Technological advancement and rapid innovation have become key drivers of change transforming the nature of work across SEA. The rise of remote work, platform-based work, and digital freelancing is reshaping labour markets; unlocking new economic opportunities while presenting regulatory, social, and developmental challenges. These shifts call for agile and inclusive workforce strategies that prioritise equity, resilience, and adaptability.

At the same time, the acceleration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is redefining skills requirements and sectoral labour demands. Together, these trends underscore the urgency for forward-looking and context-specific policies to help societies thrive in a digitally driven economy.

The New Models of Work Initiative

TFGI’s New Models of Work initiative explores how technology and technology-enabled business models are reshaping labour markets across the region. It consists of four regional virtual roundtables and six in-country specific roundtables, convening thought leaders, policymakers, businesses, and educators to examine key trends and challenges shaping the future of work. The aim is to generate actionable insights that promote a sustainable and inclusive digital economy, one that bolsters resilience and strengthens SEA’s global competitiveness.

Key Policy Issues

• Balancing digital workforce development with the risks and vulnerabilities introduced by technological change, while fostering job creation and productivity growth.
• Ensuring inclusive access to emerging work opportunities across diverse population segments, especially in non-traditional forms of employment.
• Developing comprehensive policies that harness the potential of gig work, AI, and cross-border remote work, while addressing challenges such as social protection, fair wages, and algorithmic accountability.
• Supporting business and education sectors to align workforce development strategies with evolving digital labour market demands.

Regional Roundtable Series

The regional roundtables are organised around four core themes:

1. Impact of Emerging Technologies on Work

Setting the foundation by examining how AI as an emerging technology transforming work across sectors in Southeast Asia.

Read the post event note here.

2. Digital Platform Work (Tech Driven Non-traditional Work)

Broadening the discussion to other forms of non-traditional, tech-mediated work (e.g. gig work and freelancing).

Read the post event note here.

3. International Remote Work

Building on the previous roundtable by zooming in on one of the major shifts enabled by technology: cross-border work.

Read the post event note here.

4. Workforce Investment

Serving as a synthesis and forward-looking close. It pulls together insights from the previous three sessions to address how we can build a resilient, adaptable, and inclusive workforce in response to the disruptions and opportunities presented.

Read the post event note here.

In-Country Roundtables

To complement the regional dialogues, in-country roundtables will capture country-specific perspectives and lived experiences from local stakeholders. These sessions aim to surface national nuances, identify local challenges, and highlight policy innovations tailored to each context.