Nikkei Asia · 16 Sep, 11:12 · Business briefing

ASEAN faces uneven growth in AI era, DBS report warns

A recent DBS report highlights significant disparities in artificial intelligence adoption across ASEAN nations.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent DBS report highlights significant disparities in artificial intelligence adoption across ASEAN nations. While some economies rapidly integrate AI technologies, others lag due to infrastructure deficits and skill gaps. This uneven growth trajectory poses challenges for regional economic cohesion. The analysis suggests that without coordinated policy interventions and targeted upskilling initiatives, the digital divide within Southeast Asia will widen. Professionals operating in this region must navigate a fragmented landscape where technological maturity varies drastically between markets, impacting business operations and workforce demands.

Employer demand for Medical Physics skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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You must adapt to a fragmented regional landscape where AI maturity varies wildly. Professionals in tech-heavy hubs like Singapore will find high demand for AI Strategy and Data Science skills, while peers in developing markets need robust foundational digital literacy. You should prioritise understanding how AI integrates into specific business functions rather than treating it as a monolithic technology. Focus on acquiring skills in AI Strategy to help organisations navigate these disparities. If you work in finance or banking, explore AI in Banking to stay competitive. Cross-border collaboration skills are also vital as companies seek to balance resources across mature and emerging ASEAN economies. Upskilling now ensures you remain valuable regardless of your location within the region.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Medical Physics, Python Data Visualisation Libraries Mastery, API Development and Staff Recruitment And Retention — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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