foundit Archives - AsiaPEVC.com

Philippines Job Market Records 11% Annual Growth Despite Recent Hiring Slowdown

Jobs platform, foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), today released the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for the Philippines, highlighting a significant 11% annual growth in hiring activities, despite an 8% month-on-month decline in March 2025

The monthly hiring trends reflect seasonal hiring slowdowns post-year-end recruitment drives, budgetary realignments, and cautious hiring sentiment amid evolving economic conditions.

Commenting on the Philippines’ job market trends, V Suresh, CEO of foundit, stated, “The continued growth in hiring activity reflects the resilience of the Philippine job market and its steady economic recovery. Key sectors such as Hospitality & Travel, Logistics, and BFSI are driving this momentum. Despite short-term fluctuations, the overall outlook remains positive, with companies strategically focusing on roles that strengthen operational efficiency and enable long-term expansion.”

Hospitality & Travel Sector Drives Industry Hiring Growth; Education Sector Faces Challenges

The Hospitality & Travel sector emerged as the top-performing industry, reporting a 37% year-on-year hiring increase, driven by rising tourist arrivals, infrastructure investments, and supportive governmental policies aimed at bolstering tourism.

Logistics, Courier/Freight/Transportation, and Shipping sectors closely followed with 31% annual hiring growth, supported by investments in distribution centres and fleet management.

Conversely, the Education sector experienced a 13% year-on-year decline in hiring demand. Similarly, the IT and Telecom sectors recorded an 8% decrease, reflecting cautious employer sentiment amid global economic uncertainties and tech investment realignments.

Other sectors demonstrating strong hiring demand annually include BFSI (+13%), Healthcare (+12%), Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment (+10%), and Engineering, Construction, and Real Estate (+7%). More modest growth was seen in BPO/ITES (+4%), Production/Manufacturing (+3%), Consumer Goods/FMCG (+2%), and Retail (+2%).

Purchase and Logistics Professionals in Highest Demand

From a functional perspective, Purchase/Logistics/Supply Chain roles lead the pack with 36% annual hiring surge, fuelled by expanding operations, supply chain efficiency demands, and significant investments in logistics infrastructure.

Sales & Business Development professionals saw 28% growth in demand, alongside Engineering/Production/Real Estate roles at 10%, driven by infrastructure projects and growing market opportunities.

However, Software, Hardware, and Telecom professionals experienced a 14% decline in recruitment demand year-on-year, indicative of cautious hiring amid shifting technological priorities and global economic concerns.

Moderate increases in hiring were observed for Medical Roles (+10%), Marketing & Communications (+9%), Hospitality Roles (+8%), HR & Admin (+7%), and Finance & Accounts (+6%). Customer Service roles remained stable with no significant annual change (0%).

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by jobs platform, foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Timeframe for the Report

The timeframe for the fit data is March 2024 to March 2025.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to its innovative AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation and interview preparation. foundit has connected over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries with the right job roles and upskilling opportunities.

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched cutting-edge tools to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With its advanced technology, foundit is efficiently bridging the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

Earth Day Special: foundit Report Reveals 27% Surge in Green Jobs as Singapore Accelerates Sustainability Push

Key Highlights:

– Green jobs in Singapore show 27% year-on-year growth with 12% month-on-month increase in March ’25
– Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure sector leads sustainability hiring with 29% share of green jobs
– Consulting & Strategy sector accounts for 11% of sustainability-focused positions
– ESG Analyst emerges as the role with the highest growth in demand 28% year-on-year
– Singapore’s green job sector projected to grow by 11% in 2025

Jobs platform, foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), today published the foundit Earth Day Special Singapore Report as part of the foundit Insights Tracker (fit). The report highlights significant growth in sustainability-driven hiring across Singapore’s employment landscape.

The tracker reveals an overall year-on-year (YoY) growth of 27% in green jobs, with a positive month-on-month (MoM) increase of 12% in March 2025, building on the 17% growth seen in February.

“Singapore’s green job market is witnessing remarkable growth,” said V Suresh, CEO of foundit. “Our Earth Day Special report reveals a 27% year-on-year surge in green job opportunities, underscoring the nation’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Pivotal sectors such as Engineering, Construction, and Sustainable Finance are spearheading this transition, driving substantial and lasting impact. This upward trend not only mirrors the evolving demands of the labour market but also resonates strongly with the objectives of Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, reaffirming sustainability as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term economic vision.”

