Japanese quality standards—meaning consistency, precision, and reliability—serve as our non-negotiable foundation. We enforce this through strong governance and a structured delivery methodology. Simultaneously, we prioritize local market agility and cultural understanding in our project execution. By combining meticulous Japanese discipline with local market flexibility and maintaining our long-term partnership mindset, we ensure high quality without sacrificing the speed the APJ market demands.
TDI headquarters strictly manages project quality and implements PQA (Project Quality Assurance). In order to establish this method globally, we assigned a senior consultant from Vietnam to Japan for a long-term skills transfer. This process is currently still underway, we are considering local practice without slow-down execution.
Q: What message would you like to share with our customers and partners as we enter 2026?
A: As we look towards 2026, I want to express my deep gratitude for the trust our customers and partners have placed in TDI APJ. We have great optimism for future growth across the region. Please know that TDI APJ remains unwavering in our commitment to delivering innovation, excellence, and sustainable value. We are dedicated to being your trusted partner in building an agile, future-ready enterprise.
“Technology must translate into measurable, sustainable business outcomes.” — Kazuo Hosoi
As APJ markets continue to transform in an increasingly complex digital environment, the role of technology partners and consulting firms is becoming more critical. Enterprises today require more than stable systems—they need advisors who understand industry dynamics, regulatory pressures, and the operational realities of fast-growing markets. This is driving a stronger demand for long-term partnerships rather than transactional project engagements.
Against this backdrop, firms such as TDI APJ are recognized for their industry-specific ERP capabilities, integration of advanced technologies like AI, and the application of Japanese quality standards that emphasize precision, governance, and disciplined delivery. These elements have become important for organizations seeking to minimize implementation risk and accelerate digital outcomes.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the need for consulting partners with both deep technical expertise and local market insight is expected to rise. For enterprises facing rapid expansion, operational complexity, or new regulatory requirements, the ability to work with a partner that combines structured methodology with on-the-ground agility will be essential. As APJ enters a new phase of digital maturity, technology and consulting firms like TDI APJ are positioned to play an increasingly important role in helping organizations build agile, data-driven, and future-ready operations capable of sustaining growth in a competitive landscape.