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Talent Shortage in APAC Persists with 77% of Employers Facing Challenges in Filling Positions

Business

Talent Shortage in APAC Persists with 77% of Employers Facing Challenges in Filling Positions
Business

Business

Talent Shortage in APAC Persists with 77% of Employers Facing Challenges in Filling Positions

2025-01-24 15:01 Last Updated At:15:25

SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 ManpowerGroup's latest Talent Shortage Survey reveals that nearly four in five employers in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region are struggling to find skilled talent, with 77% reporting difficulties. This marks a significant increase from 45% in 2014 and exceeds the global average of 74%, underscoring a growing concern for employers across diverse industries.

The survey, which gathered insights from 10,095 employers across APAC, indicates that the most difficult to find skills are IT & Data (32%), Engineering (27%), and Sales & Marketing (24%).

According to the report, the APAC IT sector was experiencing the highest level of talent scarcity, with 81% of employers in the sector noting they are facing talent shortages.

Underscoring the need for skilled professionals as businesses increasingly rely on technology and digital transformation.

"The persistent talent shortages highlighted by this report suggests the talent shortage has become a structural feature of the regional labor market which employers must navigate, especially in the IT sector where the shortage is being most heavily realized," said Mr François Lançon, Regional President of Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup.

"In a talent short market, employers must act quickly and decisively to secure the necessary skills for growth or commit to developing the talent they need internally through a targeted learning and development program," Mr Lançon said. "At ManpowerGroup, we are committed to addressing the skills gap and upskilling talent at scale, we are investing in academies to prepare the workforce for future jobs."

The report suggests the need for internal learning and development programs is being taken seriously with 35% of companies indicating they are focusing on upskilling and reskilling their current workforce to bridge skill gaps.

EMPLOYER RESPONSE TO TALENT SHORTAGES

The survey reveals organizations are taking multiple approaches to address talent scarcity:

  • 35% - Upskilling and reskilling current employees
  • 30% - Increasing wages
  • 26% - Offering more schedule flexibility
  • 25% - Targeting new talent pools
  • 21% - Offering more location flexibility

"As businesses navigate these ongoing talent challenges, it is more crucial than ever that industry leaders, governments and educational institutions collaborate to ensure that future generations are equipped with relevant skills," Mr Lançon said.

For more information, visit: https://www.manpowergroup.com.sg/apac-talent-shortage-2025

SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 ManpowerGroup's latest Talent Shortage Survey reveals that nearly four in five employers in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region are struggling to find skilled talent, with 77% reporting difficulties. This marks a significant increase from 45% in 2014 and exceeds the global average of 74%, underscoring a growing concern for employers across diverse industries.

The survey, which gathered insights from 10,095 employers across APAC, indicates that the most difficult to find skills are IT & Data (32%), Engineering (27%), and Sales & Marketing (24%).

According to the report, the APAC IT sector was experiencing the highest level of talent scarcity, with 81% of employers in the sector noting they are facing talent shortages.

Underscoring the need for skilled professionals as businesses increasingly rely on technology and digital transformation.

"The persistent talent shortages highlighted by this report suggests the talent shortage has become a structural feature of the regional labor market which employers must navigate, especially in the IT sector where the shortage is being most heavily realized," said Mr François Lançon, Regional President of Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup.

"In a talent short market, employers must act quickly and decisively to secure the necessary skills for growth or commit to developing the talent they need internally through a targeted learning and development program," Mr Lançon said. "At ManpowerGroup, we are committed to addressing the skills gap and upskilling talent at scale, we are investing in academies to prepare the workforce for future jobs."

The report suggests the need for internal learning and development programs is being taken seriously with 35% of companies indicating they are focusing on upskilling and reskilling their current workforce to bridge skill gaps.

EMPLOYER RESPONSE TO TALENT SHORTAGES

The survey reveals organizations are taking multiple approaches to address talent scarcity:

  • 35% - Upskilling and reskilling current employees
  • 30% - Increasing wages
  • 26% - Offering more schedule flexibility
  • 25% - Targeting new talent pools
  • 21% - Offering more location flexibility

"As businesses navigate these ongoing talent challenges, it is more crucial than ever that industry leaders, governments and educational institutions collaborate to ensure that future generations are equipped with relevant skills," Mr Lançon said.

