Over-Dependence on AI Ranks as the Top Concern Across Southeast Asian Markets Surveyed

Why It Matters

The findings highlight a regional shift from fearing job loss to fearing loss of professional autonomy, urging companies to prioritize AI governance, training and infrastructure to harness productivity gains while mitigating dependence risks.

Key Takeaways

• 53% fear AI dependence across six Southeast Asian markets
• Job‑loss concerns lag behind judgment‑loss worries
• Only ~25% view organisations as very AI‑ready
• Vietnam shows highest optimism; Singapore records most pessimism
• Data security and skill gaps top AI adoption barriers

Pulse Analysis

The Milieu Insights survey of 3,000 workers in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam reveals that over‑dependence on artificial intelligence is the leading workplace worry, cited by 53 % of respondents. While privacy (40 %) and outright job loss (34 %) remain concerns, employees are increasingly uneasy about AI eroding their professional judgment and autonomy. Indonesia tops the list at 61 % and Thailand follows at 55 %, underscoring a regional shift from fearing replacement to fearing loss of critical thinking.

Despite these anxieties, optimism about AI’s broader impact stays robust, especially in Vietnam (66 % optimistic) and Thailand (58 %). Workers expect AI to handle repetitive tasks, freeing them for higher‑value work, with 51 % anticipating time savings and 41 % seeing AI as an assistant rather than a replacement. However, adoption is hampered by persistent barriers: data security and privacy concerns affect up to half of respondents, while a shortage of technical skills and uneven digital infrastructure further delay implementation. Only a quarter of Vietnamese firms feel ‘very prepared’ for AI rollout.

The findings signal a clear mandate for Southeast Asian executives: invest in governance frameworks, upskill programs, and resilient infrastructure before scaling AI solutions. Companies that proactively address dependence risks—by preserving human oversight and embedding ethical guardrails—can convert apprehension into competitive advantage. Regional disparities suggest that markets like Singapore, despite higher privacy worries, may lead in establishing best‑practice policies, while Vietnam’s enthusiasm could drive rapid innovation if readiness gaps are closed. Aligning AI strategy with workforce confidence will be pivotal for productivity gains and sustained growth.