Singapore – People in the Asia-Pacific are recognising the changes AI will bring, with almost three-quarters (73%) of people across APAC said AI will profoundly change their life in the next year three to five years. Moreover, around 66% said AI would change how they do their job in the next five years. This is according to the latest data from global market research company Ipsos.
According to the data, most people (62%) in the regions said they were excited for the products and services that use AI; interest is greatest in China (80%), Indonesia (76%), Thailand (76%) and South Korea (73%).
However, English-speaking countries, including Australia and New Zealand, feel the need for caution with the approach to AI – just 39% of Aussies and 43% of Kiwis said they were excited for the technology. Both countries are more likely to feel trepidation about AI, with 66% of New Zealanders and 64% of Australians saying AI makes them nervous.
Meanwhile, most people across APAC (66%) said AI would change how they do their job in the next five years. Indonesia (87%), Thailand (81%) and China (80%) are the most likely to say AI will change how they do their job. At least half of Australians think AI will change their job – 16% said it was very likely to affect their work, while 34% said it was somewhat likely.
However, more Aussies think AI will improve their job (29%) than those who think it will make it worse (20%). Just under half (46%) expect it to make the job market worse.
Moreover, Indonesia is leading the charge in understanding AI – 86% of those surveyed said they understand it. In Australia, 63% said they had a good understanding of AI. The figure is lower than the global average of 67%.
Hamish Munro, CEO for APEC at Ipsos, said, “People are still firmly divided over whether AI will be a friend or foe in the coming years. Across the APAC region, Asian countries are leading the charge for embracing the technology, showing both a strong understanding and excitement about the technology. English-speaking countries, including Australia and New Zealand, remain sceptical about AI, particularly its impact on their day-to-day life and employment.”
