The adoption of generative AI (gen AI) is being driven by everyday users who are experimenting at the forefront and leading this revolution. These are young employees and students whom we’ve dubbed “Generation AI”.
Generation AI describes children and young adults who have experienced AI in various aspects of their lives, from entertainment and education to health care and daily interactions since early childhood. As such, they’re characterised by their digital fluency and ability to navigate and use AI technologies.
This latest analysis of more than 11,900 surveyed individuals across 13 Asia Pacific economies highlights the role of younger employees in driving gen AI adoption, presenting new challenges and opportunities for employers as they adapt to these changes.
Key findings
- Students and employees are leading the gen AI revolution across Asia Pacific, but only half believe their manager knows they’re using it.
- Developing economies are leading the charge with gen AI adoption, with takeup rates 30% higher than developed economies.
- Over 11 billion work hours per week across Asia Pacific are expected to be impacted by gen AI.
- Using gen AI saves each user almost a day per week and frees up time to learn new skills.
- Gen AI increases the level of satisfaction at work and study.
- Nearly three quarters of businesses are falling behind on gen AI adoption according to their own employees.
Southeast Asia ranks 2nd out of 9 locations for gen AI use
Those who are incorporating gen AI into their work routine are seeing benefits such as increased speed at completing tasks, improved quality of outputs or work tasks, and increased ability to generate new ideas. On average, gen AI saves daily users an average of 6.0 hours at work and 5.3 hours at university.
65% of Southeast Asian employees believe their tasks will be automated or augmented within the next five years, and 60% of them believe that their business is taking full advantage of gen AI. Top three barriers to business adoption include insufficient understanding of the technology, a lack of talent, and concerns about risk.
Overall, 77% of Southeast Asians think that gen AI will enhance social outcomes, and 69% believe gen AI will mean Asia Pacific has a greater role in the global economy.
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