In recent years, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has been a core hub of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, emerging relatively unscathed from the COVID-19 pandemic which has otherwise taken a toll on investment activity in 2020. Despite global economic headwinds and growing geopolitical uncertainties, signs of recovery in APAC deal-making have begun to merge as ambitious investors in the region look for both shelter and new opportunities in a time of unprecedented challenges. As we move at a breakneck pace into the digital era, data becomes more of a critical component than ever in M&A transactions, both within the technology sector – where data can be an acquisition target's most valuable asset – and outside it, as businesses across a wide range of sectors push forward with technology transformation initiatives and leverage technology to drive competitive advantage.