Bold outlook on Asian jobs

As the aftershocks of the global financial crisis continue to jolt markets and impact economies around the world - notably in Greece and Portugal, as well as in Britain and the United States - a palpable anxiety is being felt even in growth regions such as Asia Pacific, although this has been tempered by confidence.

One of the financial players best positioned to take stock of the zeitgeist is Michael Page International. This recruitment firm employs more than 3,800 in over 152 offices across the globe, including Hong Kong.

Anthony Thompson, managing director of Michael Page International and Page Personnel, explains how skittish sentiment has made itself felt locally. 'While there is considerable negative sentiment in relation to Europe and the US, the market in Asia is robust,' he says. 'We have released a trading statement that shows our revenues have risen by 42 per cent in Asia [from] 2010. We have more active recruitment assignments than ever before, which is significant as we have operated in Asia Pacific for over 25 years. Yes, there is an element of caution creeping into some sectors, but overall it is very positive.'

Michael Page's Q4 Employment Index for Hong Kong showed 35 per cent of employers are intending to increase staff numbers, a remarkably positive indicator and consistent with the company's Q3 report which yielded a figure of 36 per cent.

It would appear that the current downbeat market sentiment might afford some advantages for Michael Page, but Thompson gives this view some context.

'The market is not downbeat. In all of our offices in Asia, we have experienced substantial expansion in terms of office space and headcount and this is in response to continued high demand for quality staff across a broad range of industries,' he says.

'Irrespective of market conditions, we take a long-term view to hiring and always look to add talented people. We have a strong organic growth culture and look to develop and grow our people with a view to them working with us for many years.'