APAC events delay AI translation over trust & cost fears

Senior event and marketing leaders across Asia Pacific are delaying adoption of multilingual translation tools because of concerns over artificial intelligence, data security and rising costs, according to new research from Interprefy.

The study, Accelerating Global Communication, surveyed 600 senior decision makers in events, marketing, project management and learning and development at multinational companies across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, China, South Korea and Japan. It examined their use of multilingual technology for business, diplomatic and technology events.

Nearly half of respondents, 47%, said they doubted whether AI-generated live text captions can accurately convey intended meaning. A further 41% expressed anxiety about how AI systems process, transmit or store confidential event information. Another 42% said that tight budgets prevented them from adopting multilingual solutions.

The findings indicate that hesitation rests on trust and cost rather than familiarity with the tools. Interprefy said that concerns over accuracy, data handling and affordability now shape decisions on whether to deploy AI translation, human interpreters or hybrid models across the region.

AI mistrust

Respondents expressed unease about the reliability of AI-generated captions in high-stakes environments. Many of the events involved bring together international participants from multiple language backgrounds, where misinterpretation can have commercial or diplomatic consequences.

Interprefy reported that event organisers worry that live captions may miss nuance, misrepresent technical terms or fail in fast-moving discussions. That concern appears strongest in contexts where precise meaning and legal or regulatory compliance matter.

Organisations in the region also cited uncertainty about when AI alone is suitable. Many remain unsure when they should rely on human interpreters or combine both in a mixed setup. That uncertainty leaves some teams defaulting to single-language events or minimal language support.

Oddmund Braaten, CEO at Interprefy, said the findings point to a perception gap between available tools and organiser confidence. "APAC is one of the most internationally connected regions in the world, yet many organisers still perceive multilingual technology as a potential risk and are unsure which solution fits their needs. Concerns over cost, confidentiality and how well AI conveys meaning in certain contexts can slow adoption. These aren't barriers to innovation; they highlight the need for clearer assurances, better tooling and more transparent guidance from technology partners," said Braaten.

Data and budget pressures

Data privacy emerged as a central concern. Respondents questioned how AI services treat recordings, transcripts and live audio streams that may contain commercially sensitive or politically delicate content. The fear of leaks or misuse of such material has become a consideration in procurement decisions for large-scale events.

Budget constraint is also curbing deployment. Many respondents said they face pressure to deliver more inclusive and accessible events while dealing with tighter cost controls. They reported difficulty in justifying additional spending on multilingual tools, even where attendee demographics suggest demand.

The research indicates that these pressures affect both in-person and hybrid formats. Organisers reported that translation and interpretation are often viewed as discretionary, and are among the first items cut when budgets shrink.

Global event stakes

Asia Pacific has established a significant role in global conferences, trade shows and diplomatic gatherings. The region hosts events that attract delegates from dozens of countries, across sectors such as finance, technology, manufacturing and policy.

Interprefy said this global role raises the stakes for miscommunication or data incidents at events. The company warned that persistent hesitation over multilingual tools could weaken the region's appeal for fully international audiences, particularly where participants expect high-quality support in their own language.

The study found that demand for multilingual access continues to grow. Delegates and sponsors increasingly expect events to support multiple languages through live interpretation, captions and translated materials. Organisers risk a gap between expectations and delivery if they cannot resolve their concerns about technology, security and cost.

Human and hybrid models

The research highlighted confusion over how best to combine AI tools with human interpreters. Some respondents said they lacked clear guidance on which sessions need human support and where AI-based captions or speech translation could be sufficient.

Interprefy said that mixed models, which deploy AI for lower-risk content and professional interpreters for complex or sensitive material, remain underused. It said that clarity on this point could address both cost and trust issues for many organisers.

Braaten said that the region's longer-term competitiveness relies on wider use of multilingual access. "If APAC is to maintain its position as a global hub for business, diplomacy and innovation, multilingual accessibility cannot remain optional. The technology is ready now; it's about ensuring people feel confident using it. Organisers across the region need to take decisive steps to strengthen their understanding of how AI, human interpretation and mixed models can work together.

"By investing time in building this clarity and confidence today, APAC can move from hesitation to leadership and set a new standard for multilingual event delivery across the world."

In its conclusion, the research underlined the need for clearer information on security standards, more predictable pricing and case studies that show AI and human interpretation working side by side.

"By addressing questions of cost and confidentiality head-on, and by demonstrating that AI and human interpretation can work side by side reliably, we can help organisations across the region deliver events where every voice is heard and every message lands with clarity," concluded Braaten.