Generative artificial intelligence continues to be one of the hottest topics in the global economy, and ASEAN countries are no exception. A new analysis shows that about 80 million people, or 22.9% of all employed in the region, work in professions where the impact of generative AI is assessed as "more than minimal." However, contrary to panic sentiments, there are no signs of large-scale workforce displacement yet.
It is important to clarify right away: "exposure" does not equal "job loss." This indicator merely reflects the potential for automation or transformation of individual tasks within a profession. It refers to roles such as financial analysts, web developers, brokers, data entry operators, accountants, and contact center specialists. Even in these, the most vulnerable sectors in terms of automation, employment continues to grow. The adoption of AI remains uneven: it is actively progressing in the technology sector, but its scale is still limited in office and administrative professions.
Key Figures and Regional Leaders
Of the 11 ASEAN countries covered by the study, only 3.3% of workers (11.7 million people) are in professions with the highest level of risk. Meanwhile, 67% of employed individuals in the region have not yet experienced any impact from generative AI. Among countries with the highest share of "exposed" workers, Singapore leads at 42.2%. This is unsurprising given its status as a highly developed digital hub with advanced infrastructure and access to skilled talent. It is followed by the Philippines (28.1%), where the economy is heavily oriented toward services and IT outsourcing, then Indonesia (21.7%), Vietnam (20.8%), and Thailand (20.6%).
Gender Gap: Women at Higher Risk
One of the most alarming findings is that women are more than twice as likely as men to be employed in professions affected by generative AI. The reason is simple: they are disproportionately represented in administrative, clerical, and accounting positions, which are most vulnerable to automation. Interestingly, the study found no significant difference between young workers (ages 15-24) and older age groups—the myth that AI primarily threatens young people is not confirmed.
My analysis shows that the current situation is not the end of the world for the labor market, but rather a warning. The key takeaway from the report is that the consequences will be determined not so much by technology as by policy. Productivity growth and mitigation of negative effects directly depend on investments in human capital, retraining of personnel, and social protection. ASEAN countries are strongly advised to expand upskilling programs, with a particular focus on women, as well as to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Ultimately, it is government decisions, not algorithms, that will determine whether AI becomes an engine of progress or a catalyst for social inequality.