Hey there, looking to hire some tech talent in Asia but not sure where to start? You've come to the right place. Asia is home to some of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the world with a variety of skills, languages, and costs to choose from.

In this article, we'll give you an overview of the diverse tech talent markets across Asian countries so you can find the perfect match for your needs. We'll compare the most popular spots like Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, India, and China. You'll see why Vietnam, in particular, is on the rise as an engineering powerhouse.

We'll also explore the trends fueling the growth of tech talent in Asia and what the future may hold. By the end, you'll have a better sense of how to tap into Asia's tech talent pool and build a high-performing team to drive your business forward.

1. The Tech Talent Landscape Across Asia

The tech talent landscape in Asia is as diverse as the region itself. Each country has unique strengths, costs, and potential for companies looking to hire software engineers and developers. Here are some highlights of the tech talent landscape across Asia:

Southeast Asia

• Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia offer skilled engineers at lower costs.
• Demand for Vietnamese engineers is rising due to a shortage of tech talent in nearby Hong Kong and Singapore.
• Many Vietnamese engineers are proficient in Java, C++, and web languages like JavaScript.
• Salaries for engineers in Vietnam are very competitive compared to the region.

India

• India produces more than 1 million engineering graduates each year.
• Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM have major hubs in cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad.
• Java, C++, and Python are popular languages.
• Cultural compatibility and English proficiency are advantages for Western companies.

China

• China has a huge pool of engineering talent, especially in the major tech hubs of Beijing and Shenzhen.
• Salaries in major Chinese tech hubs are comparable to the US, especially for top talent.
• China’s tech ecosystem revolves around local languages and platforms, so skills with languages like Java or C++ may be less common.

Across Asia, growth in areas like AI, fintech, and healthcare IT will drive demand for talents with skills in data science, cloud computing, and full stack development. While each market has its pros and cons, one thing is clear: Asia's diverse, affordable, and world-class tech talent will continue attracting companies from around the globe.

2. Key Factors Driving Tech Talent Growth in Asia

Several factors are fueling the growth of tech talent in Asia.

Cost

• Tech salaries in Asia are typically much lower than in Western countries.
• The average pay for a software engineer in Vietnam is about $36,000 USD per year, compared to $110,000 USD in the US.
• For a better perspective, refer to our user-verified salary data, which are backed up by Offer Letters and/or Payslips or download our most recent Tech Salary Report 2023.

Large talent pool

• With a population of over 4.5 billion people, Asia has an enormous pool of potential tech talent.
• Vietnam, in particular, has a young, fast-growing population and a strong focus on STEM education.

Government support

• Governments across Asia are investing in education, offering incentives for startups, and promoting their countries as outsourcing destinations.

Growing economy

• Many Asian economies are growing quickly, and as they develop, the demand for tech talent is booming.

3. Exploring Tech Talent in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a diverse region with different levels of tech talent and wages across countries. Here's an overview of the key factors to consider for hiring tech talent in the region:

Skills and Tech Stack

• Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have more advanced tech talent with expertise in areas such as AI, cloud computing, and blockchain.
• Vietnam and Philippines are catching up quickly, with many engineers skilled in web and mobile development and popular tech stacks like PHP, Java, and ReactJS.

Language Proficiency

• English proficiency is highest in Singapore and Philippines.
• In Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, English skills are still developing.

Cost and Value

• Tech wages are rising fast in Southeast Asia but are still lower than in Western countries.
• You get good value for money in Vietnam and Philippines, with high-quality talent at a lower cost.

Growth Potential

• Vietnam's tech ecosystem is growing exponentially, with many successful startups and thousands of new tech jobs each year.
• Tech talent is abundant in Philippines too.

4. Vietnam: A Rising Star for Quality and Cost-Effective Talent

Vietnam has emerged as a top destination for hiring quality tech talent at a lower cost. The country offers a range of benefits for companies looking to scale their engineering teams in Asia.

Skilled and Educated Talent Pool

• Vietnam’s youth population has fueled the growth of engineering talent.
• Top universities like Vietnam National University and FPT University are producing thousands of graduates each year with degrees in IT, computer science, and software engineering.

Competitive Costs

• Salaries for software engineers and developers in Vietnam are very competitive.
• The lower costs of living and operating in Vietnam allow companies to stretch their budgets further.
• If you are unsure about budget, you can reach out to us and we would be happy to assist you on this matter. In the mean time, feel free to check our user-verified salary data, which could also give you a better picture.'

Growing Tech Ecosystem

• Vietnam has a fast-growing startup scene, especially in the tech and ecommerce sectors.
• Major companies like Grab, Lazada, Shopee, and Traveloka have established engineering centers in Vietnam.

5. Tips for Hiring Tech Talents in Asia: How to Find Quality Skills and Save Costs

Finding quality tech talent in Asia at an affordable cost requires some insider knowledge. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the diverse tech markets across the region:

• Focus on skills, not degrees. In many Asian countries, university degrees are not always the best indicator of someone’s technical abilities. Look for candidates with a solid portfolio of work, strong soft skills, and a drive to continuously improve their craft.
• Compare costs across countries. Salaries for software engineers and developers can vary significantly depending on the country and city. Do research on average tech salaries in places like Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, or the Philippines to find areas where you can get more value for your money.
• Build connections. The best way to find top talent in Asia is through networking and building trusted partnerships with recruiting firms based in the region. They have connections to qualified candidates and insight into the diverse job markets across countries.
• Be open to remote work. Consider hiring remote engineers and developers from countries like Vietnam or the Philippines to save on costs while still accessing quality skills.
• Do your due diligence. Conduct thorough screening, skill assessments, and reference checks. Consider an initial trial period to properly evaluate a new hire before bringing them on full-time. Don't forget to check our guide on Conducting Effective Remote Interviews and Assessments to help you navigate this process better.

With the right approach, you can find amazing tech talent in Asia and build an offshore team with the skills to help your company grow. Focus on networking, evaluating based on abilities not degrees, and being open to remote work, and you'll find Asia is a goldmine of tech talent waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion

The tech talent landscape in Asia is evolving rapidly. If you're looking to tap into this talent and take your business to the next level, now is the time to make your move. Just weigh the pros and cons of each country, and choose the location that will allow your company to access the technical expertise and innovative thinking to gain a competitive advantage.

If you think that Vietnam is a great option to hire tech talents (hint: we agree!!) and don't know how to start, feel free to check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiring Software Engineers in Vietnam.

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive tech industry, finding and hiring the right talent can be a daunting task. Companies need individuals with the right skills, experience, and cultural fit to drive innovation and success. That's where recruiting firms like NodeFlair come in.

With our deep understanding of the tech landscapes across Asia, we can help you navigate the complex talent market and find the perfect match for your company's needs. We handle the entire hiring process from screening, testing, interviewing, negotiating offers, and onboarding. We're just a message away! Or you can read more about service here.

The broader Asian tech market is growing due to startups, emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, and remote work. There is a shortage of software, data, and product skills. However, we can connect companies to top tech talents across borders through transparency on recruitment processes.

Our goal is to enable talents' well-informed choices and companies' simplified hiring. NodeFlair is your trusted partner in Asia's complex tech talent landscape.