A recent report by CBRE has discovered that the eight largest international tech talent markets, each with more than 500,000 tech professionals, are all situated in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025 by CBRE examines the realignments of technology talent throughout the Asia-Pacific region and notes the growing competition in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development that is opening up new opportunities for talented workers.
Rohini Saluja, Asia Pacific Head of Consulting and Integrated Client Solutions, Managing Director for CBRE, explained the shift in the nature of the industry, saying, "AI will drive the next economic growth cycle, generating high economic value and real estate requirements. We are observing talent in tech anchored in APAC, moving away from general engineering to specialist AI positions. India and China are competing with the U.S.' largest markets and China's largest markets, and niche talent pools are forming in cities such as Singapore."
According to the report, the future outlook for the tech sector and its workforce demand continue to be high, fueled by the continued digitalization of economies across the world.
Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific, CBRE, stated, "The pool of talent in Asia Pacific is deep, with many AI-related specialists focused in China and India. Continued AI advancements and innovation will fuel economic growth, and spur tech talent employment growth and real estate demand in Asia Pacific."
In terms of venture capital (VC) investments, AI has played a key role in propelling healthy growth in the technology sector. The guidebook indicates that 2024 witnessed the highest-ever USD $129 billion of venture capital investment in 5,900 deals globally. Whereas North America attracted 59% of all global VC funding, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe each got approximately 20%.
Among Asia-Pacific nations, the handbook singled out Beijing, Bengaluru, and Shanghai as having uniquely high numbers of technology professionals, each with more than one million. The publication also pointed out that, with respect to qualifications, Ireland, Switzerland, and Singapore stand out for having highest rates, but the United States and China still have the greatest numbers of universities with top-class ratings.
The report speaks of the development of cities in China, India and Southeast Asia as new hubs drawing tech talent. Start-ups like DeepSeek in Hangzhou are examples of this development. The causes of the development of these markets include advances in education and technical skills, good business climates, cheaper operational costs, and a high standard of living. The report observes that telecommuting has been a key factor in helping these new markets by making it easier for them to connect more efficiently with international teams.
The evolving preferences of technology firms regarding office location is also noted. Companies are increasingly reassessing their location strategies in response to shifting international trade policies and talent mobility. The ease of talent movement across borders has become particularly important for corporate occupiers as hybrid work arrangements continue to increase the mobility of office-based employees.
In spite of a recent slowdown that started in 2023, the report observes that long-term growth opportunities for the technology industry are robust. Ongoing innovation in AI and consistent streams of venture capital will continue to sustain the demand for technology professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.