Engineering, Construction and Consulting sectors lead sustainability hiring

The Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure sector has emerged as the frontrunner in sustainability-focused hiring, accounting for 29% of all green job opportunities across monitored industries. This dominance reflects Singapore’s commitment to eco-friendly urban development and sustainable infrastructure projects.

Representing 11% of green job postings, the Consulting & Strategy sector is gaining momentum, driven by growing demand for sustainability consultants and environmental strategists as organisations integrate ESG frameworks into their operations.

Education and Manufacturing & Production sectors each contribute 7% of sustainability-focused positions, highlighting increased focus on workforce reskilling and the transition toward cleaner production practices.

Energy and Research & Technology sectors each account for 6% of green job opportunities, supporting innovations in renewables, green hydrogen, and sustainable R&D initiatives across Singapore.

ESG and Renewable Energy professionals lead demand among sustainability roles

In terms of sustainability-focused roles, ESG Analysts witnessed the highest growth with a 28% year-on-year increase, underscoring the rising importance of environmental, social, and governance considerations in business operations.

Sustainability Consultants followed closely with 24% year-on-year growth, while Renewable Energy Engineers showed strong demand with 22% year-on-year growth, reflecting Singapore’s push toward clean energy alternatives.

Other high-growth roles include Green Supply Chain Managers (+19%), Environmental Policy Officers (+16%), Carbon Credit Analysts (+14%), and Climate Risk Specialists (+13%), indicating broad demand across sustainability functions.

The report highlights evolving skill requirements, with employers increasingly seeking cross-functional expertise that blends engineering, finance, policy, and digital proficiency to meet regulatory and ESG expectations.

Looking ahead, the green job sector in Singapore is projected to grow by 11% in 2025, with renewable energy, electric mobility, and green infrastructure identified as key growth drivers.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

Advertising, Media and Education Sectors Lead Singapore’s Job Market Amid Modest Recovery

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of the leading jobs and talent platform, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) Singapore for February 2025. The Singapore fit report highlights growth in the Advertising and Education sectors alongside rising demand for technology professionals.

The tracker reveals an overall year-on-year (YoY) decline of 5% in hiring activity across sectors, as the index dropped from 108 in February 2024 to 103 in February 2025. However, a month-on-month (MoM) analysis indicates a 3% uptick,

Commenting on Singapore’s job trends for February 2025, V Suresh, CEO, foundit, said,

“The February 2025 foundit Insights Tracker signals a promising recovery in Singapore’s job market. While year-on-year figures reflect ongoing economic recalibration, the month-on-month growth indicates a resurgence in hiring activity. The robust expansion of sectors such as Advertising, Media, and Education, coupled with the growing demand for technology professionals, underscores shifting industry priorities and workforce evolution. As digital transformation accelerates, Singapore’s job landscape is stabilizing, with a strong emphasis on upskilling, adaptability, and future-ready talent.”

Advertising, and Education sectors lead industry growth, while Engineering and Retail sectors show strong improvements

The Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment sector has emerged as a frontrunner in e-recruitment activity among all monitored industries, showing a 7% MoM growth in February 2025. This growth is driven by increased digital marketing efforts and brand-building strategies.

Equally impressive, the Education sector also recorded 7% MoM growth in February 2025, reflecting a continued emphasis on workforce upskilling and professional development.

Following these leaders, the Engineering, Construction, and Real Estate sector showed positive trends with 6% MoM growth, while the Retail, Trade, and Logistics sector experienced 5% MoM growth, both driven by sustainability initiatives and evolving business needs.

Several sectors show modest growth while others remain stable

The Production/Manufacturing, Automotive, and Ancillary sector demonstrated positive hiring momentum with 5% MoM growth in February 2025.

Several sectors showed more modest growth, with Hospitality & Travel, IT, Telecom/ISP, and BPO/ITES, BFSI, and Healthcare all registering 2% MoM increases, signalling steady job creation across these industries.

Conversely, multiple sectors including Oil and Gas, Import/Export, Shipping/Marine, Government/PSU/Defence, and Consumer Goods/FMCG exhibited stagnant hiring activity with 0% MoM change.

Technology roles lead demand among functions

In terms of functions, Software, Hardware, and Telecom witnessed the highest demand in February 2025, with a 2% MoM increase. This trend underscores the growing need for tech talent amid ongoing digital transformation initiatives.

