The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GAI) is accelerating the change in the skills needed for any given job. Access Partnership worked with LinkedIn to understand how this impacts jobs and skills in ASEAN.
LinkedIn’s data shows that the skills needed for any given job across Southeast Asian countries have changed by as much as 40% since 2016. With the adoption of GAI, the pace of change will accelerate, with skills changing by as much as 72% by 2030 compared to 2016.
AI talent in the region has also grown significantly, with the proportion of AI professionals tripling from 2016 to 2024. However, the region’s AI talent pool is small compared to other emerging and high-income countries. To meet the growing demand, a skills-based hiring approach is important. By focusing on candidates’ abilities, rather than traditional qualifications, the global AI talent pool can be expanded by up to 7.4 times.
Our analysis reveals that 57% of Southeast Asia’s workforce (164 million workers) may be impacted by GAI. Women and Gen Z may face disproportionate impacts, with over 70% of women and up to 76% of younger workers in roles augmented or disrupted by GAI.
Governments need to help manage this transition by providing support and incentives for employers to adopt skills-based hiring approaches. Our 1-4-10 Skills-based Roadmap for an AI economy outlines actionable steps to build a resilient workforce, drive innovation, and position Southeast Asia for future growth.
The future of work in Southeast Asia depends on bold, skills-focused policies and collaboration between governments, businesses, and workers. Download our full report, “Harnessing AI: Transforming Southeast Asia’s Workforce,” to join us in shaping an inclusive, AI-powered future.
