SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 25 October 2021 – Global recruitment specialists Michael Page Singapore witnessed the number of jobs rise in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020 by 21%. According to job opportunity data observed by Michael Page, this was led by growth in job opportunities across certain key sectors from last year namely Engineering & Manufacturing (up 48%), Digital (up 27%) and Technology (up 17%). 

Nilay Khandelwal, Managing Director of Michael Page Singapore

Speaking from recent observations, Nilay Khandelwal, Managing Director of Michael Page Singapore says, “These optimistic figures are indicative of the market conditions in Singapore improving and will continue to hold ground because we foresee various industries to be on the rise. Companies have recognised that securing the right talent is what will give them the competitive edge. In order to do so, a number have a clear indication of what skills they require and have adopted a good attraction strategy which goes beyond just high salaries.”

As Singapore remains an ideal strategic digital location from both an infrastructure and talent standpoint, the highest demand in this space are for digital product managers which combine a unique set of skills. Driving the job opportunities up 27% from Q3 2020, Nilay Khandelwal observes, “These special profiles are the most talked about and consists of people who are either existing product managers or product engineers or in some cases have been moved into digital roles from an existing marketing function. They are the brains behind the digital product and will act as a bridge between business and technical engineers working on product development. Product design roles have also seen a steady demand especially in the UI/UX area.” 

Job positions in Engineering & Manufacturing almost doubled this year, up 48% as companies in Singapore align with the nation’s industry 4.0 initiatives and actively hire in the automation and digitalisation functions. This is to increase productivity and aid with the labour shortage challenges.

“The job types most requested for within the engineering & manufacturing space are in the automation, digitalisation, technical or pre-sales as well as R&D functions. This is observed across various sectors including chemical, building materials and industrial automation to capitalise on the upward market trend this year,” comments Nilay Khandelwal.

Source: Figures procured from Michael Page Singapore’s proprietary data 

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 25 October 2021 – Global recruitment specialists Michael Page Malaysia witnessed increased job opportunities in some sectors in Q3 2021 compared with 2020. According to job opportunity data shared by Michael Page, this was observed with growth in opportunities within the Marketing (up 45%) and Engineering & Manufacturing (up 22%) sectors. Overall the country saw an 18% rise in the number of job opportunities from last year.

Paul Cooper, Managing Director of Michael Page Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam

Paul Cooper, Managing Director of Michael Page Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam observes, “Marketing in Malaysia’s B2C space is really driving the demand for these professionals as organisations are trying to engage directly with their customers. The pandemic brought about massive changes in consumer patterns and the leading players want to establish a direct link with their customer and decrease their reliance on third party e-commerce platforms.”

This has created a demand for digital marketing, data analysts and product managers who can secure customer engagement through relevant influencers and open new online marketplaces for brands.

Similarly, job opportunities for Malaysian professionals within Engineering & Manufacturing have seen healthy growth (up 22%) from 2020. “This is particularly driven by the global demand for semiconductors and microchips created by the increased volume in consumer electronics production. Factories in Malaysia are pressured to maximise their output which has in turn led to demand for specialists in semiconductor manufacturing,” comments Paul Cooper.

Another contributing factor are investments in the healthcare industry which was ramped up manufacturing within pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This was a strong industry for Malaysia before the pandemic and is currently earmarked for even more growth, thus creating more jobs.

While jobs are on the increase, the current employment demands in the Malaysian market are challenged by a limited talent pool and skills shortage. This has increased the opportunities for specialist contractors as a viable solution for businesses to manage their talent work flow. An increased number of companies are utilising Malaysia’s growing contracting workforce to stay agile, keep their existing up to date and close any skill gaps within.

Source: Information procured from Michael Page Malaysia’s proprietary data

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach – 25 October 2021 – Global recruitment specialists Michael Page Philippines witnessed the number of job opportunities rise in Q3 2021 compared to Q2 with an overall 13% increase. According to job opportunity data shared by Michael Page, growth was also noted within sectors such as Technology (up 37%), Engineering & Manufacturing (up 32%) and Finance (up 10%).

Albert Pérez, Regional Director of Michael Page Philippines

Based out of the Manila office, Albert Pérez, Regional Director of Michael Page Philippines observes, “Companies in the Philippines have adapted to the pandemic and are going ahead with their previously-paused business plans. These roles are for business-critical positions at the middle to top management level. In these uncertain times, strong business leadership is required to drive organisational change and grow as more have to manage transformation brought about by the pandemic.” 

This has created healthy job opportunities in the technology space, up 37% in Q3 from Q2. “Both Filipino companies and large multinationals have increased their investment into the Philippines which has brought about waves of digital transformation. As more companies focus on data and analytics to drive decision making, new technology profiles have been introduced into the market as well,” comments Albert Pérez.  

We see a strong demand for technology professionals at all levels where companies have adjusted to the rapidly evolving business landscape, often needing to bring in external skills sets to accelerate digital upgrades. The economic demands have also increased the need for technology experts with specific field experience such as workplace IT managers who are solely responsible for implementing a complete remote work set up or digital product managers with a UI/UX focus.

