- 85% of IT decision makers surveyed reported progress in their companies' 2024 AI strategy, with 47% saying they have already achieved positive ROI
- Nearly half of surveyed companies are looking to open-source AI to optimize their investments in 2025
ARMONK, N.Y., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New research commissioned by IBM (NYSE: IBM) found that companies surveyed are investing in AI for the long term, with a growing interest in using open-source tools to drive ROI and innovation going forward.
The study of more than 2,400 IT decision makers (ITDMs), conducted by Morning Consult and developed in collaboration with Lopez Research, revealed that 85% of respondents report making progress in executing their 2024 AI strategy, with nearly half (47%) already seeing positive ROI from their AI investments. The data also confirms that using open-source tools for AI solutions may correlate to greater financial viability: 51% of surveyed companies currently utilizing open-source AI tools report seeing positive ROI, as compared to just 41% of those not using open source.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of all respondents indicate they will increase their AI investments in 2025, while 48% are planning to leverage open-source ecosystems to optimize their AI implementations. For those surveyed companies not currently utilizing open-source, 2 in 5 say they plan to use open source for AI implementation in 2025.
"As organizations begin to implement AI at scale, many are placing greater stock in success metrics such as productivity gains, in part because traditional hard dollar ROI benefits have yet to show up on the balance sheets," said Maribel Lopez of Lopez Research. "Yet, companies continue to rapidly advance their AI strategies, with no sign of slowing down. Companies now recognize the value of defining specific use cases and optimizing AI projects. They are leveraging hybrid cloud strategies and open source to drive AI innovation and deliver financial returns."
Further study findings include:
Enterprises are ramping up AI investment, but with a greater strategic focus
- 89% of surveyed organizations are planning to either increase or maintain their investment in AI in 2025.
- Of the 62% that plan to increase their investment, nearly two-fifths (39%) of respondents plan to up their spending by 25-50%.
- Only 5% of respondents plan to decrease their AI spending, and none by more than 50%.
- Surveyed companies are focusing on specific areas for allocating their AI investments, particularly IT operations (the top focus area for 63% percent of respondents), as well as data quality management (46%) and product/services innovation (41%).
- When asked what strategic changes will be made in 2025, surveyed ITDMs identify using managed cloud services (51%), hiring specialized talent (48%) and utilizing open source (48%) among the most common ways they plan to optimize their AI investments.
Open source is becoming crucial to companies' AI strategies
- 6-in-10 ITDMs surveyed report using open-source ecosystems as an AI tool source, and more AI solutions are expected to be based on open source in the coming year (41% in 2025 vs. 37% in 2024).
- More than 80% of respondents report that at least a quarter of their company's AI solutions or platforms are based on open source.
- As company size increases, so does the likelihood that the majority (over 50%) of AI solutions are based on open source.
- Surveyed companies utilizing open-source ecosystems are more likely to be achieving positive ROI than those that are not (51% vs. 41%).
- In addition, respondents harnessing open-source ecosystems plan to launch more AI pilots in the coming year than those that are not: 38% say they plan to launch 21+ AI pilots in 2025, compared to 26% at companies not using open source for AI tooling.
Organizations report successfully advancing their AI projects, but often through less traditional ROI metrics
- 85% of surveyed ITDMs report making progress in executing their AI strategy, while only 9% report no progress.
- 58% of respondents say their company typically moves from AI pilot to full production in less than a year.
- 31% of surveyed companies say their AI investments are driven more by innovation, compared to 28% that are more ROI driven; 41% indicate that their organization is equally innovation and ROI-driven.
- Faster software development (25%), more rapid innovation (23%), and productivity time savings (22%) ranked as the three most important metrics surveyed ITDMs use to calculate ROI from AI investments. Hard dollar/quantifiable savings was a distant fourth at 15%.
- Nearly half (47%) of surveyed companies say they are achieving positive ROI from their AI projects; 33% say they are breaking even and just 14% say they are recording negative ROI.
