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Reflecting global economic uncertainty, employers across Asia were slightly cautious about hiring in the last quarter of 2016, according to Robert Walters' Asia Job Index
Despite that, the report found that HR professionals in Asia remained high in demand - hiring for HR roles increased by 5% in Q4 2016.
Other professions that were in demand include technology professionals, legal and compliance professionals, with hiring for those roles having increased by 10% and 9% respectively.
Job advertisements for IT grew by 35% in Singapore
In Singapore, there was a 1% overall dip in job advertisements in Q4 2016, compared to Q4 2015.With more firms investing in technologies that boost consumer engagement, IT job advertisements grew by 35%. In the IT sector, professionals proficient in handling digital platforms, cyber security, and project management were specifically in demand last quarter.
Another profession in high demand was contract logistics professionals, especially at the junior to mid-level in the healthcare industry, as firms looked to outsource warehousing and distribution functions to leading organisations.
On the other hand, with more companies focused on restructuring, streamlining and outsourcing their accounting functions, job advertisements within the accounting and finance sector decreased slightly. This was especially seen within the oil and gas industry.
Matthew Bennett, managing director, Robert Walters Greater China, said: "Early signs of returning market optimism drove the rise in annual job advertisements last quarter. There was a slight upturn in activity in Q3, which encouraged businesses to be a little more confident about expanding hiring budgets.
Bennett further noted that to stay competitive and cost-efficient, banking and financial services firms invested more in tech-savvy professionals with a strong understanding of financial products.
"Those with specialist IT skill sets across mobile development, e-commerce and cloud technology were specifically in demand. Hiring levels dropped, however, for secretarial and admin roles, as firms remained cost-conscious and tightened recruitment budgets for support functions," Bennett added.
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