For more information, visit: https://www.manpowergroup.com.sg/apac-talent-shortage-2025

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Talent Shortage in APAC Persists with 77% of Employers Facing Challenges in Filling Positions

Talent Shortage in APAC Persists with 77% of Employers Facing Challenges in Filling Positions

Through Telin, TelkomGroup strengthens Papua's network resilience and opens a new digital connectivity corridor across the Asia-Pacific region.

JAYAPURA, Indonesia, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, through its operating company, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), officially inaugurated the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System (Puk-Puk 1) at Telkom Witel Jayapura, Papua, on Friday (8/5). The milestone marks a new chapter in strengthening digital connectivity across Eastern Indonesia while reinforcing bilateral collaboration between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in developing cross-border telecommunications infrastructure.

More than just a cable system, Pukpuk represents a bridge between nations—connecting communities, unlocking opportunities, and bringing the Asia-Pacific region closer together through resilient digital infrastructure. The project is expected to open a new connectivity corridor into the Asia-Pacific region, accelerating digital economic growth, expanding digital access for communities, and strengthening connectivity across border areas and Eastern Indonesia.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Indonesia's Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo, President Director of Telkom Indonesia Dian Siswarini, Papua New Guinea Consular representative in Jayapura Leon Galemo, Papua Provincial Government representative L. Christian Sohilait, and PNG DataCo CEO Paul Komboi.

In his remarks, Vice Minister Angga Raka Prabowo emphasized that accelerating digital transformation remains one of Indonesia's national priorities in building a more advanced, inclusive, and globally competitive nation.

"Connectivity must be developed equally, sustainably, and inclusively so that every region - including Eastern Indonesia has the same opportunity to grow within the digital economy ecosystem," said Angga.

He also expressed appreciation for TelkomGroup's commitment to strengthening national connectivity. "The Pukpuk Cable plays an important role in creating more reliable and resilient connectivity that will benefit communities across Eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and beyond," he added.

The Pukpuk submarine cable system is the first cross-border cable in the Asia-Pacific region to directly connect Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Operated by TelkomGroup, the landing station in Jayapura serves as a strategic connectivity gateway to Kumul Telkom Holdings' network in Papua New Guinea, delivering capacity from multiple provinces across PNG to Vanimo.

Beyond telecommunications infrastructure, the project reflects a strategic partnership between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in shaping regional connectivity—connecting nations, unlocking future. The synergy between Telin and PNG DataCo, further strengthened through the signing of a commercial agreement on the same day, marks a significant step toward deeper network integration and stronger Asia-Pacific digital connectivity.

With the launch of the cable system, Jayapura now has two independent connectivity routes. The first route connects Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, while the newly inaugurated second route links cities in Papua New Guinea like Vanimo, Madang and Port Moresby to Jayapura, continuing onward Manado in North Sulawesi and United States, through the SEA-US cable system.

This alternative connectivity route significantly enhances Papua's digital infrastructure resilience through route diversity, ensuring more reliable and uninterrupted services. As Papua's connectivity hub, Jayapura is now better positioned to support regional digital economic growth and unlock new economic opportunities through world-class infrastructure.

President Director of Telkom Indonesia Dian Siswarini stated that the Pukpuk project reflects TelkomGroup's strong commitment to expanding equitable connectivity across Eastern Indonesia.

"Through Pukpuk, TelkomGroup is not only strengthening Papua's digital infrastructure, but also reaffirming that Eastern Indonesia is an integral part of the global connectivity ecosystem. We want to ensure that no region is left behind in the digital era. We hope this initiative will strengthen connectivity in Eastern Indonesia while opening broader opportunities for regional and global digital collaboration," said Dian.

"The Pukpuk Cable demonstrates how TelkomGroup, through Telin, continues to bridge digital gaps between nations. We are proud to be part of a historic milestone in Asia-Pacific connectivity and remain committed to delivering world-class digital infrastructure for a more connected future," Dian concluded.

PNG DataCo CEO Paul Komboi highlighted that the PUKPUK-1 cable is the tangible result of a partnership built over nearly a decade.

"PUKPUK-1 is more than just a cable. It is a bridge between nations, a platform for economic opportunity, and a foundation for digital transformation," he said. He further noted that the geographical proximity between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea should naturally be strengthened through reliable digital connectivity, and the collaboration with Telin stands as a clear manifestation of that shared vision.

Media Contact: Pri Handoko – VP Corporate Affairs, Email: corcomm@telin.net | Phone: +62811 8400 999

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

TelkomGroup Launches Pukpuk Submarine Cable: The First Digital Bridge Connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

TelkomGroup Launches Pukpuk Submarine Cable: The First Digital Bridge Connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

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