Recruitment Guide to South East Asia

1. Recruiter guide to... www.recruiter.co.uk
Asia Pacific CONTENTS
Region looks full of 34
recruitment promise
Connected Group 37
Opinion
Simply Recruitment 38
Opinion
JPA Opinion 41
Antal Opinion 43
Economies in the West still seem to be licking their
wounds from the aftermath of the global financial
crisis. Despite positive signals, overall growth is
tentative to say the least, as business remains wary
of the fragile state of the Eurozone and the
inflation-making price of oil due to the situation
in the Middle East.
The Asian tigers, by contrast, appear to
have woken from hibernation and are
roaring at the world to come and join in
their growth. Countries such as Hong
Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan,
Thailand and of course China are
witnessing a boom in the recruitment
market and need experienced recruiters
to help them meet their challenges.
Recruiter’s Guide to Asia Pacific opens
up the world of recruitment in the
region and reveals the good — and the
bad — points of working out there.
Read their experiences and decide if the
crouching tigers can unleash your hidden
dragon...
DeeDee Doke
Editor, Guide to Asia Pacific
9 March 11 Recruiter 33

2. Recruiter guide to... www.recruiter.co.uk
Asia Pacific
Region looks full of
recruitment promise
Prospects for recruiters seem to be nearly as hot as the region’s many
countries. Kurt Jacobs investigates what the reality is for recruiters
looking to relocate and where the best opportunities are
t’s the heat that hits first: a
I blast that causes a sharp
intake of breath in any
European visitor stepping off
at a South-East Asian airport. And
it’s not just the air that’s hot, for
while the UK’s economy is frozen
in near recession, Asia Pacific’s
wealth and recruitment sector are
rising like mercury.
Last year the region’s economy
expanded by 8.6%. It is
predicted that during 2011, Asia
Pacific’s rush for growth will
barely break stride at 7.6%.
“It’s going gangbusters.
Recruitment here is an incredibly
dynamic industry,” says Steven
Yeong, of Singaporean
recruitment training consultancy
Hof. “Yes, the credit crunch hit the
region, but within four months the
economy was growing again
across a range of sectors — IT,
financial services, manufacturing,
green tech.”
“Asia Pacific is growing at an
incredible rate,” adds John
Hunter, who has worked across
the region and is now developing
a presence there for Redgrave
Partners. “It’s driven in part by
the global shift of power from
North America and Europe, and
partly because recruitment here
is still a relatively immature
market.”
Although the region’s
recruitment market is spread
across more than 20 countries
L
most high-level work is handled
34 Recruiter 9 March 11

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5. OPINION
Asia Connection – The markets in
Asia are currently booming
Mathew Gollop, Group Managing Director of ConnectedGroup talks about the
region and the company’s growth and challenges
I
arrived in Hong Kong in February 2001 to join business. Emerging markets by definition are We look for people that are motivated by how
ConnectedGroup. My plane landed as the dot highly entrepreneurial and with a commitment they can develop their career as opposed to
com bubble burst, and following the a to building meaningful relationships and just the opportunity to work overseas. The
management buy-out 12 months later, which I seeking to add value at every turn the results markets are busy but they are highly
led, we weathered a prolonged downturn which are rewarding. As an example, in the last competitive and need people with that
included the impact of SARS. By 2003 a month we have: commercial edge to really make a difference.
significant corner was turned, where we began We generally recruit more experienced
– sat at the Boardroom table with a multi-billion
a growth trajectory from seven people in one consultants and this translates into the quality
(US$) Hong Kong company on a global
office to eighty five across five offices which of our delivery and how we are perceived by
acquisition spree, we worked exclusively on
gave a geographical reach of Asia and the
hiring across the top tier of three new our clients. Our company page on LinkedIn
Middle East by mid 2008. The recent Global
additional organisational charts. shows that 60% of people at ConnectedGroup
crisis has again brought its challenges which
possess five to10 years experience compared
have been overcome by acquiring new investors. – worked closely with a new China focused
to 38% of similar companies. Operating in an
This enabled us to rebuild and also restructure to private equity fund which aims to be worth
environment of experienced peers makes a
become our strongest team yet with an US$20bn in value in 10 years, and started
big difference to your personal development.
exceptional and optimistic outlook as we ride the hiring the core operational team.
upturn. ConnectedGroup as now at a ‘moment in
– advised a €65m pre-IPO ecommerce business Asian markets are challenging in many ways.
time’ – one of those points in history where it can
on how to structure their management team You need to be professionally aggressive without
be a career defining choice to be involved.
and, as a result, received exclusive searches being personally aggressive and have an open
for two roles and gotten a foot in the door to mind to understand some of the cultural
Running ConnectedGroup has given me the
grow with the business and work directly with subtleties that shape the business dynamic.
opportunity to work across a broad range of
industry verticals including banking the founder.
