Despite a number of obstacles, Southeast Asia and Hong Kong are racing ahead in the use of generative AI.

The region is adopting GenAI tools at a faster pace than their global peers: more than 2 in every 5 professionals (44%) use it regularly in their work or personal lives – a percentage that outpaces the global average of 39%.

These insights emerged from the report, Decoding Global Talent, from SEEK, which operates Jobstreet and Jobsdb.

The study aims to help businesses and talent navigate today’s job market, shedding light on shifting AI-driven work trends in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Uncertainty in some markets, optimism in others

Enthusiasm for AI is largely fuelled by Gen Z workers, particularly in Thailand (68%), the Philippines (64%), and Singapore (64%), where young professionals are leading the charge.

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Amid positive reception of AI across workplaces, concerns remain over job security. Worries about AI-induced job losses run high in Indonesia and the Philippines, where 40% and 35% of workers, respectively, fear their roles may be significantly affected.

In contrast, Singapore’s workforce views AI as an asset rather than a threat, particularly in industries such as marketing and media, where automation is seen as a tool for efficiency rather than replacement.

The region is bracing for change, with 52% of professionals expecting AI to alter their responsibilities and necessitate some reskilling.

For nearly 1 in 4 workers, the transformation will be so profound that extensive retraining will be unavoidable.

Despite these shifts, only 6% foresee their jobs becoming obsolete, while 20% remain confident AI will not disrupt their work.

Emerging economies lead the reskilling race

As AI reshapes the workplace, professionals in Southeast Asia – especially in emerging markets – are preparing to adapt.

In the Philippines, about 3 in every 4 workers are ready to reskill, followed closely by Indonesia (72%) and Thailand (69%).

Meanwhile, workers in more developed economies, such as Singapore (53%) and Hong Kong (50%), approach upskilling at a slower pace.

Beyond readiness, employees have outlined the support they need to build AI-related skills.

Over half (53%) want clearer guidance on required competencies – outpacing the global average of 48% – while 45% call for better access to L&D programmes.

Apart from this, more than 1 in every 3 say they need more time and financial resources for training. They point to the necessity of structured reskilling initiatives to ensure the region capitalises on the potential.

Data quality, skills, and infrastructure

While enthusiasm for GenAI remains strong, adoption is hindered by significant challenges. The most pressing issue is unreliable or insufficient data, cited by 35% of respondents – more than the global average of 32% – which remains a critical limitation in emerging economies.

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Equally concerning is the lack of AI literacy, with 33% of professionals struggling to craft effective prompts, exposing a crucial skills gap. Infrastructure issues further complicate adoption, with 31% of respondents pointing to slow internet speeds and technical constraints, particularly in less developed areas.

To unlock the full potential of AI, employers in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong are urged to address these roadblocks.

Strengthening digital infrastructure, improving access to quality data, and equipping professionals with essential AI skills will be crucial in ensuring the region remains competitive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The report, Decoding Global Talent: GenAI Edition 2024 (SEA Edition), was published by SEEK in partnership with Boston Consulting Group, The Network, and The Stepstone Group.