Marketing & Communications, HR & Admin, Engineering/Production, Sales & Business Development, Medical Roles, and Legal roles all showed modest but positive growth at 1% MoM, indicating broad but measured hiring activity across professional functions.

The roles in Legal experienced a robust 19% YoY increase in hiring activity, highlighting the rising need for legal professionals amid evolving regulatory landscapes, corporate expansions, and compliance requirements.

However, Hospitality Roles, Customer Service, Finance & Accounts, and Purchase/Logistics/Supply Chain roles saw no changes (0% MoM), reflecting a period of stability in workforce demand across these functions.

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring. Additionally, foundit has been recognised as a Great Place to Work, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Namrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

Singapore’s Salary Expectations Evolve as 53% Professionals Seek Better Compensation, foundit Survey Reveals

Key findings from the survey

– 53% of employees consider their salary does not match industry standards Only 28% of respondents are satisfied with their salary growth opportunities
– Nearly half (49%) of all professionals expect up to 10% growth in their next appraisal
– 41% of employees reported no major change in their salary over the past three years
– In-demand skills (30%) and economic trends (25%) are the primary drivers of current salary trends

Singaporean employees and employers appear to have differing perspectives on compensation, according to a comprehensive salary survey by foundit, a leading jobs and talent platform. The study reveals that while many professionals see room for salary growth, organisations are focusing on strategic compensation planning to retain talent in a competitive job market. The insights from the survey highlight evolving compensation trends in Singapore, with a growing awareness among professionals about market benchmarks. More than half of those surveyed recognise that salary adjustments are necessary to stay competitive, while nearly half anticipate only a modest single-digit salary growth in their upcoming reviews.

These insights offer valuable opportunities for organisations to refine their talent strategies, ensuring competitive compensation structures that attract and retain top talent. With compensation playing a central role in both recruitment success and employee loyalty, these insights into workforce sentiment provide valuable intelligence for business planning.

V Suresh, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “Our survey highlights a growing disparity between employee salary expectations and market realities in Singapore. More than half of professionals feel their compensation is not aligned with industry standards, while 41% have seen little to no salary growth in the past three years. This misalignment, particularly among mid-career professionals, presents a significant challenge for employers striving to retain skilled talent in an already competitive job market.

To address this, organisations must adopt transparent salary benchmarking, skills-based compensation models, and clear career progression frameworks. While early-career professionals remain optimistic, the increasing dissatisfaction among experienced employees signals a critical need for proactive compensation strategies. Companies that prioritise fair and structured salary growth will not only improve retention but also strengthen Singapore’s position as a premier talent hub in Asia.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Salary Perception Across Experience Levels

More than half (53%) of working professionals surveyed see opportunities for higher compensation compared to industry peers.
36% feel their salary is above average, while 11% are unsure how their pay compares to market rates.
Entry-level professionals (0-3 years) are the most optimistic, with 46.9% reporting they earn above industry standards.
Mid-level professionals (7-10 years) are the most dissatisfied, with 57.9% reporting their salary is below market standards.

Satisfaction with Salary Growth

35% of respondents are dissatisfied with salary growth opportunities.
37% remain neutral, indicating mixed perceptions about compensation structures.
28% express satisfaction, but satisfaction levels decline as professionals advance in their careers.
Executive-level (15+ years) professionals show the highest dissatisfaction (39.4%) with salary growth.

Expected Salary Growth from Appraisal

Nearly half (49.37%) of employees expect no growth or a maximum of 10% salary hike in their next review.
24.5% anticipate a 6-10% increment, while 24.8% foresee just 0-5% growth.
16% of professionals aim for substantial increases exceeding 30%.
34.9% of entry-level professionals expect 6–10% hikes, while executives (25.7%) top the group anticipating raises of 30% or more.

Salary Changes Over the Past Three Years

41% of professionals saw no salary growth, indicating wage stagnation.
28% experienced salary reductions (19.3% minor, 8.3% significant).
32% received salary hikes (15.9% modest, 15.3% substantial), highlighting industry-specific trends.

Future Salary Expectations: Industry Outlook

73% of respondents expect salary growth in the future, with professionals in Consumer Electronics, Engineering & Construction, and IT sectors most optimistic.
Manufacturing, Retail, and Education sectors expect more stability or potential decline.

