Developers across Southeast Asia and India are rapidly teaching themselves artificial intelligence (AI), according to Agoda’s AI Developer Report 2025. The report indicates that 72% of developers are self-taught, with only 28% receiving employer-led training. This trend is accelerating skill growth but also exposing gaps in access and support across the region.
AI has become a pivotal force in career development, with 87% of developers altering their learning or career priorities due to AI’s influence. Despite the rapid pace of self-directed learning, formal training programmes are struggling to keep up. Peer learning has emerged as a crucial component of AI education, with 52% of developers turning to online communities and open-source projects.
However, the report highlights disparities in access to formal AI training. Developers in Singapore are nearly twice as likely to have access to such training compared to their counterparts in Vietnam. Additionally, a 25-point confidence gap exists between senior and junior engineers, underscoring the importance of mentorship and structured learning.
The fast-evolving nature of AI technology is also creating pressure, with 44% of developers concerned about falling behind. Furthermore, 58% now view AI proficiency as a baseline requirement for hiring. Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda, emphasised the need for companies to build systems of trust and accountability to sustain this self-driven momentum.
Agoda is actively investing in upskilling local tech talent through initiatives such as internal AI hackathons, tech talks, and Tech Camp Day, which has empowered thousands of students in Thailand. The report, which includes insights from companies like Carousell and SCB 10x, offers a comprehensive view of AI adoption and integration in the region’s developer ecosystem.
