Augmenting intelligence: shaping the future of work in South-East Asia

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is disrupting not only the jobs traditionally classified as manual and routine, but also – and more profoundly – the specialised cognitive roles once seen as safe from automation. This threatens the traditional ladder of social mobility in both advanced and emerging economies. As AI reshapes both high-skilled and low-skilled jobs, the question becomes: how can societies strengthen the middle of the labour market? This paper proposes a new strategy: an augmented-intelligence approach to job creation. Instead of simply automating tasks, this approach uses AI to enrich essential, practical work such as logistics, maintenance, care and customer service. These roles are not disappearing, but they remain low skilled and offer limited pathways for progression. By embedding intelligence into these jobs – and enhancing the opportunity for human judgement, adaptability and decision-making – we can elevate their value and rebuild a strong, inclusive middle. Written as a collaboration between the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and Singapore’s Institute for Adult Learning, this paper applies the augmented-intelligence lens to three South-East Asian economies, each with their own unique challenges: Singapore is an innovation leader but must confront the socioeconomic risks of automating high-skilled tasks and offshoring. Vietnam has strong ambitions for AI adoption, but its success depends on inclusive strategies and better coordination across sectors. The Philippines has laid out a comprehensive digital roadmap but needs targeted policies and infrastructure improvements to bridge existing digital divides. The research adopted a participatory approach, engaging a wide range of stakeholders – including workers, employers, policymakers and global institutions – through interviews, focus groups and case studies. This method offers a nuanced understanding of AI’s real-world impact across industries and labour segments in the region. To guide action, this paper outlines a four-part policy framework for augmented intelligence, focused on reforms across policy, the economy, the workforce and society. It also provides country-specific recommendations for Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines, translating these principles into practical steps tailored to each country’s unique context. While AI is a technological challenge, the real question is how to empower people and share its benefits widely. This paper offers forward-looking policy recommendations to foster inclusive innovation ecosystems, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and prepare workers for human-machine collaboration. If South-East Asian governments take bold, people-centred action, they can unlock AI’s economic potential while advancing equity and social mobility.