Key Drivers of Salary Trends

Skills in Demand: 30.1% of professionals see in-demand skills significantly impact salaries.
Economic Trends: 24.9% see macroeconomic factors shaping pay scales.
Industry-Specific Challenges: 18.8% cite industry constraints as key influencers of pay.
Technological Advancements: 16.2% recognise tech-driven disruptions as key factors affecting wages.

For organisations navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and retention the results of this survey provide a valuable benchmark for assessing current approaches and identifying areas for strategic improvement. By leveraging these insights to enhance both compensation structures and communication around pay, companies can create more appealing work environments that attract and retain top talent.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

Contact:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Namrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

Salary Divide: While 47% of professionals in Philippines Report Above-Average Compensation, 42% See Room for Growth, foundit Survey Reveals

Key findings from the survey

47% of professionals report their salary is above industry standards
42% of respondents feel their salary is below market levels
Only 40% of respondents are satisfied with their salary growth opportunities
37% of employees reported no major change in their salary over the past three years
In-demand skills (38%) and economic trends (24%) are the primary drivers of current salary trends

Employers and employees in the Philippines appear to be divided on compensation perspectives, according to a comprehensive salary survey by foundit, a leading jobs and talent platform. The survey reveals a workforce with mixed sentiments about salary standards, with nearly half feeling adequately compensated, while many others perceive a gap between their pay and industry benchmarks. Despite this divide, the survey highlights a growing awareness among professionals about market comparisons and strong optimism for future salary growth, despite recent stagnation in wages.

These findings present valuable opportunities for organisations to enhance their talent strategies, ensuring competitive compensation structures that attract and retain top talent. With compensation playing a central role in both recruitment success and employee loyalty, these insights provide valuable intelligence for business planning.

V Suresh, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “Our latest survey highlights a unique divide in the Philippine workforce—while 47% of professionals feel adequately compensated, 42% believe their salaries fall below industry standards. This contrast presents both a challenge and an opportunity for employers navigating an increasingly competitive talent market.

What stands out is the strong optimism among professionals, with nearly 80% expecting salary growth despite 37% experiencing wage stagnation over the past three years. This signals a workforce that remains hopeful about future prospects, even in the face of economic uncertainties.

For organisations, this underscores the importance of strategic compensation planning. Employers who embrace transparent salary benchmarking, skills-driven pay structures, and clear career progression paths will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent. By bridging the perception gap and aligning compensation strategies with workforce expectations, companies can strengthen their employer brand and contribute to the Philippines’ continued economic growth.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Salary Perception Across Experience Levels

47% of professionals report that they are paid above industry standards, considering themselves well compensated.
42% consider their salary is below market levels, highlighting dissatisfaction.
11% are not aware of how their salary compares, indicating a gap in transparency.
Entry-level professionals (0-3 years) are the most optimistic, with 50.5% feeling they are paid above industry standards, although 40.7% feel underpaid.
Junior (4-6 years) and Mid-level (7-10 years) professionals show the highest dissatisfaction, with 47% feeling their salaries are below average, reflecting potential career growth struggles.

Satisfaction with Salary Growth

40% of respondents are satisfied with their salary growth opportunities.
34% remain neutral, indicating mixed perceptions about compensation structures.
26% are dissatisfied, with junior professionals (4-6 years) reporting maximum dissatisfaction at 32.1%. FMCG, Foods, Beverage (54.5%), Recruitment, Staffing (53.8%), and Advertising, PR, Event Management (42.9%) sectors show the highest dissatisfaction rates.

Expected Salary Growth from Appraisal

29.7% of professionals expect a 6-10% salary hike in their next review, making this the most common expectation.
26.9% expect a substantial increase of 30% or more in their salaries — an indicator of optimism and high aspirations.
Professionals with 4-6 years of experience are optimistic, with nearly 38% expecting 6-10% raises.
Executive-Level (15+ years) professionals have the highest expectations, with over 51% anticipating an increase of 30% and above.

Salary Changes Over the Past Three Years

37% of professionals saw no salary growth, indicating wage stagnation.
38% experienced growth, with 22% reporting significant increases.
25% faced a decline in their salaries (14% slight, 11% significant).
Executive-Level professionals (15+ years) reported the best career growth with 34.55% seeing significant increases, while entry-level professionals faced the most uncertainty.

