The COVID-19 pandemic has caused prolonged socio-economic disruptions in the ASEAN region, exposing fundamental weaknesses and vulnerabilities in various sectors.

Despite taking a serious hit from COVID-19 lockdowns, China’s economy has proved resilient. It has not, however, fully bounced back: some activities, especially in the service sector, simply cannot be revived. Yet, unlike most of the world, China seems unlikely to become mired in a long recession, not least because of its rapid digital transformation.

Yesterday, The ASEAN Post published an article about the disproportionate impacts that the pandemic has inflicted on the employment prospects of young people. The coronavirus crisis has indeed severely disrupted livelihoods, businesses and the economy in general. Every sector, organisation and institution has felt the pinch from the pandemic. For the youth, education and training are crucial in enhancing their employability.

Thanks to digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it will be possible for the same output from ASEAN's top six economies today to be produced using 28 million fewer workers by 2028.Digital transformation will disrupt the workforce but its impact has never been truly quantified.