- Among companies not yet achieving positive ROI, less than half (44%) expect to begin seeing dollar savings within the next 1 to 2 years; 92% believe they will turn a positive ROI within 3 years.
To view the full study, visit: https://newsroom.ibm.com/image/IBM_ROI_of_AI_Report-December_2024.pdf
Study Methodology:
Morning Consult conducted a survey from October 30 to November 13, 2024 among a total sample of 2,413 IT Decision Makers (ITDMS) in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Spain, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and South Korea. The interviews were conducted online, and the data is unweighted. Respondents are employed at companies with 101 employees or more, serving in director-level or higher roles within a technology role, with decision-making authority over at least one of the following: management of business consultants/consulting services, purchasing for IT products, or purchasing for business consulting services.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
Media Contact:
Marisa Conway
IBM Corporate Communications
conwaym@us.ibm.com
ARMONK, N.Y., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New research commissioned by IBM (NYSE: IBM) found that companies surveyed are investing in AI for the long term, with a growing interest in using open-source tools to drive ROI and innovation going forward.
The study of more than 2,400 IT decision makers (ITDMs), conducted by Morning Consult and developed in collaboration with Lopez Research, revealed that 85% of respondents report making progress in executing their 2024 AI strategy, with nearly half (47%) already seeing positive ROI from their AI investments. The data also confirms that using open-source tools for AI solutions may correlate to greater financial viability: 51% of surveyed companies currently utilizing open-source AI tools report seeing positive ROI, as compared to just 41% of those not using open source.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of all respondents indicate they will increase their AI investments in 2025, while 48% are planning to leverage open-source ecosystems to optimize their AI implementations. For those surveyed companies not currently utilizing open-source, 2 in 5 say they plan to use open source for AI implementation in 2025.
"As organizations begin to implement AI at scale, many are placing greater stock in success metrics such as productivity gains, in part because traditional hard dollar ROI benefits have yet to show up on the balance sheets," said Maribel Lopez of Lopez Research. "Yet, companies continue to rapidly advance their AI strategies, with no sign of slowing down. Companies now recognize the value of defining specific use cases and optimizing AI projects. They are leveraging hybrid cloud strategies and open source to drive AI innovation and deliver financial returns."
Further study findings include:
Enterprises are ramping up AI investment, but with a greater strategic focus
Open source is becoming crucial to companies' AI strategies
- 6-in-10 ITDMs surveyed report using open-source ecosystems as an AI tool source, and more AI solutions are expected to be based on open source in the coming year (41% in 2025 vs. 37% in 2024).
- More than 80% of respondents report that at least a quarter of their company's AI solutions or platforms are based on open source.
- As company size increases, so does the likelihood that the majority (over 50%) of AI solutions are based on open source.
- Surveyed companies utilizing open-source ecosystems are more likely to be achieving positive ROI than those that are not (51% vs. 41%).
- In addition, respondents harnessing open-source ecosystems plan to launch more AI pilots in the coming year than those that are not: 38% say they plan to launch 21+ AI pilots in 2025, compared to 26% at companies not using open source for AI tooling.
Organizations report successfully advancing their AI projects, but often through less traditional ROI metrics
- 85% of surveyed ITDMs report making progress in executing their AI strategy, while only 9% report no progress.
- 58% of respondents say their company typically moves from AI pilot to full production in less than a year.
- 31% of surveyed companies say their AI investments are driven more by innovation, compared to 28% that are more ROI driven; 41% indicate that their organization is equally innovation and ROI-driven.
- Faster software development (25%), more rapid innovation (23%), and productivity time savings (22%) ranked as the three most important metrics surveyed ITDMs use to calculate ROI from AI investments. Hard dollar/quantifiable savings was a distant fourth at 15%.
- Nearly half (47%) of surveyed companies say they are achieving positive ROI from their AI projects; 33% say they are breaking even and just 14% say they are recording negative ROI.
- Among companies not yet achieving positive ROI, less than half (44%) expect to begin seeing dollar savings within the next 1 to 2 years; 92% believe they will turn a positive ROI within 3 years.
