The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is defined by the convergence of digital, physical, and biological technologies, resulting in advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology, and the Internet of Things. This integration of automation and AI has presented challenges for the global workforce.
With traditional job roles evolving or becoming obsolete, there are concerns about job displacement, making reskilling and upskilling crucial to help workers adapt to the changing job landscape.
Asean, as the world’s fastest-growing internet market, is experiencing a deepening digital divide between those with access to technology and those without, leading to disparities in education, job opportunities, and access to information. Rural areas and developing countries within Asean, such as Cambodia and Laos PDR, face limited connectivity and access to digital tools, hindering their participation in the digital economy.
The digitalisation wave has not only led to significant growth in the goods and services sector but has also given rise to new forms of employment, fundamentally altering the landscape of the future of work. Remote work has become the norm, and the pandemic has given rise to a new breed of entrepreneurs and workers, known as the gig economy, which has undergone a significant transformation within the Asean region.
Individuals are increasingly juggling two or three distinct jobs simultaneously, and a growing number of entrepreneurs have emerged in various roles, such as private hire drivers, food delivery providers, and online service providers.
To fully harness the potential of the 4IR, Asean must prioritize building a robust and agile talent pool that can navigate the challenges and innovations of this transformative era.
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The 4IR offers opportunities to develop new markets and business models, with thriving sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and digital entertainment emerging from the digital revolution. In Thailand, the government has been advocating the “Thailand 4.0” economic policy, which aims to transform the nation’s economy into an innovation-driven one.
Asean must also revamp their education systems to align them with the demands of the 4IR, focusing more on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects and increasing digital literacy programs. There is a need for specialized training institutions and programs to upskill the local workforce in both information technology and operational technology, especially with the push toward smart manufacturing.
For example, Singapore has positioned itself as a global tech hub through initiatives like “SkillsFuture.” The Singapore government has promoted lifelong learning and upskilling, providing incentives to encourage individuals to acquire skills relevant to 4IR technologies, such as data analytics, AI, and cybersecurity.
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Access to digital technology is essential to fully participate in the 4IR. Governments must invest in digital infrastructure and ensure that rural and marginalized communities have access to the internet and digital tools. Indonesia, with its vast archipelago, faces unique challenges in ensuring equitable access to 4IR opportunities and has implemented the “Indonesia Broadband Plan” to provide internet access to remote areas.
The 4IR has had a transformative impact on the nations within the Asean region, enhancing the well-being of its citizens by modernizing the delivery of fundamental social services. Asean’s success in this rapidly evolving economic landscape lies in its ability to empower its people, fostering an environment where talent can flourish and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
The time to invest in nurturing talent and fostering innovation is now. These efforts will undoubtedly propel the Asean region toward a future characterized by sustained growth and prosperity for all its citizens. Asean must remain relevant and competitive in the 21st century. Vijay Eswaran is a prominent Asian thought leader, philanthropist, speaker, and author.
