Similar to how industrialization in the 19th century “divided the world between the rich few and the poor,” the AI revolution might have a similar impact.
Countries that invest in skills, computing power, and robust governance systems will gain advantages, while others risk being left behind.,” warned Philip Schellekens, chief economist of the United Nations Development Program for the Asia-Pacific region.
In a new report, the agency highlighted that women and young adults are most at risk from AI in the workplace, with potential setbacks in health, education, and income improvements.
Meanwhile, the technology giant is predicted to contribute nearly $1 trillion in economic benefits over the next decade in Asia alone, according to the data.
The UN agency noted that although China, Singapore, and South Korea have heavily invested in and benefited from AI, entry-level workers in several South Asian nations face “significant exposure” to ongoing changes, including automation.
“Limited infrastructure, skills, computing power, and governance capacity restrict the potential benefits of AI while heightening risks such as job displacement, data exclusion, and indirect effects like increased global energy and water demand due to AI-intensive systems,” stated the UNDP.
Job protection
To prevent a looming job shortage, UNDP is advocating for governments to consider the ethics of AI before further implementation and to ensure it is done inclusively.
“AI is progressing rapidly and many countries are still at the starting point,” said Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
“The experience of Asia and the Pacific shows how quickly gaps can develop between those who shape AI and those shaped by it.”
Basic needs to be met
For nations such as Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam, the focus is less on developing AI than on utilizing existing, relatively simple voice tools accessible to frontline health workers and farmers, even without internet access.
The Asia-Pacific region hosts over 55% of the global population, positioning it at the forefront of the AI transition.
According to UNDP, the area accommodates over half of the world’s AI users and is quickly enhancing its innovation presence; China alone holds almost 70% of global AI patents, while six countries host over 3,100 newly funded AI enterprises.
“AI could increase the region’s annual GDP growth by about two percentage points and enhance productivity by up to 5 percent in sectors such as health and finance,” reported the UN agency.
Isn’t it just charming how AI is set to create a jobless utopia in Asia-Pacific while we sit back here in the West, sipping our espresso and counting our billions? 🍵💼 Looks like the rich nations are playing a fine game of musical chairs with AI, while the Asia-Pacific is left scrambling for the last seat. 🎶 Good luck explaining that to those still figuring out how to connect to Wi-Fi! 😂 Oh, fantastic! So, while the rich nations are busy stacking their AI chips, the rest of us can just sit back and watch our jobs disappear faster than a pint at happy hour. 🍻 Cheers to progress, right? Seems like the Asia-Pacific is in for a real treat – while the rich folks in the West are cashing in on AI, we’re just trying to figure out how to keep the lights on. 🤷♂️ But hey, who needs jobs when you’ve got a shiny tech revolution, right? 😂 Oh, brilliant! While the West is busy building shiny AI empires, we can just watch millions of our mates in Asia-Pacific cash in on the “joys” of job displacement. Who needs a stable income anyway? 😏💼 Just what the world needed—an AI revolution that promises to deliver economic benefits faster than you can say “job displacement”! Good luck to the workers in Asia-Pacific; it sounds like they’ll need it more than a flat white on a Monday morning! ☕🤦♂️ Similar to how industrialization in the 19th century “divided the world between the rich few and the poor,” the AI revolution might have a similar impact. Genk (Eurotoday Newspaper) – The mayor and aldermen of Genk experienced disability challenges through a program led by Corrie Steegmans. The city now consults Inter and develops an accessibility plan for public spaces and events. Ghent (Eurotoday) – In Zwijnaarde, Ghent, the E40 will close for about 4 hours on December 2‑3, 2025, for the Roads and Traffic Agency to install a 10×4.5 m traffic cabin delivered by 6 trucks.
Comments
5 responses to “AI Adoption in Rich Nations Puts Millions of Asia-Pacific Jobs at Risk”
Last News
Pharma Lobbyists Urge EU to Negotiate with Trump
Trump has consistently accused European pharmaceutical companies of causing higher drug prices in the U.S. He has threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on pharmaceutical products an
AI Adoption in Rich Nations Puts Millions of Asia-Pacific Jobs at Risk
Countries that invest in skills, computing power, and robust governance systems will gain advantages, while others risk being left behind.,” warned Philip Schellekens, chief economist of the United Nations Development Program for the Asia-Paci
European Commissioner: Addressing Risky Abortions as a Public Health Concern
Genk Mayor Wim Dries and Aldermen Participate in Disability Program with Inter
As VRT News reported, the mayor and aldermen of Genk recently took part in a program to experience life with a disability. The initiative allowed them to face challenge
European Commission Presents Last-Minute Proposal to Secure Belgian Support for Russian Asset Loan
To address Belgium’s concerns, the Commission seeks to prevent one EU member from overturning sanctions. Currently, Hung
Bulgaria to Receive EUR 1.47 Billion in Third Payment from National Recovery and Resilience Plan
The European Commission (EC) has positively evaluated Bulgaria’s third payment request under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, indicating a crucial step toward the disbursement of EU funds to bol
E40 in Zwijnaarde Closed Tonight for Traffic Booth Installation
As VRT News reported, in Zwijnaarde, Ghent, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, the E40 will be closed for about 4 hours during the night of December 2nd to 3rd, 2025. The Roads and Traffic Agency 
The Freemason Behind the Masterpiece of Naked Diana
The bust was later returned to Poland, which had been searching for the piece by the renowned French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon since 1940. Before its disappearance, the bust was part of the collection of the la
Germany Unveils New Police Counter-Drone Unit
“It’s an important signal that we are confronting hybrid threats,” Dobrindt said. “We are creating a clear mission to detect, intercept and, yes, al
Sweden Leads the EU in Gender Equality Rankings
The annual index has been assessed since 2010, utilizing various criteria related to equality in areas such as employment, education, health, and more.
This year, Sweden scored 73.7 out of a possible 100 points, placing it just ahead of France, which scored 73.4, and Denmark at 71.8. Last year, Denmark ranked second, with th
Leave a Reply