Singapore Minister Warns No ASEAN Country Has a Clear Plan for AI-Driven Job Disruption

Published 2026-11-06

A Singapore minister has said that no country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) currently has a clear plan to manage job disruption caused by artificial intelligence (AI). The comments highlight a growing concern about how the technology may change the way people work across the region.

According to the report, the minister also warned that there is a widening gap in how quickly different countries are adopting AI. Some economies in the region may be able to use the technology more quickly than others, which could increase differences in productivity and economic growth. For Singapore, which has promoted digital transformation for many years, this gap is an important issue to watch.

AI tools are already changing many jobs, from office administration to customer service. Some tasks may be automated, while new roles may also be created. Experts often say that workers will need new skills, such as digital literacy and the ability to work with AI systems, to stay competitive. Governments and businesses are therefore being encouraged to plan carefully, including through training programmes and support for workers who may need to change careers.

The minister's remarks suggest that ASEAN countries may need to cooperate more closely on this issue. Sharing knowledge, training resources and policy ideas could help member states prepare for the changes ahead. The original report did not give details of specific measures, so it remains to be seen how the region will respond.

Sources: People Matters Global

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