Manpower Group recently released a report based on a survey of 10,095 employers across seven APAC countries and territories, shedding light on hiring intentions for the first quarter of 2025. The findings indicate that most employers plan to maintain steady and consistent hiring patterns despite ongoing global uncertainties. This resilience demonstrates a continued focus on securing talent crucial for future growth.
The APAC Employment Outlook survey reveals that 27% of Asia-Pacific countries anticipate positive employment growth in 2025, making the region the second strongest globally. While this figure remains unchanged from the previous quarter, it represents a 3-percentage-point decline compared to the same period last year. India leads the region in hiring sentiment at 40%, followed by China (29%) and Singapore (25%). The top sectors driving consistent hiring include Transport, Logistics, Automotive, Financials, Real Estate, Healthcare, and Life Sciences.
In Malaysia, the labour market is projected to remain stable in 2025, buoyed by improved domestic and foreign economic growth prospects. According to the 2025 Economic Outlook Report released by the Finance Ministry in October 2024, the unemployment rate is expected to improve to 3.1%, while total employment is projected to grow by 2.1% to 16.6 million people.
More than 80% of employment opportunities are concentrated in the services and manufacturing sectors. There is also a marginal increase in hiring expatriates to address the demand for skilled talent in critical jobs. The government’s strategies to tackle structural issues in the labour market, particularly regarding wages and productivity, are expected to enhance business efficiency and boost labour demand.
VENOVOX, a leading background screening company, conducted an exclusive Employment Outlook Survey with 300 employers from various Malaysian industries. The survey found that 67% of employers are optimistic about hiring in the first quarter of 2025. In contrast, 15% reported no hiring intentions, and 18% were uncertain. The sectors with the strongest hiring sentiment are Manufacturing (43%), Logistics (18%), and Healthcare (15%).
The VENOVOX survey also explored gender equality in employment. It found that most companies are making significant progress toward achieving gender parity. Notably, large manufacturing firms reported improvements in higher-level management positions, while smaller organizations in the service industry still face challenges. According to the Michael Page Talent Trends 2024: The Expectation Gap Report, 60% of women are satisfied with workplace equity and inclusion initiatives, and 50% are satisfied with female leadership representation. These findings highlight the strides made and the areas needing further attention.
Looking ahead, VENOVOX anticipates that 2025 will bring greater employment opportunities for Malaysians. The year’s stable economic conditions and strategic initiatives will allow the workforce to enhance productivity and contribute to the nation’s growth. With sustained efforts to address labour market challenges, Malaysia is well-positioned to thrive in the global employment landscape.