Asian Development Outlook 2018: How Technology Affects Jobs

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will launch its flagship economic publication, Asian Development Outlook (ADO), at a conference held at Asia House on 13 April 2018. The ADO report provides a comprehensive analysis of macroeconomic issues in developing Asia, with growth projections for 45 economies, including the People’s Republic of China, India, and Indonesia.

This year’s ADO theme, “How Technology Affects Jobs,” explores the role of technological progress and structural transformation in creating quality jobs. The chapter addresses the growing concern that risks from automation enabled by new technologies could undermine future job growth. ADB’s analysis shows that as increased automation displaces some tasks, new occupations will emerge to take their place. The displacement of workers due to technology is real. But with the right skills, training, and regulation, Asia can overcome this challenge.

The report will be launched by Juzhong Zhuang, Deputy Chief Economist and Deputy Director General of the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB. Mr Zhuang will address the following in his presentation during the conference:

• Economic prospects for developing Asia and the Pacific
• Risks emanating from the build-up of private debt
• Rising automation and the quest for good jobs in Asia
• Policy options to ensure developing Asia’s workers continue to benefit from technological advancements

Agenda (subject to change)

09.30 – 10.00: Registration of participants

10.00 – 10.05: Welcome remarks, Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive, Asia House

10.05 – 10.30: Presentation by Juzhong Zhuang, Deputy Chief Economist and Deputy Director General of the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB

10.30 – 11.00: Keynote speech by Nazir Razak, Chairman, CIMB Group, followed by conversation with Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive, Asia House

11.00 – 11.55: Panel discussion: Industry 4.0 and the Outlook for Asia

• Juzhong Zhuang, Deputy Chief Economist and Deputy Director General of the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB
• Alec McCullie, Associate Director and UK Lead for Industry 4.0, KPMG
• Jinny Yan, China Chief Economist, China Markets Strategy, ICBC Standard Bank

11.55 – 12.00: Closing remarks, Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive, Asia House

12.00 – 13.00: Networking lunch

For more information, please contact Aini Abdullah, Business and Policy Programme Assistant: aini.abdullah@asiahouse.co.uk