Over-dependence on AI ranks as the top concern across Southeast Asian markets surveyed
Summary
A Milieu Insights survey of 3,000 workers across six Southeast Asian markets finds that over-dependence on AI is the leading concern, cited by 53% of respondents — ahead of privacy (40%) and job loss (34%). The worry is less about outright replacement and more about erosion of human judgement, critical thinking and professional autonomy.
The survey shows variation by market: Indonesia (61%) and Thailand (55%) top the dependency concern, while Vietnam and Thailand report the strongest optimism about AI’s broader benefits. Most workers expect AI to assist rather than replace core tasks, but many foresee significant workflow changes and skills gaps.
Organisational readiness lags behind intent: data security, lack of technical skills, cost and employee resistance are top barriers. Few respondents say their employers actively encourage AI use or are “very prepared” with strategies and training, indicating a mismatch between enthusiasm and governance/training capacity.
Key Points
- 53% of respondents across six markets rank over-dependence on AI as their top concern.
- Dependency concern by market: Indonesia 61%, Thailand 55%, Philippines 53%, Vietnam 50%, Malaysia 49%, Singapore 49%.
- Job-loss concern is lower: Philippines 42%, Singapore 39%, Indonesia 34%, Thailand 33%, Malaysia 33%, Vietnam 24%.
- How workers expect AI to affect roles (next five years): 41% say AI will assist (not replace); 51% expect time saved on repetitive tasks; 26% foresee significant automation; 10% expect full replacement; 10% expect new opportunities.
- Optimism: 41% somewhat optimistic and 13% very optimistic overall; Vietnam (66%) and Thailand (58%) show highest optimism; Singapore has the highest combined pessimism (15%).
- Top barriers to adoption: data security/privacy (notably 50% in Singapore), lack of technical skills, cost and employee resistance; digital infrastructure gaps vary across markets.
- Perceived organisational preparedness is low — only 25% in Vietnam say their organisation is “very prepared”, with single-digit or low-teens figures elsewhere.
- Employer encouragement to use AI is limited (Singapore 25%, Vietnam 38% highest).
Why should I read this?
Quick take — if you manage people, tech or strategy in Southeast Asia, this matters. Workers aren’t just scared of losing jobs; they’re worried AI will sap judgement and professional autonomy. That shifts how you should prioritise training, governance and AI rollout.
Author style: Punchy — we’ve flagged the essentials so you don’t have to wade through the full report. Read on if you need the figures to brief leadership, shape upskilling plans or design governance around human oversight.