(investment and commercial/retail), Hong Kong and Singapore are amazing places
manufacturing, supply chain, consumer, In order to meet our goal of growing to 200-250 to live being convenient, safe and lively. With
technology, healthcare and professional staff in the next three years our leadership team access to such a diverse range of social,
services to name a few which have then needs to be released and enabled to bring historical and natural experiences very few
cascaded down into fully operational significant value as both people and business places in the world compare. Combine this
practices. This has given me a good overview developers. This is why we are working on with the highly competitive tax environment
of how the region is structured in terms of evolving our internal talent plus recruiting current and if you can deal with the distance from
industry focus in addition to the cultural and future leaders that will help us shape the home then its hard to think why you would be
differences that exist. future. If you work for a big brand then the name anywhere else right now.
above the door tells you what you need to know
The region offers a real opportunity to truly about the culture – at ConnectedGroup we are all
consult as opposed to simply transact involved in defining the culture for ourselves.
Mathew Gollop, Group Managing Director, ConnectedGroup
T : +852 3972 5874 F : +852 3972 5897 E : mat@connectedgroup.com
Visit us at www.connectedgroup.com
9 March 11 Recruiter 37

6. COMMUNITY CONTENT
OPINION
Asian Focus
Overview of Marketplace and Sectors
Jackie Rees, Simply Recruitment
f you’re considering a move to Asia then there Hong Kong it’s a flat rate of 15% and in Singapore highly sought after. Other areas in demand are
I is no better time. As a recruiter you’ll be
delighted to hear that whilst Asia’s economy
took a big dip during the recession, it was
there’s a sliding scale up to a maximum of 20%.
Cost of living is fairly high but you can still enjoy
a great standard of living. And it’s not just the
IT and T, Digital, Sales, Marketing and Legal.
Solid experience really means that you can
demonstrate your knowledge in your market
amongst the first to recover. place for single people; families also relocate sector and have a steady track record of
and settle well too. developing business within it. For all overseas
So why Asia?
hires a stable employment background is
There are many good reasons to explore the What about the language and necessary although there is obviously an
Asian market for your next career move. There how dominated is the understanding that the last couple of years
is certainly money to be made but it’s not all
recruitment industry with have proved to be a challenge for many.
about the money. The Asian market is typically a
little less mature and that creates opportunity.
Westerners? The process?
What that means to you is the chance to operate The senior management level within recruitment
Gaining a position in Asia can be relatively
at a more senior level than you’re exposed to in in Asia is fairly top heavy with Westerners but
straightforward and amazingly quick so make
the UK, to be more consultative and less below that there’s a fairly even split between
sure you have considered the move carefully (and
transactional with your clients and to enrich your locals and expats. Most businesses work hard what you will do with your house, car etc) before
career and life by spending time in a completely to gain a balance and in an ideal world their staff you start the ball rolling. Typically you will have
different culture. Other benefits include the would all speak the local language. It’s easier two or three telephone and/or Skype
opportunity to be central to a whole new for English speakers in Singapore than places conversations, and you will need to give two
continent to explore in your free time and let’s like Hong Kong, but certain industry sectors referees who can be contacted by phone. Within
not forget the climate! throughout Asia can accommodate them more a couple of weeks an offer could be made without
readily. However, not speaking the language will you ever stepping foot into Asia. Think this
But what does working in Asia not get in the way of success if you are able and through carefully though as you want to make the
really mean to a UK recruiter? willing to overcome the cultural sensitivities: it right choice. It might be in your interest to plan a
The biggest difference is of course the culture might just take a bit longer. holiday to make sure you know what you’re
and what that means to you is that you will
signing up for. At a more senior level you may be
need to be sensitive to the differences and be Who is in demand and where
flown in for the last stage but this isn’t always the
happy to adapt your style accordingly. Since are the opportunities? case. Relocation is not always a given either so
the recruitment market is less mature and far Experienced recruitment consultants are don’t expect it and certainly budget without it.
more relationship focused, if you are a hard- highly sought after and in Asia there’s also a Visas take between two and six weeks to come
nosed recruiter who wants everything
shortage of strong mid to senior managers. In through and can accommodate both you and
yesterday, it might not be for you. If on the
fact, Asia has been struggling with talent partner/families as appropriate. So within two
other hand you understand that relationships
shortages for 15 years and it’s still one of the months you could find yourself sitting in a new air
take work and time but can result in a loyal
major constraints to business growth. You will conditioned office wondering what delicacy to
and committed client base, this could be the
need to have at least three years’ solid have for lunch!
perfect next step to springboard your career.
recruitment experience and since so much of
Food for thought isn’t it??
