‘AI does not replace but requires humans to upgrade their skills’

The information was stated at the 13th ASEAN-OSHNET Forum (AOC-13), organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, opening on July 7 in Da Nang, attracting 120 delegates from 11 countries and international organizations to attend.

“Technology does not replace people, but requires upgrading skills. Whether applying automation or advanced robots to replace hazardous and dangerous work, the world will always need the presence of humans,” said Dr. Yuka Ujita, senior expert on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Previously, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that AI and digitalization should never be allowed to exceed human control to be used as social experiments. Therefore, Dr. Ujita recommends that countries need to move towards “people-centered digitalization” to ensure long-term safety and health for workers.

Sharing the same opinion, Mr. Silas Sng, Head of the OSH Department of Singapore’s Ministry of Human Resources, said new technology is bringing great benefits in training. The use of virtual reality (VR) helps workers train more safely, avoiding exposure to dangerous physical factors.

Ms. Ana Ercoreca, Secretary General of the International Association of Labor Inspection (IALI), added that AI is affecting more than 40% of global jobs. The agency is increasing the application of big data and machine learning algorithms to classify risks and predict corporate compliance levels.

Besides optimization benefits, the digital era also creates new risks. Experts warn that monitoring or algorithmic management systems can easily violate privacy, increase pressure, stress and reduce workers’ health.

The digitalization process also explodes the platform economy with non-traditional environments and lack of physical workplaces. In addition, emerging industries such as e-waste processing generate many health hazards, directly affecting informal sector workers who are disadvantaged due to lack of protection measures.

To control the new threat, Dr. Yuka Ujita recommends that countries apply existing international labor standards such as ILO Foundation Conventions 155 and 187. Under Convention 155, employers have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe, including with respect to risks arising from AI. Countries need to periodically review and supplement regulations to control the dangers brought by digitalization.

Faced with the situation where workers are constantly hooked to digital devices outside of work hours, the European region is promoting the “right to disconnect” to protect rest time. In ASEAN, Singapore and Malaysia are the leading countries in promulgating labor protection laws on digital platforms.

Ms. Ujita affirmed that there is no “magic solution” that can immediately prevent all risks of digitalization. This process requires the parties to constantly learn, strengthen international cooperation and absorb good practices to adjust to the legal framework of each country.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cao Huy said that ASEAN currently has more than 350 million workers. Along with rapid growth, the region faces big challenges when occupational accident insurance coverage for the informal sector is limited and many new occupational diseases appear.

“Artificial intelligence, big data and digital platforms are opening up unprecedented opportunities for us to predict, prevent and promptly handle risks of labor insecurity,” the Deputy Minister affirmed. However, digital transformation needs to go hand in hand with addressing issues of AI ethics and personal data protection.

In Vietnam, digital transformation is one of the top strategic priorities. The Politburo has issued Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation.

Currently, the labor industry is promoting the construction of a national database on OSH and an online occupational accident reporting portal. The authorities are also studying amending the law and perfecting the Labor Accident and Occupational Disease Insurance Fund in the direction of expanding coverage.

On July 8-9, the 27th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting (CBM-27) will take place in Da Nang, expected to approve the ASEAN-OSHNET Action Plan for the period 2026-2030, focusing on digital transformation, psychosocial risks and labor safety in the platform economy.