More than 250 senior leaders and decision-makers from 11 countries recently gathered in Singapore to attend the premier executive forum, AIMCONNECT 2026. Centered around the theme “Where Mobility Meets the Future” and co-organized by X Star Technology and Aimotion at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, the event brought together industry players from the automotive, finance, and technology sectors to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are revolutionizing the way vehicles are bought, financed, and experienced. Key discussions also highlighted the financing gap in Southeast Asia, where although 60% to 80% of cars are purchased through loans, only about 10% of prospects successfully complete the process, thereby paving the way for AI-agent-driven infrastructure to reduce friction and improve market efficiency.
This prestigious conference also featured various keynotes and strategic panel discussions led by prominent industry figures, including X Star Technology CEO Shawn Yang, FMCCAM President Datok Tony Khor Chong Boon, and representatives from global brands such as Uber, Google Cloud, Deloitte, and Carro. Delegates discussed three core themes: the influence of personal AI on consumer behavior, the role of data in empowering ownership experiences, and the importance of establishing a more integrated and trusted vehicle financing ecosystem. Live polling results during the event further revealed that 54% of respondents expect flexible mobility options to become a priority within 10 years, while 38% emphasized the need for better connectivity across financial institutions to streamline the vehicle loan process.
In addition to industry-level dialogues, AIMCONNECT 2026 showcased live demonstrations of advanced technological innovations through interactive exhibitions by leading companies such as X Star, Aimotion, MStar, MK.X, and ai Wingman. These showcases demonstrated how AI solutions can comprehensively automate dealership workflows, ranging from lead-to-loan matching to real-time loan approvals. By combining cross-sector expertise, the forum successfully provided a solid foundation to drive a unified mobility market that is more efficient, transparent, and user-centric as it navigates the future of the regional automotive commerce landscape.
