Farm workers, labourers and other agricultural positions are among the fastest-growing occupations, with approximately 35 million new jobs expected over the next five years. This growth is fuelled by the green transition, as companies focus on reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change. 

There will be an increasing need for light truck and delivery service drivers to support the ongoing growth of e-commerce. Similarly, the demand for software and application developers is rising, driven by the expansion of technology-related industries as we pursue more digital solutions. 

As the population ages and the working-age demographic expands, job opportunities in the care sector and in higher and secondary education are expected to increase.

Read more: Women do the hard work when it comes to tackling climate change, but are not involved in strategy. This needs to change

The report also states that there is a growing number of companies adopting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, particularly among larger organisations with over 50,000 employees and those based in North America.

Approximately 83 per cent of surveyed employers have implemented such policies, marking a 16 per cent increase since 2023. Women, individuals with disabilities and those under the age of 25 are prioritised in DEI initiatives worldwide.

Over the next five years, companies are expected to enhance their DEI efforts by providing training for management and staff, as well as launching targeted recruitment initiatives. 

In the past few months, however, several major corporations and technology giants including Amazon, McDonald’s, Meta and Ford have announced the reduction or halting of their DEI efforts. In response to the trend, companies such as Apple and Costco have come out to publicly defend their DEI policies.

Read more: Global companies are rolling back DEI programmes—here’s what you need to know

Between 2020 and 2024, the World Trade Organization reported a doubling of trade restrictions. These protectionist measures, often in response to geopolitical challenges, risk slowing global economic growth and hampering collaboration on critical issues like climate change by restricting open innovation and technology transfer.

Employers in East Asia and North America express greater concern about how restrictions on global trade and investment may influence their operations, so do those from markets with tighter trade relations with the US and China, such as Singapore and South Korea.

Industries reliant on global supply chains and exposure to international markets—such as automotive and metals—are especially vulnerable to related policy changes.

Read more: 8 guests we were surprised—and puzzled—to see at Donald Trump’s inauguration

About 40 per cent of employees’ current skill sets are expected to change or become obsolete in the next five years. The most sought-after skills by employers include analytical thinking, followed by resilience, flexibility and agility, along with leadership and social influence.

The importance of technology-related skills, such as AI and big data, is anticipated to rise in the coming years. These technical competencies are most effective when combined with soft skills like creative thinking and lifelong learning.

Meanwhile, the demand for manual dexterity, endurance and precision will decline.

Meet the trailblazers shaping the future of Asia, the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow.

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