To view the full study, visit: https://newsroom.ibm.com/image/IBM_ROI_of_AI_Report-December_2024.pdf
Study Methodology:
Morning Consult conducted a survey from October 30 to November 13, 2024 among a total sample of 2,413 IT Decision Makers (ITDMS) in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Spain, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and South Korea. The interviews were conducted online, and the data is unweighted. Respondents are employed at companies with 101 employees or more, serving in director-level or higher roles within a technology role, with decision-making authority over at least one of the following: management of business consultants/consulting services, purchasing for IT products, or purchasing for business consulting services.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
Media Contact:
Marisa Conway
IBM Corporate Communications
conwaym@us.ibm.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
IBM Study: More Companies Turning to Open-Source AI Tools to Unlock ROI
IBM Study: More Companies Turning to Open-Source AI Tools to Unlock ROI
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth edition of ShangHai Elite Entrepreneurs Book of Fame (Book of Fame), proudly published by ShangHai Business Media, was officially launched at the AICB Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur. The prestigious ceremony brought together over a hundred business leaders to celebrate the spirit, resilience, and influence of Malaysian Chinese entrepreneurs.
As Malaysia's first authoritative compilation featuring in-depth interviews with over a hundred distinguished entrepreneurs, Book of Fame continues its mission of capturing entrepreneurial journeys, fostering value creation, and promoting economic excellence. The fourth edition further strengthens its role as a guide and inspiration for Chinese business communities worldwide.
Rooted in the spirit of integrity, perseverance, and innovation, Book of Fame highlights the determination and achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs. It serves as a testament to their enduring contributions to industry and society, honoring role models who embody excellence across generations.
CM Wong: Businesses as Key Creators of Social Value
The ceremony commenced with a keynote by Mr. CM Wong, Managing & CEO of SBS NEXUS BERHAD, who shared the ongoing mission behind the Book of Fame: to recognize and inspire outstanding business achievements while highlighting the broader social value of enterprises.
Mr. CM Wong emphasized SBS's pride in partnering with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) on the Lung Shield Program, reflecting the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and active engagement in public welfare. "Through this collaboration, we hope to encourage more businesses to participate and collectively generate a positive impact on society," he said. In addition, SBS is working with NCSM to plan the launch of the Book of Fame – Royal Series, which aims to recognize entrepreneurs with outstanding contributions in the field of CSR.
He also expressed his appreciation to NCSM for providing SBS with the opportunity to engage with a wider network of business partners, including prominent local and Bumiputera enterprises. These strategic collaborations have enabled SBS to strengthen its entry into the Bumiputera market, expand its overall market reach, and establish a solid foundation for sustainable cross-sector partnerships in the future.
Tey Eng Xin: Documenting Entrepreneurial Legacy
Following this, Mr. Tey Eng Xin, Editor-in-Chief of the fourth edition, delivered his address, noting that the latest edition focuses on entrepreneurs' long-term impact and legacy. By capturing their stories in print, the book preserves the lessons and spirit of these business leaders for future generations.
NCSM CEO: Co-Creating Value Between Business and Society
Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, CEO of NCSM, also addressed the audience, acknowledging the business community's longstanding contributions to social welfare and public health. He highlighted ongoing discussions with SBS to develop a comprehensive branding strategy and year-round promotional initiatives aimed at enhancing NCSM's public recognition and societal impact.
Meanwhile, NCSM and SBS have commenced preliminary discussions with relevant healthcare institutions in Malaysia to explore innovative approaches to integrating branding and marketing strategies within healthcare settings. This includes leveraging existing queue display television systems in medical facilities to deliver a combination of advertising content and health-related information. Discussions are progressing positively, with both parties anticipating the achievement of concrete collaboration agreements in the coming months and expressing optimism about the upcoming partnership.
Lifetime Achievement Receipent: Dato' Ong Soon Ho
One of the most symbolic honors of the evening, the Lifetime Influence, was presented to Dato' Ong Sooon Ho, Non-Independent & Non-Executive Vice Chairman of HEXTAR GLOBAL BERHAD.
