COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the labour market in ASEAN countries

Authors

  • Li Jingyi Asia-Europe Institute, Universiti Malaya
  • Beatrice Lim Universiti Malaysia Sabah
  • Khairul Hanim Pazim Universiti Malaysia Sabah
  • Fumitaka Furuoka Asia-Europe Institute, Universiti Malaya

Keywords:

COVID-19, labour market, pandemic, ASEAN

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market in ten ASEAN countries, namely Brunei, Lao PDR Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. A flu virus first detected in China later affected neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Although the pandemic has varying implications and at varying levels, it has a negative impact on the ASEAN economies. The labour market is affected as economic activities came to a halt when ASEAN governments-imposed lockdowns or restricted movement. Job losses continue to escalate amid the pandemic, vulnerable workers
such as those working in informal sectors, self-employed workers, gig workers, migrant workers, and  micro, small and medium  enterprises are facing a tough labour market and also at risk of losing livelihood due to lockdown. Post-COVID-19, ASEAN region sees the need for collective action to build the economy, leveraging on technology and digital trade. The pandemic may reshape ASEAN’s digital landscape in the labour market especially on the way
work is done in the future.

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Author Biographies

Beatrice Lim, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Khairul Hanim Pazim, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

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Published

2021-01-01

How to Cite

Li, J., Lim, B., Pazim, K. H., & Furuoka, F. . (2021). COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the labour market in ASEAN countries. AEI Insights, 7(1), 59–76. Retrieved from https://mjlis.um.edu.my/index.php/AEIINSIGHTS/article/view/31633

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