The income tax levels are another major the economies’ GDP’s are made up of Financial
attraction to the UK recruiter. For example in Services, a background in this area will be
To discuss your situation and get an idea about what the
Asian market can offer you contact Jackie Rees at
Simply Recruitment jrees@simplyrecruitment.com.au
38 Recruiter 9 March 11

9. OPINION
JPA: perfectly positioned to help you
exceed your boundaries in recruitment
Robin Clarke, Director, JPA Asia Pacific Pty LTD
ince 2004, JPA has successfully relocated To be able to work in Singapore and Hong Kong it When you’re looking to get away from the
S hundreds of experienced UK-based
recruitment consultants to Asia and
Australasia.
is essential to hold a work permit and in both
locations it is advantageous to have a degree
coupled with the essential recruitment
corporate life, both Hong Kong and Singapore
have expansive areas of countryside, which are
in complete contrast to the modern and built-up
experience. However, should you have sufficient atmosphere of the cities. Here, you are free to
Within Asia we have placed experienced
experience there is less of a necessity to have a relax and enjoy the stunning views, and be
recruiters in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo
degree to gain a visa in the Hong Kong market. reminded of the historic background upon which
across a variety of sectors. We have
these two nations were built.
relationships with major national, international What are the Hong Kong and
and boutique brands. We have the ability and the Singapore recruitment Despite being an appealing place to live, with
know-how to initiate the process before your plenty of attractions, stunning views and good
departure from the UK, which gives you peace of
markets like to work in? food, Hong Kong and Singapore are expensive
mind knowing you have a role secured, or will The markets are fast paced and it is very place to live. Renting and accommodation can
have had or will have interviews arranged for competitive between the different consultancies be extremely expensive; often prices are higher
your arrival. – a mixture of national, international and than London.
boutique brands. The HK and Singapore markets
At JPA, we look to partner with recruiters who are very relationship-based and a consultative Hong Kong and Singapore both have very
are serious about a move overseas because, just approach is needed to gain trust from clients. favourable tax systems, which will give you the
like our clients, we want recruiters who are not opportunity to achieve very lucrative earnings
only moving for a lifestyle change but primarily to The Chinese attach particular importance to and in turn lead an affluent lifestyle.
further their careers. relationships in business, and it is natural that
many new friendships are formed through work We would advise anyone who moves to these
Why consider Hong Kong both with clients and candidates. As such, the countries to take cultural differences into
or Singapore? ability to network and socialise is key to success consideration. It will obviously take a period of
within the HK and Singapore markets; expect to time to settle in but once you do you will enjoy a
As two of the world’s major financial centres,
be socialising hard as well as working hard. fantastic lifestyle, and at the same time develop
both have fast-growing, free-trade economies
your career in a buoyant and ever-growing
and excellent financial infrastructures. There is a strong ‘ex-pat’ community and within economy.
Hong Kong is seen as the gateway into the vast many recruitment businesses a large proportion
Chinese market and Singapore has declared of the consultants will be from overseas markets,
itself as one of the fastest growing economies in although it is essential to integrate yourself into If you have a strong recruitment background
the world. the local culture and working environment. within the UK, and are looking to explore a move
In both markets English is spoken as the primary overseas, JPA will talk you through the
In similar fashion to Australia, the economies of
business language, although you will need to be opportunities which suit your needs. We will also
Hong Kong and Singapore are very buoyant, with
mindful of some cultural differences when offer advice on salaries and how the process of
not enough recruiters to meet the demand.
dealing with and entertaining clients. relocating to these countries can work for you.
Therefore we are currently dealing with a large
With close client relationships across a wide
number of mandates from clients in both Hong What is it like to live in HK Asia-Pacific network, coupled with more than a
Kong and Singapore that are wanting to hire
experienced contingent and search consultants,
and Singapore? decade’s experience in successfully introducing
clients to candidates, JPA is perfectly poised to
team leaders and managers primarily in the IT, Both are renowned for their spectacular skyline
help you make that move and exceed your
accountancy & finance, financial services, HR and bright lights. Hong Kong and Singapore are
boundaries in recruitment.
and legal sectors. vibrant cities and offer great nightlife.
