Employers across Asia Pacific and the Middle East are slowing their hiring plans for the third quarter of 2026, but workers with artificial intelligence (AI) expertise and strong people skills can still expect to command higher salaries as companies compete for increasingly valuable talent, according to a new ManpowerGroup survey.
The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, which covered 13,168 employers across 11 markets in the region, found a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +28% for the July-September period. While the figure remains positive, it is down 10 percentage points from the previous quarter, indicating a more cautious approach to recruitment amid economic uncertainty.
Despite weaker hiring sentiment, employers continue to seek workers with specialised skills, particularly in AI-related fields. More than two-thirds of employers surveyed said they would be willing to pay a premium for AI literacy (69%) and AI model and application development skills (68%). Sales and marketing expertise ranked third at 66%, followed by traditional information technology (IT) and data skills at 64%.
For jobseekers and professionals looking to improve their career prospects, the findings suggest that investment in digital and AI capabilities could provide a significant advantage. Employers are increasingly targeting candidates who can help organisations adopt and benefit from emerging technologies while driving productivity and innovation.
The survey also found that technical skills alone are no longer enough. Communication, collaboration and teamwork were the most sought-after soft skills, with 74% of employers willing to pay more for candidates who demonstrate them. Critical thinking and problem-solving followed at 71%, while adaptability, willingness to learn, professionalism and work ethic all featured prominently.
India recorded the strongest hiring outlook in the region at +48%, despite a sharp decline from the previous quarter. China followed at +33%, while Vietnam posted a robust +28%. At the other end of the scale, hiring expectations were weakest in Hong Kong at -9%, Japan at +1%, and Singapore at +13%.
Sector-wise, technology and IT services led recruitment intentions with an outlook of +39%, underscoring continued demand for digital talent. The information sector followed at +36%, while finance and insurance posted a healthy +35%, reflecting ongoing workforce needs in knowledge-intensive industries.
François Lançon, Regional President for Asia Pacific and the Middle East at ManpowerGroup, said the softer hiring outlook reflected a more challenging business environment marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and higher operating costs.
He said the impact was being felt unevenly across the region, with economies more exposed to trade and energy pressures experiencing weaker confidence, while markets supported by strong domestic demand and technology-driven growth continued to show resilience.
Mr Lançon added that employers were becoming more selective in how they allocate recruitment budgets, focusing on skills that provide immediate business value while helping organisations prepare for future changes. He noted that the greatest value comes from combining AI capabilities with human strengths such as teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving.
While overall hiring momentum may be slowing, opportunities remain strong for those who can blend digital expertise with the interpersonal skills increasingly prized by employers across the region.
View full ManpowerGroup survey at https://www.manpowerthailand.com/en/meos.
