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Asian recruiters on the prowl for IT managers

Jobs market looking good for ex-pat pros

The technology jobs market in China, Hong Kong and Singapore is picking up in 2012 despite continued uncertainty for firms exporting to the US and Europe, with growing opportunities for ex-pat IT pros, according to recruiters.

Michael Page International’s Employment Index report for Q2 shows things are beginning to get back on track after economic instability abroad coupled with the Christmas break and early Chinese New Year caused many firms to put their recruitment plans on hold.

Michael Page’s managing director for north and east China, Andy Bentote, told The Reg that while things are still a tad restrained for companies heavily reliant on exporting to Europe, confidence is strong with those firms focusing mainly on domestic markets.

“In terms of new roles clients are passing us, the numbers are strong but they are giving a little more thought into who they choose – now they have to be 90-95 per cent certain to give you the role,” he said.

“Anecdotally though, increasing numbers of ex-pats are coming into China, and they’re coming in mainly at IT manager or senior managerial level.”

Sectors experiencing particularly strong growth in China include retail, e-commerce, gaming and business services, he explained.

Given that Hong Kong and Singapore are more heavily reliant on financial services, the IT jobs market there is currently experiencing less dynamic growth, said Bentote.

However, around a third of recruiters are looking to hire across the board in these regions and the majority expect a stable business environment going forward, the report found.

Watch out for The Register’s upcoming analysis of the jobs market for ex-pat IT pros in south-east Asia. ®

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