WE ARE DIFFERENT BECAUSE WE WERE BORN WORLDWIDE. REALLY.

The vast Asia Pacific region – commonly referred to as APAC – is a part of the world defined by its proximity to the Western Pacific Ocean, typically including much of East Asia, South Asia and Oceania. This uniquely diverse region encompasses:

  • South-East Asia
  • Korea
  • Greater China
  • India
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • Japan

APAC is a geographically defined region, characterised by a variability of climate and terrain with uneven population distribution and diverse languages and cultures, set against a backdrop of assorted political histories and disparate levels of economic development.

Asia Pacific culture is both deep and diverse, with a mix of religions and 14 languages spoken across more than 23 countries. In short, there is no common Asian culture or approach to business and there is certainly no single Asian market. APAC is unique in its complexity, but one thing is certain: things work differently in Asia!

The world’s fastest growing markets are in the APAC region, vibrant and dynamic with rising per capita income coupled with increased consumerism. And of course, the Asia Pacific region is home to two impossible-to-ignore markets – India and China.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution settles upon us, pundits and practitioners are divided on the future world of work. But, make no mistake; much of that work is shifting from West to East. It is no wonder, then, that today’s global talent leaders are increasingly turning their attention to the Asia-Pacific region as a critical component – and core market – of human capital strategies.

And when it comes to hiring procedures in the APAC environment, there is no place for guesswork; whether it is between Western customs and Asian traditions or from one Asian market to another, it is risky to assume that desires and motivations are the same, that one-size fits all and that it’s business as usual. Phasing a rollout should always be combined with an Executive Search process that is tailored to fit local market expectations.

The sourcing, engagement and selection of candidates, amid unique combinations of demographic and economic drivers, requires ever more sophisticated resourcing and talent management systems. As established multinationals vie with rapidly emerging businesses, within the regional startup ecosystem, the competition to lure top talent is becoming increasingly ruthless.

With rapidly growing markets far from economic saturation, the APAC region has a mounting appetite for synergy in job creation and talent requirements. Already, organisations like World Bank and UNDP are investing heavily in infrastructure and capacity building to support the steep growth in the region.

Currently, more than 3 out of 5 people on the planet live in the APAC region. This represents well over 50% of the global workforce and, according to the World Bank, that share has been rising steadily over the past two decades!

This is why AIMS strives to think beyond traditional boundaries and national borders. We relentlessly develop multi-country integrated projects, using common processes and tools for high and consistent quality. We build teams specifically for each client and each assignment, tailoring our organisational model in service of the client’s needs.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

Sukwon Choi

Executive VP Asia Pacific