The majority, or 66%, of jobseekers across Asia Pacific say fair and competitive compensation is their highest priority when switching jobs, according to a report from RGF International Recruitment, part of the Recruit Group.

The report looked at broad industry and country hiring trends across 11 countries in Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Mainland China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Five key industries - Healthcare & Life Sciences, Industry, Technology, Internet & Telecommunications, Consumer & Retail, and Financial Services were examined for the report’s analysis into candidate and employer hiring trends.

Of those who said they would switch jobs, 24% want to relocate to Singapore for work, more so than any other market.

Across all industries, talent want an average salary increase of 22% when changing jobs.

Meanwhile, 71% of employers across Asia consider the shortage of talent their biggest hiring challenge. More than a third, or 37%, of employers say expanding internal talent acquisition teams are key to boosting their recruitment solutions.

In order to attract and retain top talent 42% of employers said they understand they need to improve their employer branding. 15% of employers are investing in AI to aid their recruitment strategies and find the right talent.

'Across Asia, companies are looking to refine their hiring processes to attract both local and global talent - those with adaptable and flexible work ethic to work across borders with international teams, as well as having key industry experience and skills,' Hiroki Nakashige CEO RGF International Recruitment, said.