More employees surveyed in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and globally fear AI will take their jobs

The global average of 65% represents a slight increase from last year’s 64%, according to a recent Ipsos survey.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, fears about its impact on jobs are growing. A recent survey by Ipsos reveals that 65% of respondents across 31 countries and regions worry that AI will lead to significant job losses in their nation. In Malaysia, the concern is even more pronounced, with 73% of Malaysians expressing worry over AI driven job displacement.

A widespread global concern

The Ipsos Predictions 2025 report highlights that the fear of AI replacing human workers is prevalent worldwide. The global average of 65% represents a slight increase from last year’s 64%, indicating that public apprehension is not subsiding.

Malaysia stands out as one of the most concerned nations in the survey. Other Asian countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, also report heightened anxiety about automation’s impact on employment, with 85% and 81%, respectively, indicating so. Meanwhile, Singapore stands at about 67% of respondents saying AI may lead to job losses.

This trend suggests that as AI adoption accelerates, people in technologically advancing nations remain cautious about its consequences.

Job creation vs. job loss

While AI’s ability to create new job opportunities is often discussed, the survey indicates that optimism remains significantly lower than fear. Only 43% of respondents globally believe AI will generate new jobs, leaving a considerable gap between expectations of loss and creation.

Interestingly, China emerges as an outlier with 77% of respondents believing AI will lead to job creation rather than displacement. This stark contrast suggests that national attitudes toward AI’s role in the workforce vary based on economic policies, workforce adaptabilty, and technological readiness.

With Malaysia ranking among the most AI-wary nations, businesses face the challenge of preparing the workforce for digital transformation.

The good news for the country is, AI is currently among its key areas of focus in the recent and upcoming years, with strategies such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint aiming to enhance digital capabilities. However, ensuring that workers are equipped with the right skills remains crucial to alleviating fears and fostering a positive AI transition.