Future Salary Expectations: Industry Outlook

79.5% of respondents expect salary growth in their industry, showing strong optimism despite past stagnation.
Technology & IT employees expect the highest salary increments, with a significant number of them expecting 30% and above.

Key Drivers of Salary Trends

Skills in Demand: 38.04% of professionals see in-demand skills significantly impacting salaries.
Economic Trends: 23.6% see macroeconomic factors shaping pay scales.
Industry-Specific Challenges: 14.44% cite industry-specific challenges as key influencers.
Technological Advancements: 13.66% recognise tech-driven disruptions affecting wages.

For organisations navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and retention today, this results of this survey provide a valuable benchmark for assessing current approaches and identifying areas for strategic improvement. By leveraging these insights to enhance both compensation structures and communication around pay, companies can create more appealing work environments that attract and retain top talent.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

Contact:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Namrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

Salary Reality Gap: 52% of Malaysian Employees See Scope for Salary Growth, foundit Survey Reveals

Key findings from the survey:

A majority of professionals (45%) expect a 0-10% growth in their next appraisal
52% of respondents believe their salary is below average compared to industry peers
Only 32% of respondents are satisfied with their salary growth opportunities
36% of employees reported no major change in their salary over the past three years
Skills in demand (31%) and economic trends (30%) are the primary drivers of current salary trends

Malaysian employees and employers appear to be on different pages when it comes to compensation, according to new research. A comprehensive salary survey by foundit, a leading jobs platform, reveals that while many professionals see room for salary growth, organisations are focusing on strategic compensation planning to retain talent in a competitive job market. The research highlights evolving compensation trends in Malaysia, with a growing awareness among professionals about market benchmarks. More than half of the surveyed employees recognise the need for salary adjustments to align with industry standards, while nearly half anticipate modest single-digit salary growth in their upcoming reviews.

These insights present valuable opportunities for organisations to enhance their talent strategies, ensuring competitive compensation structures that attract and retain top talent. With compensation playing a central role in both recruitment success and employee loyalty, these insights into workforce sentiment provide valuable intelligence for business planning.

V Suresh, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “This research offers fascinating insights into Malaysia’s compensation landscape, revealing both challenges and opportunities. The perception gap we’ve identified – where many employees believe their pay falls below industry standards – represents a critical area for employers to address.

Malaysian businesses have a compelling opportunity to strengthen their position in the talent market through enhanced salary transparency and more effective communication about compensation. By helping professionals understand how their pay compares to true market rates and developing transparent frameworks for advancement, organisations can better align expectations with reality. This strategic approach benefits not just individual employees but strengthens organisational resilience and competitiveness. For Malaysia to continue its trajectory as a business hub in Southeast Asia, addressing these compensation perception gaps will be instrumental in attracting and retaining the best talent.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Salary Perception Across Experience Levels

More than half (52%) of employees believe they are underpaid compared to industry peers.
38% feel their salary is above average, while 10% are unsure how their pay compares to market rates.
Executive-level professionals (15+ years of experience) have the highest salary awareness, with only 4.48% unaware of market benchmarks, compared to mid-career professionals who display greater uncertainty.

Satisfaction with Salary Growth

30% of respondents are dissatisfied with their salary growth opportunities with majority in Engineering and Logistics sector.
38% remain neutral, indicating mixed perceptions about compensation structures.
32% express satisfaction, but satisfaction levels decline as professionals advance in their careers. IT (35.38%) leads in salary growth satisfaction.

Expected Salary Growth from Appraisal

45% of professionals expect only a 0-10% salary hike in their next review.
28.7% anticipate a 6-10% increment, while 16.7% foresee just 0-5% growth.
19.5% of professionals aim for substantial increases exceeding 30%.
Professionals with 4-6 years of experience are the most optimistic, with nearly 39% expecting 6-10% raises, while senior executives anticipate more conservative increases (0-5%).

Salary Changes Over the Past Three Years

36% of professionals saw no salary growth, indicating wage stagnation.
30% experienced salary reductions (19% minor, 11% significant).
34% received salary hikes (18% modest, 16% substantial), highlighting industry-specific trends.