Dato' Ong delivered a speech sharing his decades-long contributions to business, industry development, and society, emphasizing that true entrepreneurial success encompasses not only commercial achievements but also long-term societal impact and responsibility. His insights resonated strongly with the attending entrepreneurs.
Celebrating the Strength of Enterprises
The fourth edition features over 70 leading Chinese-Malaysian enterprises, including OPTIMAX HOLDINGS BERHAD, FOODIE MEDIA BERHAD, TEAMSTAR BERHAD, KHEE SAN BERHAD, BMS HOLDINGS BERHAD, FOCUS POINT HOLDINGS BERHAD, ORIENTAL KOPI HOLDINGS BERHAD, UNIQUE FIRE HOLDINGS BERHAD, and other listed companies. Through their personal journeys, business philosophies, and value-driven decisions, these entrepreneurs provide a rich source of inspiration for emerging business leaders.
Book of Fame covers multiple dimensions of entrepreneurial excellence, including Social Influence, Benchmark Influence, Era Influence, New Glamor Women, Innovation Influence, Young Influence, and recognition from the Malaysian Association, showcasing contributions across business, society, and industry. Copies will be distributed to independent Chinese schools, chambers of commerce, industry organizations, and related institutions nationwide, continuing to inspire and educate future generations.
The fifth edition of Book of Fame is now open for nominations. Companies interested in joining the Honor Roll may contact Bryan Ong at +6019-383 7810. For more information about the Book of Fame series, activities, or the list of featured companies, please visit: https://www.bookoffame.biz/.
Strategic Partner: SBS Nexus Berhad
Affiliate Partner: Big Onion Food Caterer Sdn Bhd, Eaternity Empire, Felement Group
Official Fashion Partner: Christy Ng Sdn Bhd
Official Media Partner: 南洋商报
Official Decor Partner: Chapter Ju
Official Leisure Travel Partner: Go Travel Zone Sdn Bhd
Official Vitality and Wellness Partner: National Cancer Society Malaysia
ShangHai Business Media
Founded in 1979, ShangHai is a long-standing Chinese business magazine brand in Malaysia. In 2018, ShangHai successfully transformed from a traditional printed business media into a digital media platform, aiming to provide entrepreneurs with a premium and high-quality business communication platform.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth edition of ShangHai Elite Entrepreneurs Book of Fame (Book of Fame), proudly published by ShangHai Business Media, was officially launched at the AICB Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur. The prestigious ceremony brought together over a hundred business leaders to celebrate the spirit, resilience, and influence of Malaysian Chinese entrepreneurs.
As Malaysia's first authoritative compilation featuring in-depth interviews with over a hundred distinguished entrepreneurs, Book of Fame continues its mission of capturing entrepreneurial journeys, fostering value creation, and promoting economic excellence. The fourth edition further strengthens its role as a guide and inspiration for Chinese business communities worldwide.
Rooted in the spirit of integrity, perseverance, and innovation, Book of Fame highlights the determination and achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs. It serves as a testament to their enduring contributions to industry and society, honoring role models who embody excellence across generations.
CM Wong: Businesses as Key Creators of Social Value
The ceremony commenced with a keynote by Mr. CM Wong, Managing & CEO of SBS NEXUS BERHAD, who shared the ongoing mission behind the Book of Fame: to recognize and inspire outstanding business achievements while highlighting the broader social value of enterprises.
Mr. CM Wong emphasized SBS's pride in partnering with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) on the Lung Shield Program, reflecting the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and active engagement in public welfare. "Through this collaboration, we hope to encourage more businesses to participate and collectively generate a positive impact on society," he said. In addition, SBS is working with NCSM to plan the launch of the Book of Fame – Royal Series, which aims to recognize entrepreneurs with outstanding contributions in the field of CSR.