To find out more about recruitment roles overseas in Asia or Australasia, please
contact Alice McKeown in JPA’s London office 0207 821 4822
alice.mckeown@j-p-a.com or Robin Clarke, Director of JPA Asia Pacific,
on +612 8249 4033 robin.clarke@j-p-a.com www.j-p-a.asia
9 March 11 Recruiter 41

11. OPINION
China for the New Year: in at the deep end
Antal International’s Sarah Jones reports on the Shanghai experience
Sarah, can you tell us world’s front line. There is more happening here few basic phrases. It shows a level of respect
right now than in any other market in the world and effort that Chinese nationals really warm to.
something about your
and Shanghai is right at the forefront of the
background and how you’ve country’s economic development. With nearly 20
ended up in Shanghai? What is the working
million people it’s now China’s most populous city
Originally from Sussex I did a marketing degree and almost certainly its most exciting one.
environment like on a
at university and then fell into recruitment, There’s a real buzz and energy about the place day-to-day basis?
initially working for a large IT recruiter. I then set that makes New York feel positively sleepy and Very fast moving, very challenging but very
up a media division for another recruitment uncool by comparison. So, let’s face it, how rewarding. There is a huge demand for talent
specialist before getting the opportunity to make could I say no? from both international and local companies and,
more use of my academic training by joining if you can satisfy it, you can carve a real niche
Antal International. I initially worked with chief for yourself here and build, not just a successful
Nowhere is ever perfect though,
executive, Tony Goodwin, and group managing desk but a complete business. Having said that I
director, Graeme Read, to create an in-house
Sarah. What’s it really like think it’s very important that you come to China
marketing function and was then asked to move under the glitz? with the right organisation. There are a lot of
to the franchise arm of the business to help with Everyone here is in a hurry to get to where overseas recruitment companies trying to jump
its international expansion. After five years with they’re going and get things done, and it can all on the China bandwagon at the moment and a
the company I decided I wanted to do the be a bit exhausting, particularly in the first few fair few are falling straight off again. Antal has
travelling I’d missed out on before and took weeks. Just negotiating the commute from been here for over a dozen years now and has
nearly two years out before coming back into a apartment to office sometimes leaves me as over 150 fee earners spread across its offices in
role supporting the training and development of bruised and battered as if I’d done a couple of Shanghai and Beijing. It means we have the sort
franchisees around the world. It was a great rounds with David Haye. It’s also still very of experience and contacts that many of our
experience and a lot of fun, but before long I felt bureaucratic. For example, I had nightmares competitors can only dream about.
the need to get back to the front line and start getting my visa as the application forms changed
generating revenue myself again rather than at the last minute — several days after I’d
What advice would you give to
helping others to do it. It was then that the completed and submitted them. And while
English is becoming increasingly important, the
a recruiter thinking about a
company suggested a move to its Shanghai
office to handle recruitment in the media and great majority of people still don’t speak it move to China?
communications sectors. outside of the business world, so some Get used to eating with chopsticks. Get used to
knowledge of Chinese is vital. Antal has a working like a lunatic. Buy into Chinese culture.
fantastic internal network and I used that to find And most of all, don’t hesitate. If you are really
A lot of recruiters would be
a really good local tutor who has already got me serious about your career, this is the place to be
hard pressed to point out up to a reasonable level, even though I’ve only over the next few years.
Shanghai on a map, let alone been here since January. Some expatriates do
move there. What attracted you seem to get by without learning the language but
to the city? I think that showing you are making the effort
I said I wanted to get back to the front line and makes all the difference. People are very
it’s no exaggeration to say that China is now the impressed, even if you can just come out with a
For more information about opportunities in China or with Antal in over 30 countries,
contact James Darlington on +86 10 6410 8866 ext. 211
or email jdarlington@antal.com.cn or for global opportunities with
Antal email prc@antal.com
9 March 11 Recruiter 43

12. Recruiter guide to...
Asia Pacific Chris Arnold, managing
consultant, Proco
Multinationals increasingly
feel they must have a presence
in Asia, and wherever the
money goes, recruiters follow
L
through Singapore and Hong setting up a 10-strong office in of Kelly Services in Singapore.
