ILO Report Finds GenAI Impacts 80 Million ASEAN Workers

The International Labour Organization released a study and policy brief on July 8, 2026, titled "Generative AI and labour markets in ASEAN: Significant exposure, limited disruption, uneven preparedness." The report estimates that generative artificial intelligence will impact nearly 80 million workers across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with 22.9% of total employment having more than a minimal degree of exposure.

Singapore reports the highest exposure rate at 42.2%, followed by the Philippines, where the impact is driven by a service-oriented economy and the IT-BPM sector. Other affected nations include Indonesia, Viet Nam, and Thailand. While only 3.3% of the workforce falls into the highest exposure category and there is currently no evidence of large-scale job losses, the study identifies a significant gender gap. Women are more than twice as likely as men to work in high-exposure clerical and professional roles.

To manage the transition, the organization recommends human-centered governance and expanded upskilling for women and youth. The ILO also suggests providing support for micro, small, and medium enterprises to bridge regional preparedness gaps and strengthening cooperation between member states to ensure productivity gains are matched by investments in human capital.