Nearly 80 million people, or 22.9% of the workforce in ASEAN countries, are employed in jobs with more than minimal potential exposure to generative AI. However, there are currently no signs of mass displacement of workers due to this technology, according to a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Exposure does not mean that employees will lose their jobs. This metric reflects how individual tasks within a profession could be automated or altered using generative artificial intelligence. The ILO's estimates are based on labor market surveys, interpolation, and regression calculations.
11.7 Million Workers Face Maximum Impact
In professions with the highest exposure levels, 3.3% of the region's workforce (11.7 million people) are employed. About 67% work in sectors where the impact of generative AI has not yet been identified.
The most exposed professions include financial analysts, web developers, brokers, data entry operators, office and accounting clerks, payroll specialists, HR personnel, and contact center operators.
Despite technological advancements, employment in the most exposed professions continues to grow. The adoption of generative AI remains early and uneven: it is most actively used in technology sectors, while its spread in office and administrative roles is still limited.
“The potential for transforming the labor market is significant, but large-scale disruptions are not yet visible,” the report's authors noted.
The study covers all 11 ASEAN countries and uses employment data projected for 2025.
Singapore Tops the Rankings
Among the nine countries with comparable data, Singapore has the highest proportion of workers exposed to AI at 42.2%.
This is followed by the Philippines at 28.1%, Indonesia at 21.7%, Vietnam at 20.8%, and Thailand at 20.6%. The ILO partially attributed the high figure for the Philippines to its economy's focus on services and information technology.
Singapore is also the most prepared country in the region for AI implementation. The ILO highlighted its developed digital infrastructure, access to specialists, and comprehensive government strategy.
Women More Affected Than Men
Women are more than twice as likely as men to work in jobs with a high level of exposure to generative AI. The organization explained this is due to their significant presence in administrative, clerical, and professional roles.
Researchers found no significant difference between younger workers aged 15 to 24 and older age groups.
The report's lead author, ILO economist Christian Wigeland, noted that the consequences will depend not so much on the level of exposure of professions but on government 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.”
The ILO recommended that ASEAN countries expand training and retraining programs, with a particular focus on women and youth. Other measures include supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing social protection, and coordinating policies among regional states.
In June, TechCrunch journalists concluded that tech companies have increasingly cited AI implementation as a reason for staff reductions, even when their businesses continue to grow.
Previously, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman accused large companies of using AI as a pretext for layoffs. He believes that the impact of automation on the labor market will only increase over time.