APAC Hiring Intentions Strengthen as
Employers Express Optimism for Q2 2025
The Net Employment Outlook for Q2 2025 in Asia Pacific is 30%, up 3 points from both Q1 2025 and Q2 2024.
Employers in India (+43%), China (+32%) and Singapore (+27%) report the strongest Outlooks in the region, while Hong Kong (China) shows the most cautious Outlook (+11%).
The Information Technology sector continues to lead hiring intentions (+42%), followed by Financials & Real Estate (+34%) and Industrials and Materials (+31%).
Larger organizations demonstrate the strongest hiring intentions, with companies of 5,000+ employees reporting the strongest Outlook (+38%).
VIETNAM (20 MARCH 2025) – The latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey reveals a strengthened hiring Outlook across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for Q2 2025, with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 30%. This represents an increase of 3 points compared to both the previous quarter and Q2 2024.
The Survey, which gathered data from over 10,078 employers across seven APAC countries and territories, indicates a growing confidence in the region's labor market as businesses look to expand and invest in talent.
“The latest uptick in hiring intentions across APAC is a promising sign for the market. When compared to the previous quarter, the increased hiring intentions employers are reporting this quarter reflect the region’s adaptability and persistent focus on growth,” said François Lançon, Regional President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup.
Besides employment Outlooks, the APAC report also shed light on the main reasons for staffing increases. 42% of employers in APAC report company expansion as the top reason for staffing increases, followed by new ventures requiring new roles (33%), and tech advancements needing more expertise (31%).
“Companies across APAC are proactively shaping their workforce for long-term growth and innovation. Initiatives like China's AI investment fund, Hong Kong (China)’s investment in an AI Research and Development Institute, and Singapore’s New Enterprise Compute Initiative are fueling demand for skilled talent, particularly in tech and AI. These efforts underscore the region’s drive toward technological leadership, even amid economic challenges, solidifying APAC’s position as a hub of resilience and opportunity,” Mr.Lançon said.
In Vietnam, ManpowerGroup Vietnam expects recruitment demand to rise across various sectors in Q2/2025, especially in Manufacturing. Vo Thi Bich Thuy, Regional Manager-South, Permanent Recruitment & Consulting Services, ManpowerGroup Vietnam shared, “Since the start of the year, we have received the most recruitment requests for skilled workers from businesses in Industrials & Materials – including Manufacturing (38%), followed by Financials & Real Estate, Consumer Goods & Services, and IT.”
Notably, the IT sector is rapidly looking for highly skilled and experienced professionals to spearhead digital transformation projects and new technological initiatives. Meanwhile, the demand for young professionals or fresh graduates in this industry has weakened. “Businesses are evaluating market conditions and economic indicators before deciding to increase their headcount, prioritizing upskilling and reskilling their current workforce over hiring new employees, " Nguyen Thi Thu Thanh, Regional Manager - North, Permanent Recruitment & Consulting Services, ManpowerGroup Vietnam explained.
Experts at ManpowerGroup Vietnam emphasize the importance of comprehensive HR planning to optimize workforce potential. Companies should develop strategies for a 3-5 year period, focusing on building internal talent rather than relying on external sources. As market competition intensifies, recruitment becomes increasingly challenging, especially when it's hard to find talent with the skills they need.”
To view the complete results for the Q2 2025 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, including regional and country data, visit: https://manpower.com.vn/MEOS
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About the Survey
The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey is the most comprehensive, forward-looking employment survey of its kind, used globally as a key labor market indicator. The Net Employment Outlook (NEO) is derived by taking the percentage of employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and subtracting from this the percentage of employers expecting a decrease in hiring activity.
Survey Methodology
The methodology used to collect the data for the Employment Outlook has been digitized in 41 markets for the Q2 2025 report. Survey responses were collected in January 2025. The question asked and the respondent profile remains unchanged. Size of organization and sector are standardized across all countries and territories to allow international comparisons.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding labor demand in certain regions, countries/territories, and industries, economic uncertainty, and workforce trends. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, due to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. ManpowerGroup disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements in this release, except as required by law.
About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity – as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality, and Disability, and in 2025 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time – all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.
For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
About ManpowerGroup Vietnam
ManpowerGroup is the leading global recruitment, staffing and outsourcing company in Vietnam, operating in the country since 2008. We are the first 100% foreign invested company licensed to provide recruitment, staffing and outsourcing services since our first footprints in Vietnam. With our thorough understanding of staffing trends and our deep pool of highly qualified candidates, Manpower can deliver the talent, matching the right individual to the right job – faster and with better business results. For more information, visit www.manpower.com.vn, or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
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