Future Salary Expectations: Industry Outlook

Employees in the Engineering & Construction sector expect predictable salary growth (36.36% anticipate 6-10% raises).
BFSI professionals have the highest expectations, with more than 50% anticipating 30% above increments.
Entry-level professionals remain the most optimistic, with 79% expecting salary growth, while expectations decline at senior levels (67% among executives).

Key Drivers of Salary Trends

Skills in Demand: 31.2% of professionals believe in-demand skills significantly impact salaries.
Economic Trends: 30.5% see macroeconomic factors shaping pay scales.
Sector-Specific Challenges: 18% cite industry constraints as key influencers.
Technological Advancements: 12% recognise tech-driven disruptions affecting wages.

For organisations navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and retention in today’s competitive landscape, this research provides a valuable measuring stick for assessing current approaches and identifying areas for strategic improvement. By leveraging these insights to enhance both compensation structures and communication around pay, companies can create more appealing work environments that attract and retain top talent.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

Contact:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Namrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

foundit Insights Tracker: Malaysia and Philippines Thrive with 85% and 75% Retail Hiring Growth, Singapore Steadies Ahead

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), a leading jobs and talent platform, has released the annual foundit Insights Tracker (fit) report, offering comprehensive insights into hiring trends across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. This in-depth analysis sheds light on the evolving employment landscapes in these dynamic Southeast Asian economies.

The tracker analyses labour market trends in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, offering key insights into hiring dynamics across these job markets.

A closer look at the hiring trends shows that the Philippines recorded a robust 20% YoY growth in hiring primarily driven by its expansion of retail, logistics, and BPO sectors. Malaysia also experienced a 10% rise in hiring activities, while Singapore saw an 11% drop, reflecting a slowdown, especially in industries like IT and BFSI.

Commenting on these findings, V Suresh, CEO of foundit, said, “The evolving employment landscape across Southeast Asia is shaped by key factors such as digital adoption, workplace dynamics, and shifting compensation strategies. Malaysia has leveraged its digital momentum, particularly in retail and hospitality, to drive substantial hiring growth. Similarly, the Philippines has capitalised on consumer demand to expand its retail sector. Meanwhile, in Singapore, technology and efficiency are redefining industry roles. Overall, businesses that strike a balance between technology-driven strategies and employee well-being will be best positioned to navigate these shifts and sustain long-term growth.”

Malaysia recorded the highest YoY growth in Retail hiring at 85%, followed by the Philippines at 75%, where growth was driven by rapid expansion of retail outlets and rising middle-class consumption. Meanwhile, Singapore’s retail industry experienced a 9% YoY decline in hiring activities, which reflects the maturity of its online shopping business.

A sector-specific analysis showed that substantial investments, visa-free policies and spending on digital advertising across borders made by the Malaysian government led to the 42% YoY growth in hiring in the hospitality sector. Meanwhile, growing infrastructural investments, rising tourism, and the use of smart hospitality technology like digital booking systems enabled the Philippines to achieve a notable 30% growth.

Singapore’s hospitality industry saw a 15% decline in recruitment annually, reflecting a slowdown in workforce demand within the sector. This low performance might be attributed to limited promotional initiatives, tighter visa norms and technological shifts such as jobs being outsourced to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

Functional outlook analysis across sectors indicated that Malaysia saw a 25% annual increase in roles across Software, Hardware, and Telecom. This resilience reflects the high demand for experts in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, aligning with the global digitalisation trend as companies place a higher priority on technology for long-term growth and sustainability. In contrast, Singapore experienced a sharp 45% decline in tech roles, and Philippines faced challenges at -8% YoY.

Hiring activity in the Marketing & Communications industry saw an upward annual trend in both the Philippines and Malaysia, reaching 43% and 36%, respectively. Digital campaigns, the growth of social media, SEO & SEM, and expanding e-commerce technology have propelled this surge. In contrast, Singapore’s Marketing & Communications sector faced a 9% decline in hiring demand, primarily due to reduced budgets for traditional marketing roles.

A notable shift was observed in HR & Administration roles, with the Philippines experiencing remarkable growth of 47% over the last year. This was driven by the expansion of industries such as Retail, Outsourcing, and Infrastructure sectors, as companies prioritised scaling their HR functions to manage workforce growth, streamline operations, and enhance employee engagement. At the same time, HR roles in Malaysia grew by 28%, while Singapore saw a 12% decline, most likely due to organisations in the country shifting towards automation and outsourcing of administrative functions to optimise costs.

