世界经济论坛-东盟青年技术，技能和工作的未来（英文）-2019.8-17页_8mb

ASEAN Youth: Technology, Skills and the Future of Work

Core Content

This report, published by the World Economic Forum in 2019, examines the attitudes, priorities, and concerns of ASEAN youths aged 15–35 regarding the future of work and the role of technology in shaping their career aspirations. The survey was conducted online in partnership with Sea, a Singapore-based internet company, and included responses from 56,000 young people across six ASEAN countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Main Findings

1. Strong Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Growth Mindset

• ASEAN youths are highly aware of the disruptive impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on job markets.
• 9.2% believe their current skills are outdated.
• 52.4% believe they must constantly upgrade their skills.
• 20% think their skills will be relevant for 5–10 years.
• 18.5% believe their skills will last most of their lives.
• This reflects a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.

2. Changing Jobs for Skill Development

• The number one reason for changing jobs is to learn new skills (19% of respondents).
• 5.7% have lost jobs due to outdated skills or technological displacement.

3. Preference for On-the-Job Training and Internships

• Only 14.1% of respondents learned their most important skills through formal on-the-job training.
• 81.4% believe internships are equally or more important than traditional school education.
• SMEs and family businesses offer fewer opportunities for formal training compared to big local companies and foreign multinationals.

4. Aspiration to Work in Tech and Entrepreneurship

• 7% currently work in the tech sector, but 16% aspire to do so in the future.
• 15% work in manufacturing, but only 12% want to work there in the future.
• 4% work in construction, but only 2% want to work there in the future.
• 31.4% currently work for entrepreneurs or startups, while 33.1% aspire to do so.
• 8.6% work for foreign multinationals, and 18.8% want to in the future.

5. Soft Skills are More Valued than Hard Skills

• ASEAN youths value soft skills (emotional intelligence, resilience, adaptability) more than hard skills (STEM).
• The three most important skills are: creativity and innovation, language skills, and ability to use technology.
• The two least valued skills are: data analytics and maths and science.

6. Perception of Competence in Skills

• ASEAN youths believe they are more competent in soft skills than in hard skills.
• Technology design (software programming), language skills, data analytics, and maths and science are seen as the weakest skills.
• Despite this, youths are confident in their ability to use technology and are highly creative and innovative.

7. Skills Gaps Identified

• There is a perceived gap between the skills they value and the skills they are proficient in.
• Software design and programming and language skills are seen as important but lacking in proficiency.
• Technology use and creativity and innovation are both valued and perceived as strong skills.

8. Working Overseas as a Strategy for Skill Development

• 46.4% of ASEAN youths are open to working overseas in the next three years.
• 53.6% are keen to work overseas, which aligns with the value placed on language skills and the desire to gain new knowhow.
• Working abroad is seen as a way to upgrade skills and gain practical experience in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Key Information

• The ASEAN Digital Skills Vision 2020 initiative aims to train 20 million workers in SMEs by 2020 and provide internships and scholarships.
• Entrepreneurship and foreign multinational employment are highly aspirational for ASEAN youths.
• Traditional SMEs are less favored, which may pose recruitment challenges for them.
• Soft skills are increasingly important in the evolving job market.
• Technology use is seen as a key skill, with a growing preference for tech sectors over traditional ones.
• Lifelong learning is essential for ASEAN youths to remain competitive and adaptable in the future of work.

Conclusion

The report highlights a clear shift in the priorities and expectations of ASEAN youths, emphasizing the need for lifelong learning, soft skills, and tech proficiency. While there is a strong desire to work in the tech sector and for foreign companies, there are also concerns about the skills gap, particularly in STEM areas. The findings suggest that businesses and governments must invest in skill development, internships, and international exposure to support the aspirations and needs of the region's youth.