A new study by Milieu Insight, involving 3,000 workers across six Southeast Asian markets—Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam—reveals growing concerns about the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The survey, which included 500 respondents from each country, found that over-dependence on AI is the top concern, cited by 53% of respondents, surpassing issues related to privacy (40%) and job loss (34%). While fears of job displacement remain relevant, employees are increasingly questioning how AI may affect decision-making, critical thinking and professional autonomy, suggesting a shift in concern towards the potential erosion of human judgment and capabilities.
Respondents represented a diverse range of organisations and industries, with the largest share coming from private large companies with 200 or more employees, followed by local small and medium enterprises and multinational corporations. The data shows that concern over AI dependency is particularly high in Indonesia at 61%, followed by Thailand (55%), the Philippines (53%), Vietnam (50%), and both Malaysia and Singapore at 49%. In contrast, concerns about job loss ranked lower across all markets, indicating that workers are more focused on preserving their independent thinking and capabilities rather than fearing complete replacement by AI.
When asked about the impact of AI on their roles over the next five years, 41% of respondents believe AI will assist them without replacing their core tasks. Many expect AI to streamline routine processes and reduce inefficiencies, with 51% saying it will help save time on repetitive work and allow them to focus on higher-value responsibilities. Meanwhile, 26% anticipate that significant parts of their roles will be automated, requiring them to adapt, while only 10% believe their jobs may be fully replaced. Another 10% expect AI to create new opportunities or responsibilities.
Overall sentiment towards AI remains largely optimistic, with 41% of respondents describing themselves as somewhat optimistic and 13% as very optimistic, believing the benefits outweigh the risks. Vietnam and Thailand recorded the highest levels of optimism, while Singapore showed the highest level of pessimism, though still relatively low. This optimism, particularly in emerging Southeast Asian markets, likely reflects expectations that AI will drive productivity, digital innovation and new economic opportunities.
Despite strong interest in AI adoption, organisations across the region continue to face challenges in implementation. Data security and privacy concerns are the most commonly cited barriers, followed by a lack of technical skills, cost considerations and employee resistance. Gaps in digital infrastructure are more evident in markets such as Thailand and Indonesia compared to Malaysia and Singapore, reflecting varying levels of organisational maturity.
Readiness for AI adoption also remains uneven. Only a small proportion of respondents reported that their organisations are fully prepared, with clear strategies, resources and training in place, while the majority described their organisations as only somewhat prepared. Active encouragement from employers to use AI is also limited across the region, highlighting a gap between ambition and execution.
Sundip Chahal, Group CEO of Milieu Insight, noted that workers in Southeast Asia are not only concerned about being replaced by AI, but are more worried about becoming overly reliant on it at the expense of their own judgment, capability and independent thinking. He added that while overall sentiment towards AI remains positive, the key challenge lies in whether organisations are providing the right training, governance and frameworks to ensure responsible and effective use. This reflects a workforce that is open to AI adoption but still navigating how best to integrate it into their work.
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