He also expressed his appreciation to NCSM for providing SBS with the opportunity to engage with a wider network of business partners, including prominent local and Bumiputera enterprises. These strategic collaborations have enabled SBS to strengthen its entry into the Bumiputera market, expand its overall market reach, and establish a solid foundation for sustainable cross-sector partnerships in the future.
Tey Eng Xin: Documenting Entrepreneurial Legacy
Following this, Mr. Tey Eng Xin, Editor-in-Chief of the fourth edition, delivered his address, noting that the latest edition focuses on entrepreneurs' long-term impact and legacy. By capturing their stories in print, the book preserves the lessons and spirit of these business leaders for future generations.
NCSM CEO: Co-Creating Value Between Business and Society
Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, CEO of NCSM, also addressed the audience, acknowledging the business community's longstanding contributions to social welfare and public health. He highlighted ongoing discussions with SBS to develop a comprehensive branding strategy and year-round promotional initiatives aimed at enhancing NCSM's public recognition and societal impact.
Meanwhile, NCSM and SBS have commenced preliminary discussions with relevant healthcare institutions in Malaysia to explore innovative approaches to integrating branding and marketing strategies within healthcare settings. This includes leveraging existing queue display television systems in medical facilities to deliver a combination of advertising content and health-related information. Discussions are progressing positively, with both parties anticipating the achievement of concrete collaboration agreements in the coming months and expressing optimism about the upcoming partnership.
Lifetime Achievement Receipent: Dato' Ong Soon Ho
One of the most symbolic honors of the evening, the Lifetime Influence, was presented to Dato' Ong Sooon Ho, Non-Independent & Non-Executive Vice Chairman of HEXTAR GLOBAL BERHAD.
Dato' Ong delivered a speech sharing his decades-long contributions to business, industry development, and society, emphasizing that true entrepreneurial success encompasses not only commercial achievements but also long-term societal impact and responsibility. His insights resonated strongly with the attending entrepreneurs.
Celebrating the Strength of Enterprises
The fourth edition features over 70 leading Chinese-Malaysian enterprises, including OPTIMAX HOLDINGS BERHAD, FOODIE MEDIA BERHAD, TEAMSTAR BERHAD, KHEE SAN BERHAD, BMS HOLDINGS BERHAD, FOCUS POINT HOLDINGS BERHAD, ORIENTAL KOPI HOLDINGS BERHAD, UNIQUE FIRE HOLDINGS BERHAD, and other listed companies. Through their personal journeys, business philosophies, and value-driven decisions, these entrepreneurs provide a rich source of inspiration for emerging business leaders.
Book of Fame covers multiple dimensions of entrepreneurial excellence, including Social Influence, Benchmark Influence, Era Influence, New Glamor Women, Innovation Influence, Young Influence, and recognition from the Malaysian Association, showcasing contributions across business, society, and industry. Copies will be distributed to independent Chinese schools, chambers of commerce, industry organizations, and related institutions nationwide, continuing to inspire and educate future generations.
The fifth edition of Book of Fame is now open for nominations. Companies interested in joining the Honor Roll may contact Bryan Ong at +6019-383 7810. For more information about the Book of Fame series, activities, or the list of featured companies, please visit: https://www.bookoffame.biz/.
Strategic Partner: SBS Nexus Berhad
Affiliate Partner: Big Onion Food Caterer Sdn Bhd, Eaternity Empire, Felement Group
Official Fashion Partner: Christy Ng Sdn Bhd
Official Media Partner: 南洋商报
Official Decor Partner: Chapter Ju
Official Leisure Travel Partner: Go Travel Zone Sdn Bhd
Official Vitality and Wellness Partner: National Cancer Society Malaysia
ShangHai Business Media
Founded in 1979, ShangHai is a long-standing Chinese business magazine brand in Malaysia. In 2018, ShangHai successfully transformed from a traditional printed business media into a digital media platform, aiming to provide entrepreneurs with a premium and high-quality business communication platform.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Carrying the Spirit of the Times Fourth Edition of Book of Fame Honors Outstanding Entrepreneurs
