The workplace landscape is rapidly evolving due to technological progress in advanced manufacturing, often referred to as “Industry 4.0,” acknowledged for its influence on ASEAN Member States (AMS) in the 2019 ASEAN Declaration on Industrial Transformation.3 The introduction of generative AI models, like ChatGPT since late 2022, alongside other digital advancements and a shift toward a green economy, are also reshaping business practices in AMS.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the digital transformation that was already underway across Southeast Asia, creating a crucial reliance on digital innovation for the region's future economic growth. While the economy is recovering, research by the Asian Development Bank highlights that the pandemic’s impact created specific challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy.