APAC E-learning Market - Focused Insights 2023-2028

APAC E-LEARNING MARKET SIZE

The Asia Pacific (APAC) e-learning market was valued at USD 80.27 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 201.38 billion by 2028, reflecting a CAGR of 16.57% during the forecast period. This remarkable growth is underpinned by rapid urbanization and the surge in smartphone utilization for accessing learning materials. Further amplifying this trend is the rise in disposable incomes, predominantly seen in powerhouse countries such as China, South Korea, and India.

Connectivity enhancements, attributed to the evolving cloud infrastructure coupled with falling data costs, are bolstering the eLearning landscape. Simultaneously, technological innovations in the realm of education, embracing the likes of IoT, AI, augmented reality, and big data, are crafting a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Regionally, nations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia are displaying an evident tilt towards eLearning, sidelining traditional educational methods. However, a challenge emerges in countries like India and Vietnam, where the quest is to entice consumers towards premium and paid content, given the vast potential for market expansion.

On the technological front, gamification is emerging as a pivotal tool, enhancing user engagement levels in the eLearning spectrum. Additionally, the industry is witnessing a surge in content tailored specifically for the differently-abled, adding a layer of value and differentiation to offerings. Intelligent content creation, leveraging the prowess of bots capable of generating content with minimal human oversight, is gaining traction. Not to be sidelined, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are steadily embedding themselves in the eLearning fabric, with their declining cost structures acting as a catalyst for adoption.

APAC E-LEARNING MARKET NEWS

• In 2023, Chegg, one of the prominent vendors, unveiled Cheggmate, an AI companion powered by GPT-4, delivering personalized learning pathways, tailor-made quizzes and tests, and context to students’ queries. It allowed students to seek clarifications in various formats and deepened their understanding. E-learning companies in the APAC region needed to invest in AI-driven solutions to meet the growing demand for personalized learning experiences. Providing multiple formats for content delivery became crucial to meet student expectations.​
• ​In 2021, Skillsoft, one of the key vendors, introduced Role Advisor, a virtual skill-building concierge that provides learners with quick references to trending content, learning recommendations based on content type, and skill benchmarks. This launch empowered learners to efficiently improve their skills. Competing e-learning companies in the APAC region needed to enhance their platforms with similar personalized skill-building tools to stay relevant and attract learners. Skillsoft’s Role Advisor set a standard for user engagement and personalization.

APAC E-LEARNING MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Increasing Use of Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR) Applications

AR is the display of a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment, supplemented by computer-generated sensory inputs, such as video, graphics, and sound or Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance. While AR adds or molds reality, VR transposes a real environment elsewhere through closed visors or goggles. Like medicine, gaming, and movies, E-learning has found its applications in these technologies. Over the past few years, VR and AR have made substantial improvements toward becoming popular consumer technologies. A decrease in cost is one of the most important factors concerning adopting VR and AR for education. AR and VR applications are increasingly being adopted in the learning space as they offer solutions for practical needs.

Increasing Use of Mobile Applications in E-learning Industry

Development in mobile applications has become the core strategy of most businesses where older education models are being replaced with revolutionary E-learning applications that have changed the learning process. Several features have been introduced in mobile applications to offer ease and convenience in overcoming various problems faced by students from different demographics and geographical backgrounds. With the help of mobile phones, learning has now become more interactive. E-learning has emerged from being a monotonous affair to a more collaborative and peer-to-peer affair. Continuous news feeds, peer-to-peer challenges, flashcards, and content collaboration have made involvement cheerful and meaningful. 

Introduction of 5G Technology

The emergence of 5G technology is expected to witness heights during the forecast period. The application of 5G will be similar to 4G but more reliable and faster. The bandwidth of connecting to more devices and executing tasks at greater speed without delay will have a huge influence on the education sector. The ability to connect over a million devices per square km will bring out hassle-free advances in smart classes, cloud technology, and gamification, thereby improving the adoption of a tech-based learning ecosystem. The upcoming 5G generation will support virtual classes and augmented reality applications, featuring a new classroom model, thereby defining the role of teachers and students in the classroom.

APAC E-LEARNING MARKET SEGMENT INSIGHTS

• By Delivery Mode: The packaged content segment accounted for the largest APAC e-learning market share of over 54%. Packaged content in the e-learning industry refers to the study material for courses on digital learning platforms prepared by regulations and standards. Content packaging specifications and standards allow courses to be transported among different systems. Packaging content includes raw content, assembly, delivery, and presentation of information. Assessments and their component questions are a special kind of learning content that is currently supported by a different set of specifications. Questions and tests can be transported among systems when learning content is considered. Packaged content is accessible either through subscriptions or payment of fees. The content is used for offering process-related and functional training. This mode of delivery has witnessed increased traction as it is comfortable without any constraints on space and time. It is time-saving as it reduces traveling time among students in remote locations and is cost-effective.
• By Learning Mode: The self-paced segment shows the fastest-growing CAGR of 18.33% during the forecast period. Self-paced learning is a specific learning method that allows the learner to learn at their schedule and time. It enables the learner to control the amount of material they use and the time they need to learn the new information. Various E-learning solutions provide self-paced learning tracks due to their autonomous nature and capability to record and capture a person’s activities within the system. For these reasons, self-paced E-learning solutions continue leading modern employee training. Self-paced E-learning offers flexibility in learning. As more remote learning options are being made available, people can learn easily and conveniently. It also helps in improving knowledge retention and memory. It supports inductive thinking, which improves the ability to understand information and derive conclusions based on the information presented.
• By Function: The training segment dominates and holds the largest share of the APAC e-learning market. Training includes delivering knowledge through the internet from any part of the world to people who aspire to learn a particular subject. Training courses can be either paid or free. Training module packages include notes in PDF, video tutorials, word documents, and assessments to help students learn easier and quicker.  Certificates and certifications that are offered as an award to the candidates are highly appreciated by several organizations. Various organizations train their employees before they are made permanent at their jobs. Online training courses can be taken from anywhere, anytime. It provides flexibility in terms of effort and time. Training involves a conventional registration process. Since browsers are accessible on laptops, phones, and tablets, the modules are limited to desktops but can be configured on all devices, thus helping segmental growth.
• By End-User: The corporate segment dominates and holds the largest share of the APAC e-learning market. E-learning is used by corporations to train, communicate, and enhance the value of employees across organizations. They are constantly looking to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of their workforce. There is a constant requirement to upskill the existing personnel. E-learning provides essential skills to employees and makes them more valuable to the company. Incorporates, E-learning delivers specific requirements of the business. It offers business-specific concepts, training for several departments, introducing a new product, or upskilling the existing workforce. For corporates, E-learning software is mainly designed by keeping in mind the requirements of the companies and employees. Several packages include a communication package, designation package, content bank, syllabus planner, and reports.

APAC E-LEARNING MARKET REGIONAL ANALYSIS

China dominates and holds the largest share of over 20% in the APAC e-learning market. China is one of the most progressive eLearning markets globally, with rapidly evolving technologies and great educational quality. In China, technology plays a critical role in enhancing educational access. Cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen are known for high educational standards. Over one billion people live within these cities, amongst the fastest expanding cities in China. Technology has aided in providing education to potential students by increasing access to high-quality education. E-learning is prevalent in the region, and its adoption is primarily driven by a growing inflow of venture capital money and favorable government policies. Moreover, the increasing disposable income of middle-class citizens has made it more convenient for parents to afford supplementary education for their children.

The India e-learning market is also projected to grow rapidly as the Indian government has encouraged affordable education for all sections of society. In 2022, India’s education industry was estimated to be worth over $40 billion and is one of the most promising for education technology companies. The country's market is also considered the second largest after the US, with several distinct traits that indicate strong development possibilities. In India, about 15 million students take various competitive tests, providing tremendous potential for several industry competitors. Due to their low cost and bandwidth, E-learning courses are popular in tier II and III cities, particularly among the middle-income group. Startups such as Byju’s, Toppr, and Vedantu are some of the major players in the market.

APAC E-LEARNING MARKET VENDOR LANDSCAPE

The competitive scenario in the APAC e-learning market is currently intensifying with global and domestic players offering a diverse range of products. In terms of market share, a few of the major players are currently dominating the market. Some companies that are currently dominating the market are Oracle, Adobe, Cisco, and Pearson. The major players are focusing on strategic agreements, acquisitions, and collaboration with emerging players to enter the APAC e-learning market and gain access to commercially launched products.