A new report from eCommerce platform Lazada reveals that online sellers in Southeast Asia have adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in only 37% of their businesses despite acknowledging AI's role in boosting productivity (89%) and long-term cost savings (93%).
"The findings from our research reveal a fascinating gap in Southeast Asia's eCommerce ecosystem. While most sellers understand AI's transformative potential, many are still navigating the path from recognition to implementation," said James Dong, chief executive officer of Lazada Group.
"As a leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, we aim to bridge the knowledge and adoption gap by developing accessible AI solutions that address the unique challenges faced by sellers across different markets, ultimately making technology more accessible and driving sustainable business growth regardless of a seller's size or technical expertise," Dong added.
Online seller perceptions and adoption
The report, Bridging the AI Gap: Online Seller Perceptions and Adoption Trends in Southeast Asia, reveals that nearly all sellers (93%) recognise the importance of upskilling their workforce to use AI and boost productivity.
However, 61% remain skeptical about its overall usefulness, and 64% believe it is costly and time-consuming to implement.
Moreover, 75% say their employees still prefer to use tools they are familiar with rather than new AI solutions.
AI-driven solutions
To bridge the gap between AI recognition and implementation, Lazada is launching the Online Sellers Artificial Intelligence Readiness Playbook and new Generative AI (GenAI) features to enhance product listings, streamline operations, and boost customer conversions.
Developed in collaboration with Kantar, the report surveyed 1,214 eCommerce sellers across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
