TBC News

Nine out of ten young people across the Asia Pacific region believe a gap exists between what they learn in school and what employers expect, according to a joint study released by Federal Express Corporation and Junior Achievement.

The report, titled Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce – Asia Pacific Youth Insights and published by the JA Institute, surveyed more than 4,200 youth aged 15 to 22 across 10 Asia Pacific markets, including the Philippines.

The survey found that 97% of respondents desire greater exposure to real-world workplace operations amid rapid workplace transformations driven by artificial intelligence and evolving global trade dynamics.

Released to mark the 20th year of the FedEx / JA International Trade Challenge (ITC), the study reveals a high demand for practical training. Since 2007, the ITC program has reached over 54,000 students in the region, including more than 12,000 in the Philippines since 2009.

Skills Gaps in AI and Global Trade Readiness

The study underscores a disconnect between academic curricula and the demands of modern business environments:

• Global trade literacy: While 90% of respondents believe understanding international business will matter to their careers, only 71% report that their school or university has taught them how cross-border trade works.
• AI integration: Although 84% anticipate working alongside AI in their careers, just 62% feel their education prepares them to use AI in a professional environment.
• Self-directed learning: Self-directed experimentation stands out as the primary source of AI learning for 42% of youth, indicating that students are looking outside traditional classrooms to build digital capabilities.

Regional differences emerged, particularly in the Philippines, where respondents credited formal education for 94% of their career preparation and trade knowledge. Additionally, 95% of Filipino youth feel well-prepared by their schools to use AI—representing one of the highest confidence levels recorded in the study.

“Asia Pacific’s long-term competitiveness will depend on how effectively we equip young people to turn ideas into businesses that solve real problems and compete across borders,” said Salil Chari, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx.

The Push for Adaptability and Entrepreneurial Thinking

Real workplace experience, creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and digital capabilities ranked as the top skills students wish to strengthen. Looking ahead over the next 10 to 15 years, respondents identified adaptability and learning agility as the most essential qualities for career longevity.

However, recognizing the need for adaptability does not equal confidence:

• 62% of respondents feel confident adapting quickly when plans change.
• 56% are comfortable working without a fixed routine.
• 55% feel comfortable solving problems without a clear or obvious answer.

Despite these hurdles, 85% of regional respondents agree that an entrepreneurial mindset aids success in any job role. This perspective is highest in the Philippines (94%), alongside Indonesia and Malaysia. Nevertheless, regional confidence in applying these skills lags: 61% feel confident generating new ideas, and 59% feel comfortable making independent decisions without guidance. Self-reported confidence in taking initiative scored higher in Southeast Asia than in Japan and South Korea.

“The strong belief among Filipino youth that an entrepreneurial mindset is critical to success reflects their confidence, ambition, and willingness to embrace opportunities in a constantly evolving world,” said Garrick Thompson, managing director, FedEx Philippines.

Addressing Regional Youth Unemployment

The survey highlights key areas where industry and educational institutions can intervene, including guidance on responsible AI usage, navigating unstructured business problems, and applying classroom theory to practical settings.

“The most striking finding from this study is that young people are asking for more exposure to the workplace and real-world experience. As youth unemployment in Asia Pacific stands at almost 14% now, much higher than the adult rate, and the AI adoption divide continues to widen, we cannot assume that talent alone will be enough for young people to succeed. They need opportunities to build practical skills, gain confidence, and understand how work is evolving,” said Vivek Kumar, President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Asia Pacific.

For more insights on the future-ready skills that APAC youth need, check out the full “Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Asia Pacific Youth Insights” report.