WEF new survey looks at ASEAN Youth Technology, Skills and the Future of Work

The World Economic Forum released a report that examines the views of 56,000 youth from the South-East Asia region (ASEAN) in six countries on the future of work, skills, and technology. The report points out that ASEAN youths understand the potential for technology to disrupt job markets and place a high value on skills development. They also demonstrated a strong desire to become entrepreneurs or to work for foreign multinationals, yet they less favor traditional Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). ASEAN youths also prefer jobs in the tech sector and look less favorably on traditional sectors. While 7% are currently working in technology sectors, 16% aims at joining the sector in the future. Additionally, they value soft skills compared to hard skills since they believe they are more competent in soft skills.