IMF data shows hiring trends across Asia fell 10% in AI-exposed roles

A recent report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reveals a 10% decline in hiring for AI-exposed roles across Asia since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022. The IMF's October 2026 Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific study examines job postings from 19 Asian economies, comparing occupations that are more beneficial to AI versus those less so.

Coding, for example, is considered highly exposed to AI, while managing supplier relationships is less exposed. Despite the overall decline in hiring demand, employers continue to seek and hire workers proficient in AI skills, with a particular focus on emerging AI skills like prompt engineering and building AI agents. This shift indicates a growing demand for individuals capable of utilizing AI effectively within their companies.

The report suggests that while AI may reduce hiring in certain roles, it is creating new opportunities for those skilled in AI technologies, particularly in lower-income economies where the impact of AI has been minimal so far.