Kong, two city-island states which Hong Kong, and plans to open in “It’s because Singapore is
conduct a 1,600 mile love-hate Singapore and then Shanghai. Its winning the reputation as the
relationship, but in truth work managing consultant Chris easiest place in Asia in which to
closely and interchangeably. Arnold says that multinationals do business. We’re seeing lots of
Most international recruiters — increasingly feel they must have a businesses move operations from
such as Kelly, Robert Walters, presence in Asia and “wherever Australia to here. It’s generally
Hays, Adecco and Michael Page the money goes, recruiters seen that if you want to be in Asia
— have strong presences in follow”. you have to be in Singapore.”
either one or both cities, but do Although some consolidation is “It’s a well-worn path,” adds
not hold the same market taking place the small and Guy Day, chief executive of
dominance as they do in Europe middle recruiter market remains Ambition, which has established
or North America. strong: to be a recruiter in offices in both Hong Kong and
Some larger players cut staff Singapore or Hong Kong is Singapore. “There’s a view that
during the global recession and usually to work in one of London is going to be a long slog
have yet to return to previous hundreds of small agencies, often to recovery, so let’s go to Asia and
strengths. However, there has created by established expats, make some money there.
been a rush to stake claims in taking advantage of a market that “But it’s not that easy — it takes
both cities in recent months, with puts great reliance on personal time to build a presence, and it’s
recruiters such as search relationships and where the idea only after three or four years that
specialist Green Park and middle of a preferred supplier is still in its clients start to take you seriously.
management recruiter Argyll infancy. There are not that many Chinese
Scott, a subsidiary of Redgrave “Although there are many recruiters in Hong Kong or
Partners, opening in Singapore. recruiters here there’s increasing Shanghai, so we have to train
Meanwhile Proco, the supply pressure on the mid-tier,” says people up from an earlier stage
chain leader search firm, is Mark Sparrow, managing director in their career, but you can’t drop Downtown Hong Kong
A recruiter’s life building relationships in Asia Pacific
A recruiter who has learned his or her trade in the Western would typically earn twice that of his counterpart in Singapore,
school of hard sell, fast talking and quick deals will have to and four times that of a peer in Kuala Lumpur. Now a Londoner
adapt sharpish to the intimate style of business in Asia Pacific. and a Singaporean would be on a fairly even footing.
“Getting on here is all about developing relationships,” says Where those working in Asia Pacific really benefit, though, is
Robert Walters managing director Andrea Ross, whose patch via low levels of tax. Even the highest earning recruiters are
covers Singapore and Malaysia. unlikely to pay more than 20% tax in Singapore, while in Hong
“You have to adopt a long-term strategy in building Kong income is taxed after rent — usually the biggest single
connections — rounds of golf, restaurant meals after work.You outgoing — with sizable tax free allowances and income tax
have to be a mature, more traditional recruiter willing to spend levels rarely rising above 15%: some pay as little as five%.
time getting to know people.” The numbers of expats working in Asia Pacific varies greatly
What most recruitment firms in Asia Pacific look for from between nations. For example, more than a third of Singapore’s
potential employees is sensitivity and staying power: population is foreign-born, while in Hong Kong they account
understanding and respecting a different business culture and for less than 5% despite it having been a British colony until 14
an intention to stay more than a few years. years ago.
Kelly’s Mark Sparrow adds: “The impetus is on building Hong Kong is the faster, racier of the three main Asia Pacific
relationships. If you come here for quick gains you may get one recruitment centres, typically appealing to 20 somethings who
or two successes but you’ll eventually fail. The people that enjoy a work hard, play hard attitude. Singapore, meanwhile, is
thrive are those that take time to build relationships.Viewed called the Switzerland of Asia because it is ordered, safe,
from the UK, Asia Pacific might appear to be a backwater of clean, and appeals to those with families.
recruitment. The truth is that it works in a different way, and is The main criteria for working in Japan, says Swan, is
as dynamic and sophisticated as any other part of the world.” cultural: willingness to adapt and identify with the way of life is
Wage levels in the region vary widely, but as the industry critical. Indeed many of his staff come from those who have
matures they are coming into line with those of the UK. gone to Japan to teach English and turn to recruiting as a way of
Robert Walters’ David Swan says in Japan commissions for staying in the country. “It may be traditional recruiting but
large international deals are considerable — between 30% and working in South Asia means long hours,” says Ross. “It’s not
45%. Hunter adds that five years ago a recruiter in London finishing in the office for tennis at six. It’s hard work.”
