Countries that rose through the ranks showcased their success in managing the pandemic
Singapore rose a whopping 10 places in global rankings to become the 8th most attractive location for global talent. This success was seen across the Asia Pacific, including in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. The shift reflects countries’ success in managing the coronavirus pandemic.
Australia, Japan, and Singapore are now three of the most attractive destinations for respondents from Southeast Asia, with previously favoured destination like the US exiting these lists.
Attitudes toward the world’s most famous cities likewise reflect their countries’ coronavirus responses. New York, Barcelona, Rome, and Madrid are now considered much less attractive as work destinations than they were in 2018.
Read more: Singaporeans deemed ‘highly resilient’ employees
Despite this, the recent study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network have seen a dip in the number of professionals willing to travel abroad for work. Just half of respondents said they’re willing to move to another country for work, which is down from a 57% ‘willingness level’ in 2018 and 64% in 2014. This year’s survey included almost 209,000 participants from 190 countries.
Southeast Asia saw the dramatic shift, with respondents voicing a lack of interest in moving abroad. Five years ago, almost all (95%) Thai professionals were keen to migrate for work. In 2020, barely half (46%) said the same. Singapore similarly experienced a gradual shift in attitudes, with just 44% of employees willing to move abroad – down from 70% in 2018.
Read more: Singapore to open ‘bubble’ for business travellers
“The pandemic has transformed the attitudes of global talent, with the fall in respondents expressing an ambition to move abroad particularly acute in Southeast Asia,” said Ming Teck Kong, managing director and Southeast Asia leader for people & organization at BCG.
“Asia Pacific is now seen as an increasingly attractive destination, partly due to positive performance in tackling COVID caseloads.”
