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automotiveJune 4, 2026

ASEAN Factories Accelerate AI Readiness with Workera

New data shows ASEAN manufacturers are closing AI skill gaps faster than any other sector.

ASEAN Manufacturers Lead in AI Skill Transformation \\[10.7 days to close AI skill gaps, a new benchmark for the region.\\\\In a recent study by Workera, an AI agent platform, it was revealed that manufacturers in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are making significant strides in AI readiness. The analysis, based on over 88,000 assessments, found that these manufacturers are closing AI skill gaps in just 10.7 days, outpacing all other major sectors. This rapid progress is a testament to the region's commitment to embracing advanced technologies and transforming their workforces. \\[Manufacturing at an Inflection Point: The Importance of AI Adoption\\The manufacturing sector in ASEAN stands at a critical juncture. As AI adoption becomes a key differentiator for competitive advantage, factories in the region must ensure they have the right skills and capabilities to implement these technologies effectively. According to IDC, only about 30% of organizations globally consider themselves ready for AI adoption. However, the Workera study indicates that ASEAN manufacturers are ahead of the curve, with 79% of employees achieving the necessary readiness after structured upskilling programs. \\[Closing the Gap: Structured Upskilling Programs\\The success of ASEAN manufacturers in closing AI skill gaps can be attributed to their investment in comprehensive, multi-domain upskilling programs. These programs cover essential areas such as Data, AI, Cloud, Software Engineering, and role-specific custom assessments. Employees who actively engage in these programs show a 56% improvement in their AI readiness scores, moving from a developing proficiency level to an accomplished mastery level in less than two months. This rapid learning velocity is a significant achievement, especially in environments where errors can have serious operational and safety consequences. \\[Real-World Implications for ASEAN Factories\\For factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, this means that they can now confidently adopt AI technologies and integrate them into their production processes. Verified capability measurement, using real-world scenarios and expert-backed scoring, provides the assurance needed to safely assign employees to AI-augmented workflows. This not only reduces the reliance on external hiring but also enables internal mobility, allowing factories to promote from within and build a more resilient and skilled workforce. \\[A Call to Action for Factory Buyers\\As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, factory buyers in ASEAN must prioritize AI readiness. By investing in structured upskilling programs and leveraging platforms like Workera, they can ensure their workforces are equipped with the necessary skills to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. The time to act is now, and the results are clear: ASEAN manufacturers are leading the way in AI transformation.

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Editorial rewrite by ASEAN Machine team, based on public reporting from Manufacturing Tomorrow, with added ASEAN manufacturing context.

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