44 Recruiter 9 March 11

13. www.recruiter.co.uk
Dilal Ranasinghe, managing John Hunter, Redgrave
director, Argyll Scott Partners
This is a very relationship- Asia Pacific is driven in part
driven market. People don’t by the global shift of power
like being sold to, and from North America and
certainly don’t like pressure Europe
selling
Market your individuality
“The thing that really cripples you in Hong Kong is the social
life,” says Dilal Ranasinghe. “It’s so easy to go out — if you
want to make money keep a cap on your social life.”
Ranasinghe, managing director of Argyll Scott’s commerce
division, moved to Hong Kong with his partner three years
ago. He had been partly brought up in Asia and, after starting
his career in London, decided he wanted to move there again.
He says one of the biggest adaptations he has had to make is
in technique: “This is a very relationship-driven market.
People don’t like being sold to, and certainly don’t like
pressure selling.
“One of the first things any client wants to know is how long
you’ve been in Asia. If you can say three to six years you can
see them relax and open up. If you say you’ve just arrived
they’ll grill you. Hong Kong and Singapore are such transient
cities, and they want to make sure any relationship they
develop is for the longer term.”
Ranasinghe says successful recruiters in Asia Pacific
market themselves as individual brands rather than as parts
of a corporation. Despite its dynamism and transience, Hong
Kong is a small market where everyone knows everyone and
a lot of foreigners on the market Pacific than Singapore, Hong personal recommendation carries weight.
and expect the operation to fly.” Kong and Tokyo. Increasingly There is one downside to working in Hong Kong: it is not a
Many senior recruiters working recruiters are servicing other job for those who like their beauty sleep: “Recruiters in Hong
in Asia Pacific have the phrase nations directly as their Kong work longer hours than counterparts in the UK or US. It’s
‘ex-Japan’ slipped quietly into economies modernise. For partly because they have to take calls from other parts of the
their job titles, a quiet admission example, late last year Robert world, which means they’re regularly working until 7.30-8pm.
that the Japanese market is Walters opened an office in South Fortunately, locals in Hong Kong are not morning people.”
distinct from other parts of the Korea, while technical recruiter
region. Fircroft has recently opened in
In comparison with the both Malaysia and Thailand.
rocketing growth of the rest of Vietnam’s economy is growing
the region Japan is struggling, at 6.5%, driven by a The great opportunity, though, with challenges and one in which
after two decades, to recover the manufacturing economy, and has in Asia Pacific is China. Up to now a number of recruiters have had
drive that made it a post-war been forecast to become the most recruiters trying to break their fingers burnt. The mainland
economic miracle. Ironically this fastest growing of all Asia Pacific into the People’s Republic have does not use English as its main
makes its recruitment market a nations by 2025. been content to use Hong Kong business language — indeed its
rather promising one. That has been matched by 7% as a stepping stone and Beijing Mandarin is very different from
“Compared with Europe or growth in Malaysia as it switches as their great leap forward into Hong Kong’s Cantonese. Nor
North America the Japanese from an economy based on China proper. does it use the English legal
recruitment market is agriculture to one on technology But, says James Bennett, system adopted by Singapore
underdeveloped,” says David and financial services. managing director of and Hong Kong.
Swan, Robert Walters’ managing Meanwhile, the third Asian eFinancialCareers.com in Asia, “It’s actually quite hard to
director in Japan and South tiger, South Korea — which did there is now interest in cities such place non-mainland Chinese in
Korea. not go into recession during the as Shenzhen and Shanghai, cities like Beijing and Shanghai,
“Recruitment, in the past, was credit crunch — is clawing ahead particularly for financial services. even from Singapore, Taiwan
based around jobs for life. with aggressive exports of “It’s no secret Shanghai intends and Hong Kong,” he adds. “A lot
People joined a business, were electronics, textiles, ships and becoming a global financial of mainland Chinese have been
tried out in various roles and cars. centre by 2026,” he adds. “The overseas to university and are
then promoted internally. It Taiwan, the final tiger, is thing they really need is talent: starting to fill senior roles like
meant there wasn’t much showing its stripes with an there’s a great opportunity for managers and accountants.
recruiting taking place. That’s economy that grew by 10% last recruiters to help deepen that It’s also difficult to get senior
now changing but it’s still a year as it moves from pool.” people to relocate to the
strong element –– and South manufacturing towards services, Ambition’s Day says that mainland because wages are
Korea is 10 years behind that.” technology and creative although there is growing interest often well below their levels
However, there is more to Asia industries. in mainland China, it is a market of expectation.”
9 March 11 Recruiter 45