About foundit Insights Tracker

The foundit Insights Tracker (fit) offers a detailed perspective on hiring patterns in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, focusing on the demand for specific skills, available positions, and salary ranges in the market. This analysis provides essential insights for job seekers and employers navigating the evolving employment landscape.

Period for the Report

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is December 2023 vs. December 2024, offering a comprehensive view of hiring trends in these key Asian markets.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring. Additionally, foundit has been recognised as a Great Place To Work, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture.

For Media Contacts:
Namrata Sharma| Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com | +6581383034

foundit Appoints V Suresh as Chief Executive Officer

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform, and a Quess company, announced the appointment of Mr. V Suresh as its Chief Executive Officer.

With over two decades of experience in the e-recruitment ecosystem, internet domain and digital transformation. Suresh brings a wealth of strategic expertise and a forward-looking vision to foundit. Throughout his career, he has driven transformational growth, expanded market presence, and established successful digital platforms across sectors. His customer-centric mindset and operational acumen make him the ideal leader to accelerate foundit’s growth trajectory.

Originally known as Monster (APAC & ME) the company rebranded to foundit in 2022 to mark its evolution as a leading jobs and talent platform.

Ajit Isaac, Managing Director of Quess Corp, the parent company of foundit, said: “Suresh’s deep understanding of the digital talent ecosystem and proven ability to scale businesses will help us strengthen our leadership position in the market. Under his stewardship, we aim to further refine our platform, enhance our services, and continue bridging the talent gap across industries and geographies.”

“I am privileged to lead foundit at this exciting stage in its journey. With a strong legacy and an advanced AI-driven platform, foundit is uniquely positioned to transform how talent and opportunity connect. Throughout my career, I have focused on harnessing technology to create impactful, customer-centric solutions, and I look forward to building on this foundation to drive innovation, growth, and excellence across APAC and the Middle East,” said V Suresh, Chief Executive Officer, foundit.

Suresh’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for foundit, as it leverages AI-powered technology to deliver personalised job search, enable precision hiring, and foster stronger employer-candidate connections.

About foundit (APAC & Middle East)

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to its innovative AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation and interview preparation. foundit has connected over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries with the right job roles and upskilling opportunities.

Annual Surge of 37% in Legal and Compliance Job Roles while overall hiring drops 6% in Singapore: foundit Insights Tracker

Key Highlights:

Roles in renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental engineering gain slight momentum as Singapore advances its Green Plan 2030 initiatives
The Education sector remains resilient with 1% increase over the last month
Import/Export (+1%), Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment (+1%), Healthcare (+1%) also register marginal growth.

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of Asia’s leading jobs and talent platforms, has published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) report for Singapore for November 2024. The Singapore fit report highlights a marginal increase over the last month in hiring across 8 of the 15 industry sectors monitored by the tracker.

The tracker revealed a 6% drop in recruitment activity in November 2024 compared to the same period last year, with the index falling from 113 in November 2023 to 106, signaling a downward trend. On a month-on-month basis, hiring activity in Singapore experienced a slight decline, as the index dipped from 107 in October 2024.

The tracker also indicates a 5% decline in hiring activity over the past six months, possibly reflecting factors such as budget constraints, evolving industry priorities, and adjustments in workforce strategies. However, as per the report, opportunities persist in innovative and digitally-driven roles, highlighting the importance of targeted upskilling to meet market demands.

Commenting on Singapore’s job trends for November 2024, a foundit official said, “There is a marginal increase in hiring across certain industry sectors and roles. The silver lining is a surge in roles in legal and compliance over the year and approximately 5 % increase in jobs in renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental engineering due to Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 initiative. Overall, Singapore’s job market is a mixed bag and will constantly evolve.”

Jobs in the Education, Import/Export, Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment, Healthcare sectors remain resilient.

The Education sector continued to remain resilient in November 2024, registering a 1% increase in hiring over the last month. led by rising opportunities in areas such as online education platforms, professional development, and sustainability-related training.

The Import/Export sector, Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment sector and Healthcare sector also registered a 1% growth each, in the same period.

Few sectors experience a dip in demand, following an increase in hiring during the previous month

The IT, Telecom/ISP, and BPO/ITES sector and the Retail/Trade and Logistics sector experienced a dip in demand of 2% and 3%, respectively, following an uptick in hiring during the previous month. This trend highlights the cyclical nature of recruitment as industries recalibrate after periods of increased activity.

