The Rise of Soft Skills in Asia-Pacific

Human Resources leaders in the APAC region are promoting the importance of soft skills, also known as behavioural skills, more than ever. The pandemic demonstrated that employees at every level need agility, critical thinking, complex problem solving, creativity, and communication skills. As the crisis wears on, leaders with empathy are taking centerstage and changing the prevailing image of a strong executive. 

Data shows that soft skills are gaining importance in the workforce. The number of jobs in soft-skill intensive occupations is expected to grow at 2.5 times the rate of jobs in other occupations, according to Deloitte Access Economics. In addition, China is forecast to grow the soft skills training market at 57% CAGR (compound annual growth rate), according to Yahoo. By 2030, two-thirds of Australian jobs will be focused on soft skills, according to Deloitte Access Economics.