CBRE’s latest Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025 reveals that the tech industry’s long-term growth prospects and demand for talent remain strong despite recent slowdowns.
“AI will catalyse the next economic growth cycle, producing significant economic value and real estate demand. We are seeing tech talent anchored in APAC, shifting from general engineering to specialised AI roles,” said Rohini Saluja, managing director and head of consulting and integrated client solutions, Asia Pacific for CBRE.
APAC tech talent workers
The study highlights that the largest tech talent markets are in Asia-Pacific. The top eight markets with over 500,000 tech talent workers are in the region.
“India and China are now competing with the largest markets in the U.S. and the U.K., while niche talent pools are emerging in places like Singapore,” said Saluja.
Beijing, Bengaluru, and Shanghai have over 1 million tech workers. Singapore has among the highest educational attainment rates of teaching talent. Meanwhile, China has the most top-ranked universities, along with the US.
Emerging market drivers
Cities in China, India, and Southeast Asia are becoming attractive destinations for tech talent. Advancing education and tech skills, business-friendly environments, lower operating costs, and attractive quality of life drive the growth of emerging markets.
“The talent pool in Asia Pacific is deep, with a lot of AI-related professionals concentrated in China and India. Ongoing AI developments and innovation will drive economic growth, fuel tech talent employment growth and real estate demand in the region,” said Ada Choi, head of Research, Asia Pacific for CBRE.
