SINGAPORE, March 12, 2025 – The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is transforming how businesses operate across the Asia-Pacific region. Over the past 18 months, AI has become an essential tool for professionals, with more than half of employees in Australia (51%) and India (57%) acknowledging its increasing presence in their daily work. Meanwhile, business leaders in Australia (83%), India (98%), and Singapore (94%) are making AI adoption a top priority in 2025.
These insights were revealed at LinkedIn’s APAC Talent Connect Asia 2025, where industry leaders gathered to discuss how AI, workforce upskilling, and shifting employee expectations will define the future of work.
The Challenge: Finding the Right Talent
As companies embrace AI, HR leaders are playing a crucial role in guiding this transition. However, one of the biggest challenges remains finding talent with the right balance of AI expertise and human-centric skills.
According to LinkedIn data:
- 95% of Learning & Development (L&D) professionals in APAC believe that alongside technical expertise, creativity, curiosity, and communication are becoming increasingly important.
- 41% of HR professionals report that less than half of job applicants meet all required and preferred qualifications.
- The hardest-to-find skills include technical fluency (36%), leadership (35%), and soft skills like communication and problem-solving (34.5%).
With hiring rates slowing down across the region in 2024, businesses are becoming more selective in 2025. HR professionals say they would only consider candidates who meet at least 80% of job qualifications, with just 50.8% willing to hire those who fall slightly short.
The Solution: Upskilling for a Future-Ready Workforce
Rather than relying solely on new hires, companies are focusing on upskilling their existing workforce to build resilient teams that can adapt to the evolving demands of AI-driven workplaces.
- 78.3% of HR professionals in APAC rank employee upskilling as a top priority for 2025.
- 73.5% are prioritizing AI-related training, ensuring employees can confidently use AI tools.
- 77% are also emphasizing soft skills training, particularly in communication and collaboration.
- Business leaders across APAC recognize the importance of AI education, with 40% of Australian, 48% of Indian, and 32% of Singaporean leaders highlighting AI training as essential for accelerating adoption.
AI at Work: No Longer the Future, But the Present
AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s already shaping workplaces today. To stay ahead, businesses must rethink their talent strategies, invest in continuous learning, and foster a culture of adaptability.
“As technology, especially AI, reshapes the workforce, businesses and HR leaders must keep people at the heart of their talent strategies,” said Sumita Tandon, HR Director, APAC, LinkedIn. “The companies that will thrive are those that embed a culture of continuous upskilling and reskilling, ensuring employees are prepared for the future.”
As AI’s role continues to expand, organizations that invest in their people—equipping them with both technical and human skills—will be best positioned to navigate the future of work with confidence.