Similarly, job opportunities in Engineering & Manufacturing have seen an 32% increase as consumer demands drives factory production. While the Philippines was traditionally strong in producing within the FMCG space, the manufacturing industry has expanded to include electronics and luxury goods.

“The popularity of e-commerce has driven the consumer demand and placed pressure on companies to deliver at a faster rate. This has led to roles in production and project management as well as engineering, operations and procurement,” comments Albert Pérez.  

Source: Michael Page Philippines’ proprietary data 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 22 October 2021 – The establishment of Bad Boys Pest Control Company was inspired by the Badboys Bakery founded by Gordon Ramsay. Through the cooperation with the “Christian New Life Association”, they established a pest control company mainly with drug rehabilitation and rehabilitation staff as the core employees. This cooperation is mainly combined with the “Ark Operation” of the “Christian New Life Association” Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center. The Bad Boys Pest Control Company will provide the residents of the “Ark Operation” Yuen Long Training Center with pest management, pest control methods and decontamination. The vocational skills training of formaldehyde helps them prepare for rejoining the society.

The “Christian New Life Association” which cooperates with Bad Boys Pest Control Company was founded by a group of people and Christians who are willing to respond to the call of God. They are based on the gospel, to help the recipients to be released from various bondages, and to assist the recipients Integrate life, develop personal potential, rebuild healthy interpersonal relationships, and integrate into society. These institutions are well aware that drug abuse is often only a sign of potential socio-psychological problems, and therefore attach great importance to providing comprehensive care. The ultimate goal is not only to help the recipients to get rid of drugs, but also to establish a new healthy lifestyle.

Most of the employees of Bad Boys Pest Control Company were drug addicts who are eager to be accepted by society. Therefore, they can help customers solve pest management problems by training them on the skills of pest control, termite control, post-renovation cleaning, and formaldehyde removal services. In order to improve the lives of customers, for both parties, the slogan of Bad Boys Pest Control Company “Life Changing Experience” can be implemented, and the service fees will be returned to the church. As a past person, we will lead by example to help more drug addicts regain a new life. Relevant training and work make drug addicts feel that they have contributed to the society, thereby gaining a sense of satisfaction, and guiding drug dependents to become responsible and ethical citizens.

In order to provide better services to customers for drug abusers, Bad Boys Termite Control Company will provide vocational training for residents of the “Ark Operation” Yuen Long Training Center. In addition to professional pest management services, there are also rodent control and commercial customer pest control and prevention services. Introduction to service-related industries, safety rules for various appliances and equipment, safe implementation of deratization procedures, and skills training on cleaning after renovation, formaldehyde removal, and household disinfection, so that they can develop in more aspects. There is also household pest control. After-care procedures and instructions for site managers, infection control, pre-occupation cleaning and nano-natural disinfection services, training of personal literacy and job hunting skills.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 22 October 2021 – Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’ or ‘KLN’; Stock Code 0636.HK) is honoured to be named the Best 3PL Provider for the sixth time and Best Logistics Service Provider – Sea for the second time at the 2021 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards (‘AFLAS’), which recognised supply chain best practice in the region and commitment to meeting customers’ ever-changing needs.

William Ma, Group Managing Director of KLN, said, “We are truly grateful for the recognition from the industry and customers. Third party logistics is an essential element of our integrated suite of service offerings. Over the course of the year, KLN has been providing alternative solutions to various sectors to meet everyday challenges amid the pandemic as well as ensuring the supply chains for daily necessities and highly-in-demand stay-at-home goods remained intact in different local markets. Thanks to the tireless efforts and dedication of our colleagues and business partners across the globe, we will continue to provide highly customised solutions to facilitate our customers to navigate a highly volatile global supply situation going forward.”

In August, KLN rolled out a new Trans-Pacific air freight service named Kerry Freight Controlled Network to connect multiple Asian locations to the USA to capture the heightened demands in the pandemic-hit air freight market. The inaugural flight originated from Hong Kong in September.

Earlier this year, KLN has introduced robotic arms “KOOLBotic” in its F&B operation to boost sorting efficiency and raise accuracy for one of UK’s leading retailers in Hong Kong. KOOLBotic is able to work 20-hour shifts and raises sorting productivity by 20%.

Currently in its 35th year, AFLAS aims to honour leading service providers in the freight, port and logistics sectors for demonstrating leadership and consistency in service quality, innovation, customer-relationship management and reliability. The winners are voted by over 15,000 shippers and customers, making each individual award a true reflection of industry distinction.

About Kerry Logistics Network Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)

Kerry Logistics Network is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and the strongest coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal), industrial project logistics, to cross-border e-commerce, last-mile fulfilment and infrastructure investment.

With a global presence across 58 countries and territories, Kerry Logistics Network has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.

Kerry Logistics Network generated a revenue of over HK$53 billion in 2020 and is the largest international logistics company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

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