THE landscape of work in ASEAN is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). (Image prompt engineered by RBT using Gemini Advance AI)
A recent study by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Access Partnership paints a vivid picture of this transformation – a story not just about rising salaries but also about a surge in job opportunities, worker enthusiasm, and a renewed sense of purpose in their daily work.
The report highlights a key finding: ASEAN employers are ready to pay a significant premium (over 36 percent on average) for employees with AI skills. This financial incentive is particularly strong in sectors like Information Technology (IT) and Research and Development (R&D), where workers can expect even higher salary bumps. But the benefits extend far beyond just compensation.
The study reveals a groundswell of enthusiasm among ASEAN workers towards AI. A staggering 97 percent believe that AI skills will positively impact their careers, with expectations of increased efficiency, job satisfaction, and faster career progression. This interest cuts across all generations, with a strong showing from baby boomers (86 percent) alongside Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X.
This enthusiasm is a testament to the transformative power of AI, offering workers the ability to not just be cogs in the machine, but to leverage intelligent tools to streamline tasks, solve complex problems, and contribute more meaningfully.
The study underscores the shared belief of both employers and workers that AI will unlock massive productivity gains across ASEAN. Both groups anticipate increases of around 54 percent as AI automates repetitive tasks, streamlines workflows, and enhances communication within companies. This surge in productivity has the potential to propel economic growth across the region, fostering innovation and creating a more competitive business landscape.
The report reveals a remarkable acceleration in AI adoption across ASEAN. A staggering 97 percent of employers envision their companies becoming AI-driven by 2028. This transformation goes beyond just IT departments, with sectors like R&D, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and even Legal departments poised to reap significant benefits from AI. This rapid embrace of AI positions ASEAN as a region at the forefront of technological innovation, setting the stage for a dynamic and competitive future.
The study also explores the exciting potential of generative AI, a type of AI that can create new content and ideas. This technology has captured the imagination of both employers (97 percent) and workers, with a projected use rate of over 97 percent in workplaces within the next five years. The primary benefits identified are increased innovation and creativity (76 percent), followed by automating repetitive tasks (66 percent) and improving outcomes (64 percent). Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize how businesses operate, fostering new approaches to product development, marketing strategies, and content creation across industries.
Despite the optimism, the study also identifies a looming challenge: the AI skills gap. With 72 percent of employers struggling to find the talent they need, it’s clear that ASEAN needs a focused effort to bridge this gap. The report highlights the need for collaboration between governments, industries, and educators.
Governments can play a crucial role in developing AI training programs and policy frameworks that align with workforce needs. Industries can invest in upskilling their existing workforce and creating clear career paths for AI specialists. Finally, educators can revamp curriculums to equip future generations with the necessary AI skills.
Abhineet Kaul, Director at Access Partnership emphasizes this critical need for collaboration, stating, “There is a need for employers and governments to nurture a proficient workforce capable of steering current and future AI advancements.”
AWS has taken a proactive approach to addressing the AI skills gap. With over 1.2 million people trained across ASEAN in cloud skills since 2017, including over 100,000 in the Philippines alone, they are committed to empowering the region’s workforce. Through programs like AWS Skills Builder, AWS Educate, and their recently launched ‘AI Ready’ initiatives, the company provides free AI training resources across a variety of technical and non-technical roles.
“Generative AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform businesses across all ASEAN countries,” says Emmanuel Pillai, Head of Training and Certification, ASEAN, AWS. “At AWS, we are helping organizations…to upskill their employees…driving productivity in the region.”
