Automation in East Asia Pacific Brings 2 Million Skilled Jobs—but 1.4 Million Low-Skilled Roles Disappear
August 7, 2025 — East Asia Pacific — A new report from the World Bank highlights the profound impact of technological advancements on the labor market in the East Asia and Pacific region. Between 2018 and 2022, five countries in the region collectively gained 2 million skilled jobs—while simultaneously losing 1.4 million low-skilled positions due to increased automation.
This shift in employment patterns is closely linked to the rapid rise in the adoption of industrial robots, particularly in manufacturing sectors. A chart included in the report reveals sharp growth in robot use across several countries, most notably in China, which has significantly outpaced its regional peers. Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have also shown a steady increase in robotic integration, while countries like the Philippines and Indonesia remain at the lower end of the adoption curve.
The World Bank warns that while technology-driven change presents great opportunities, it also brings challenges for inclusivity. Automation is proving beneficial for productivity and skilled employment, but without proper policies, low-skilled workers risk being left behind.
The data emphasizes the need for governments to design forward-looking labor and education policies. Retraining programs, investment in digital literacy, and support for industries in transition are crucial to ensuring that innovation becomes a driver of shared prosperity rather than deepening inequality.
The report also underscores the role of policy in shaping outcomes. Countries that proactively support workforce upskilling and innovation-friendly regulations can turn automation into an engine of economic transformation rather than disruption.
As robot adoption continues to climb, particularly in middle-income countries aiming to move up the value chain, the region’s ability to balance growth with social equity will be closely watched by global economists and policymakers alike.
