Businesses in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly turning to low-code platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate their digital transformation and overcome persistent challenges.
OutSystems’ vice president for APAC, Mark Weaser told iTNews Asia that these technologies are key to helping organisations modernise legacy systems, empower non-technical users, and streamline operations.
He said that as many organisations are still relying heavily on legacy systems, it is difficult to innovate quickly, and modernising these systems can be resource-intensive.
“The shortage of skilled developers in the region further complicates efforts to build and scale new enterprise solutions. This is where low-code can bridge the gap,” he added.
Low-code platforms, which allow users to create applications with minimal coding, have found strong traction in sectors like banking, financial services, logistics, and manufacturing.
“These industries are turning to low-code solutions to digitise quickly, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the burden on overtaxed IT teams,” he said.
AI and low-code platforms - A powerful combination
As businesses look for ways to enhance their operational efficiency, Weaser said the convergence of low-code platforms with AI is providing new opportunities.
AI-powered low-code platforms, which combine visual development tools with smart automation and machine learning, are enabling businesses to automate tasks, optimise workflows, and speed up development cycles.
Weaser pointed out an example of how Heineken, one of the world’s most iconic beer brands, uses AI-powered low-code to automate parts of its application development and streamline workflows, resulting in faster product rollouts and better operational efficiency.
Empowering non-technical users
One of the key advantages of AI-powered low-code platforms is their ability to empower non-technical users. These platforms provide intelligent suggestions and automate coding tasks, making it easier for people without deep technical expertise to participate in app development.
However, Weaser warns of security concerns that can arise if developers lack awareness of data privacy requirements or complex system interdependencies.
"While non-technical users can build smarter, scalable apps with AI tools, security must always be a top priority," he said.
Enterprise-grade low-code platforms ensure that security and compliance are integrated into every stage of development, so businesses can innovate without exposing themselves to unnecessary vulnerabilities.
- Mark Weaser, vice president for APAC, OutSystems
For organisations interested in integrating generative AI (GenAI) within their low-code environments, Weaser emphasised the importance of preparation.
"To operationalise GenAI effectively, businesses must involve IT teams from the start and define clear goals," he advised. "The data foundation is critical; companies must ensure their data is clean, consistent, and well-organised to support AI-driven insights."
For businesses investing in AI-powered low-code platforms, he recommends focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as speed to value - how quickly an application goes from concept to production and the progression of AI maturity.
He explained that low-code platforms also offer visibility into the development process, ensuring that AI-driven components comply with security standards, which gives insight into ROI and areas for improvement.
Weaser also pointed out that scaling AI-powered solutions within low-code environments can be challenging and hence businesses need a strong governance framework that defines deployment and monitoring strategies.
"Selecting a flexible, enterprise-grade low-code platform is essential for scaling AI solutions effectively,” he said.
He believes that by ensuring AI solutions align with security and compliance requirements, businesses can maintain long-term success.
