AI threatens nearly a quarter of Southeast Asia’s workforce but all not lost

AI threatens nearly a quarter of Southeast Asia’s workforce but not all is lost

Being most exposed to AI does not mean that jobs would be replaced – just that some could move up the value chain or evolve, analysts say

Clerical, administrative and professional positions are most at risk, according to the report. Manual trades, craft and agricultural work remain relatively insulated, with the effects of AI varying across the region based on economic development, digital infrastructure and labour policies.

But being most “exposed” to GenAI did not mean that entire professions would be replaced – just that some could move up the value chain or evolve, analysts say.

“Our understanding of automation and its impact on jobs has become more nuanced than in the early forecasts surrounding the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Phu Huynh, senior employment specialist at the ILO.

GenAI exposure among craft and trades workers and skilled agricultural workers “is generally low”, he said. Only 3.3 per cent of Southeast Asian workers were in occupations with highest exposure category, while around 67 per cent had jobs with no identified exposure to GenAI.