Nearly 80 million people — or 22.9% of all employed in ASEAN countries — work in professions where generative artificial intelligence could significantly alter or automate their tasks. However, as my calculations based on data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) show, there are no signs yet of mass displacement of workers by the technology. This is a key finding that refutes many alarmist predictions.
It is important to understand: "exposure" to AI does not automatically mean job loss. This indicator merely reflects the extent to which individual tasks within a profession can be automated or modified using generative models. The estimates are based on a comprehensive labor market analysis, including interpolation and regression calculations.
Maximum Impact: 11.7 Million People at Risk
Only 3.3% of the region's workers (11.7 million people) are employed in professions with the highest level of potential AI impact. Meanwhile, about 67% of all employed in ASEAN currently show no exposure to the technology. The most vulnerable professional groups include financial analysts, web developers, brokers, data entry operators, accountants, payroll specialists, HR professionals, and contact center operators.
Paradoxically, employment in these areas continues to grow. The adoption of generative AI remains uneven: the technology is actively used in the tech sector, but its spread in office and administrative professions is still minimal. As noted in the report, "the potential for labor market transformation is significant, but large-scale disruptions are not yet visible." The study covers all 11 ASEAN countries and uses data for 2025.
Singapore Leads in Risk Level
Among the nine countries with comparable data, the highest share of workers exposed to AI influence is recorded in Singapore at 42.2%. It is followed by the Philippines (28.1%), Indonesia (21.7%), Vietnam (20.8%), and Thailand (20.6%). The high figure for the Philippines is partly explained by the economy's focus on services and IT. Notably, Singapore also appears to be the most prepared for AI adoption: its developed digital infrastructure, access to specialists, and comprehensive government strategy give it an advantage.
Gender Gap: Women Twice as Likely to Be Affected
Women are more than twice as likely as men to be employed in professions with a high level of generative AI impact. This is linked to their high representation in administrative, clerical, and professional positions. No significant difference was found between young workers (aged 15–24) and older age groups.
The report's lead author, ILO economist Christian Vigeland, rightly emphasizes that the consequences will depend not so much on the level of exposure as on policy decisions. "Productivity growth depends on investments in human capital and social protection. Ultimately, labor market outcomes will be determined by policies aimed at preparing workers, businesses, and institutions," he notes.
The ILO recommends that ASEAN countries expand upskilling and reskilling programs, with a particular focus on women and youth. Other measures include supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, developing social protection, and coordinating policies among the region's states.
Expert commentary from Cryptalist: This report is a sobering signal for the market. The panic around AI often obscures reality: the technology is changing the labor market, but not as quickly or as radically as headlines suggest. The key risk lies not in automation itself, but in the unevenness of adoption and the lack of adequate support measures. Regions with developed digital infrastructure, like Singapore, will gain an edge, while countries with high employment in administrative professions, like the Philippines, will find themselves in a turbulent zone. Investors should pay attention to companies that not only implement AI but also invest in retraining their workforce — this is a long-term factor of sustainability.