The International Labour Organization released a policy brief on Wednesday, July 8, examining how generative artificial intelligence affects nearly 80 million workers across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The brief found that 3.3% of employment is concentrated in occupations with the highest levels of GenAI exposure, measuring the technical feasibility of automating or assisting with tasks within a given occupation. The analysis aims to assess preparedness levels across ASEAN countries as GenAI adoption accelerates in the region.
Singapore Leads ASEAN in GenAI Workforce Exposure at 42.2%
The brief showed that across the nine ASEAN countries with available data, Singapore has the highest share of workers with more than minimal degree of GenAI exposure at 42.2% of total employment. The Philippines ranks second with 28.1%, reflecting in part the relatively service-oriented economy and the prominence of information technology and business process management jobs. Indonesia recorded 21.7%, Vietnam 20.8%, and Thailand 20.6% in significant levels of GenAI exposure.
The brief noted that in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, wage workers with significant GenAI exposure earned notably more than those who faced minimal or no exposure, suggesting that GenAI-exposed roles are associated with higher productivity or skill premiums. The brief also stated that employment in highly-exposed occupations has continued to expand across ASEAN, without evidence so far of large-scale job losses associated with the emergence of GenAI.
Women Face Higher GenAI Exposure Rates Across ASEAN Countries
The brief showed that women were more likely than men to work in occupations with the highest levels of GenAI exposure. Across ASEAN, 4.8% of women were employed in occupations with high GenAI exposure in 2025, compared with 2.3% of men. This gender gap is most pronounced in Thailand and the Philippines, where women are around three to four times more likely than men to work in occupations highly exposed to GenAI. Similar, though smaller, gaps were seen across most other ASEAN countries.
Philippines and Five ASEAN Nations Show Preparedness Gaps in AI Adoption
The brief stated that the extent to which GenAI contributes to productivity gains, quality jobs, and inclusive and equitable growth will depend on countries' level of preparedness, which differed across ASEAN nations. The Philippines is listed in a group including Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, and Vietnam as having established many of the foundations needed for AI adoption but continues to face important gaps in areas such as advanced skills, research capacity, computing infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and access to finance.
ILO Issues Five Policy Recommendations for ASEAN GenAI Transition
The brief made five recommendations to address ASEAN countries' preparedness. First, it recommended strengthening AI governance structures and policy integration through a human-centered approach, with ministries for employment, labor, and social protection included in building an evidence base and in the design and implementation of AI-related policies.
Second, it recommended inclusive labor market policies to strengthen worker resilience and support labor market transitions, with particular attention given to women, given their concentration in more exposed occupations and the barriers they face in entering STEM education and related fields.
Third, the brief stated that supporting AI adoption and capability development among enterprises will be essential to ensure that productivity gains are widely shared, with policies focusing on helping micro, small and medium enterprises overcome barriers to adoption.
Fourth, it recommended sustained and greater investment in digital infrastructure, skills, and the broader innovation ecosystem, including expanding digital connectivity, strengthening digital and AI-related skills, and fostering innovation capacity.
Fifth, the brief recommended stronger regional cooperation so ASEAN countries can better manage a common technological transition, including cross-country sharing of knowledge and best practices alongside better monitoring of AI-related labor market trends.
The ILO concluded: "While GenAI has immense potential to transform the world of work, it must be approached as a tool to be mastered rather than a solution to all. Ultimately, future labor market outcomes will depend less on exposure alone than on the policy choices to build the preparedness and resilience of workers, enterprises and institutions to adapt and navigate the AI transition."
FAQ
What percentage of ASEAN workers are in occupations with the highest GenAI exposure?
According to the ILO policy brief released on Wednesday, July 8, 3.3% of employment is concentrated in occupations with the highest levels of GenAI exposure across ASEAN countries.
Which ASEAN country has the highest share of workers exposed to GenAI?
Singapore has the highest share of workers with more than minimal degree of GenAI exposure at 42.2% of total employment, followed by the Philippines at 28.1%, according to the brief.
How does GenAI exposure differ between men and women in ASEAN?
The brief found that 4.8% of women were employed in occupations with high GenAI exposure in 2025, compared with 2.3% of men, with the gender gap most pronounced in Thailand and the Philippines where women are three to four times more likely than men to work in highly exposed occupations.
