世界经济论坛-东盟数字新一代报告：东盟包容性数字转型与复苏之路（英）-2021.10-31页_6mb

ASEAN Digital Generation Report: Pathway to Inclusive Digital Transformation and Recovery

Executive Summary and Key Insights

This report presents findings from a survey of 85,908 people across six ASEAN countries, with 77% being youths aged 16–35. It explores the impact of the pandemic, the promise of digitalization, and the pathway for inclusive digital transformation and recovery in the region.

Key Findings

• Pandemic Impact:

  • 63% of respondents reported a decline in savings, and 62% experienced a decline in income. Over 40% noted a significant deterioration.
  • MSME owners were especially affected, with 68% reporting income decline.
  • The dining and tourism sectors were the most severely impacted, with 75% of respondents experiencing income decline.
  • 42% of respondents reported a deterioration in mental health, with women comprising the majority of those affected.
  • Despite challenges, there were clear signs of adaptation, especially among youths, with 80% finding remote work and study difficult in 2021, down from 7% in 2020.

• Post-Pandemic Outlook:

  • 69% of respondents believe the pandemic will last beyond one year, and 13% think it will never disappear.
  • 64% anticipate a different or very different world post-pandemic, with global health and hygiene improvements and a more caring society seen as major opportunities.
  • Only 5.2% expect improvements in gender equality, which is a concern given that women were more impacted by the pandemic.
  • Economic crises, another pandemic, fake news, and environmental degradation were the top worries, with environmental concerns being more prevalent in Vietnam.

• Digitalization Trends:

  • 64% of respondents have digitalized over half of their tasks, and 74% of MSME owners have done so.
  • Women (67%) digitalized their tasks more than men (61%).
  • In rural areas, 49% of respondents digitalized over half of their tasks, compared to 74% in big cities.
  • 50% of respondents in the wholesale and retail trade sector started new businesses, while 36% in logistics found new jobs.
  • Digitalization is seen as a key enabler for economic recovery, with 85% of respondents and 87% of MSME owners viewing it as very or important for recovery.

• Benefits of Digitalization:

  • The greatest benefits cited were increased ease and efficiency of payments and money transfers, improved communication, and better access to information.
  • MSME owners emphasized saving time and automating, ease of access to information, and greater selection of goods and services.
  • The ability to generate alternative income was also a major benefit for MSMEs.

• Demand for Further Digitalization:

  • 43% to 66% of respondents want to increase digitalization in their personal, work, and study lives.
  • MSME owners showed higher interest, with 51% to 76% wanting more digital tools.
  • Those who had already digitalized 50% or more of their tasks showed even stronger interest, with 70%–80% wanting to increase digitalization further.

• Digitalization Barriers:

  • Access to digital infrastructure and devices is the primary barrier to digital adoption.
  • Lack of digital skills was a concern for those who had digitalized less than 25% of their tasks.
  • Digital trust and security became more relevant for those who had digitalized a higher percentage of their tasks.
  • These barriers are consistent across all ASEAN countries, highlighting the need for multistakeholder and regional collaboration to improve digital literacy, support SME employees, and enhance internet access and affordability.

• Need for Reskilling and Upskilling:

  • Technology use, creativity and innovation, self-discipline, and resilience and adaptability are seen as the most important skills for the post-pandemic world.
  • Only about half of the respondents consider themselves proficient in these skills, particularly in creativity and innovation.
  • Young people (aged 16–35) are more proficient in technology use, even though they may not always perceive it as important.
  • There is a strong need to accelerate digitalization in rural and small-town areas.

Conclusion

The report underscores the transformative role of digitalization in ASEAN's recovery from the pandemic. While the pandemic has caused severe economic and mental health impacts, especially on MSMEs and women, it has also accelerated digital adoption and highlighted the potential for a more inclusive and resilient digital economy. The findings emphasize the need for regional and multistakeholder collaboration to overcome barriers to digital inclusion, improve digital literacy, and ensure that all segments of the population can benefit from digital transformation.