33% of Singaporeans believe robots could replace them at work

It is no doubt that technological disruptions and the introduction of robots have brought along fears of jobs being lost. People constantly worry their jobs may become redundant with the rise of automation.

In fact, in Singapore, a survey by YouGov Omnibus involving 1,083 Singaporeans revealed 33% believe robots could indeed replace them at work. The results were the same across ages and income groups.

Of the respondents, those working in accountancy, banking and finance are the most concerned about this, with 50% thinking it is possible.

On the contrary, just 13% of those working in business and consulting believe so. Overall, 69% think it will create job losses in the wider economy, while the remaining 31% think a wider adoption of technology will create more jobs instead.

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In addition to that, the following was also found:

Nearly half, or 49%, of Singaporeans believe robots will have some sort of effect on their jobs.

Of these, 7% see their role already being affected by robots, while 69% think it will happen in the next 10 years.

Lastly, 22% believe it will take 10 years or more.

Almost all of those surveyed (97%) currently use technology in their role in some way - 27% work in jobs that 'very much' involve technology, 50% 'somewhat' do, and 20% don't use it 'very much' at work. A minority of 3% work in jobs with completely no technology involved.

Commenting on the perceptions towards technology, Jake Gammon, Head of Omnibus at YouGov APAC said: "As we ride the wave of automation, it’s interesting to see the wide gap between those who think it will lead to job losses overall and those who think their role could be taken by a machine.

"The question will be whether Singaporeans are able to adapt to upcoming changes in the workforce."

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