The BFSI sector continued to witness a decline in hiring activity by 4%, sequentially, over the last month. As per the tracker, this is most likely driven by evolving financial market conditions and strategic realignments within the industry.

The Production/Manufacturing, Automotive, and Ancillary, Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, and Hospitality saw a drop in hiring demand by 1% each, over the past month. In addition, Shipping/Marine, Government/ PSU/ Defence, Consumer Goods/FMCG and Oil and Gas saw no change in hiring activity.

Half of the 12 tracked functions experienced muted hiring activity in November 2024 compared to the previous month.

In terms of functional roles, the demand for legal professionals saw muted demand over the last month but has seen a significant surge of 37% annually. The Singapore interim legal market has experienced a notable uptick in compliance roles, possibly driven by increasing regulatory changes and demands. Also, law firms are increasingly focusing on integrating technology to enhance client services and operational efficiency leading to this annual increase.

The Software, Hardware, and Telecom sector, and the Finance & Accounts sector experienced a decline in demand of 4% and 3%, respectively, over the past month as employers follow a cautious approach due to external headwinds. At the same time roles in Sales & Business Development, HR & Admin, Purchase/Logistics/Supply Chain and Engineering/Production noted a marginal dip of 1% each.

The Hospitality & Travel sector, Marketing & Communications and Customer Service sectors saw no growth in demand in November 2024 compared to October 2024. This may be attributed to organisations maintaining existing workforce levels while closely monitoring market conditions and anticipating potential challenges in the coming months. The Healthcare sector, too, saw no change, however, healthcare innovation and expanding biotechnology capabilities are expected to boost demand for specialized talent in the coming months.

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is Asia’s leading jobs & talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries in connecting them with the right job opportunities and upskilling. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring. Additionally, foundit has been recognised as a Great Place To Work, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf,

Contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

foundit Insights Tracker Reveals 20% Surge in Hiring Activity in the Philippines: A Beacon for Southeast Asia

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME) Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform, has unveiled its latest foundit Insights Tracker (fit) report, showcasing a remarkable 20% annual increase in hiring activity in the Philippines for October 2024. This surge, driven by strategic economic reforms and infrastructure development, highlights the region’s potential for robust economic growth.

The fit report indicates a significant rise in hiring activity, with the index reaching 163 in October 2024, up from 118 in October 2023. This 20% annual increase underscores the robust recruitment momentum in the Philippines.

Additionally, hiring activity saw a 15% month-over-month increase, with the index rising from 142 in September 2024 to 163 in October 2024, reflecting a strengthening job market. Over the past six months, hiring activity surged by 21%, driven by government initiatives focused on infrastructure development and economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign direct investments (FDI).

The Retail sector experienced a 119% year-over-year increase in hiring demand, driven by the e-commerce boom. This surge highlights the growing importance of digital transformation in meeting consumer needs. The Logistics, Courier, Freight, and Transportation sector saw a 78% annual growth, reflecting expanded supply chain operations. The Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment sector recorded a 70% increase in hiring activity, showcasing the dynamic nature of these fields.

Notably, there was a 127% increase in hiring for sales and business development roles, indicating a strategic shift towards strengthening sales networks. Purchase, Logistics, and Supply Chain roles saw a 103% rise, aligning with the broader industry trend of optimising supply chains. Marketing and Communications roles experienced a 69% increase, driven by a focus on influencer marketing and brand engagement.

The Philippines’ impressive hiring trends signal a strong economic recovery and a significant opportunity for Southeast Asia as a whole. With enhanced infrastructure and increasing foreign investments, particularly in the retail sector, the Philippines is setting an example for neighbouring countries to emulate.

Foreign investments are driving job creation in key industries such as Retail, Logistics, and Media. In retail, companies are establishing new distribution hubs and retail outlets that connect Southeast Asian regions, strengthening cross-border trade and economic ties. This creates a ripple effect, fostering regional collaboration and encouraging countries like Malaysia to leverage similar growth opportunities in their own retail sectors.

By sharing resources and adopting best practices, Southeast Asian nations can enhance economic resilience, promote a more integrated job market, and collectively unlock growth across the region.

Timeframe for the Report
The timeframe for the fit data is October 2023 to October 2024.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

Contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034