Kuala Lumpur (The Star/ANN) - Singapore and Hong Kong have been
ranked among the most popular global destination to relocate to,
with 100 percent of professional women surveyed saying they would
recommend working there to others.
Women are increasingly considering these locations because of
the low crime rate, tax incentives, excellent lifestyle, and
opportunities for personal development in the region.
In the global survey, respondents placed Singapore joint fifth
with Canada in ranking the most popular destinations (after the US,
UK, Australia and Switzerland) and Hong Kong was joint sixth with
France and the UAE.
The Global Professionals on the Move Report 2011, commissioned
by the Hydrogen Group and conducted by a consultancy project team
from ESCP Europe, analyses responses from 2,637 professionals from
85 different countries with qualifications of a bachelor degree or
above.
With the majority of respondents - 91 percent - already working
abroad or looking to do so, the survey offers unique insights into
the experiences, attitudes, motivations and priorities of highly
qualified, high earning, professionals from around the world on
working overseas.
Simon Walker, Hydrogen Asia Regional Managing Director, said,
"94 percent of the overall survey respondents who'd moved to Asia
said their living conditions had improved with the move and 86
percent had improved their salary as a result of moving here.
The report confirms working overseas to be an extremely positive
experience and offers fresh insight into factors affecting the
number of women progressing in business.
The report highlights that they are not getting as much
international experience as men, which hinders their career
progression, despite international companies actively seeking out
their talents.
"We've noticed an increase in the number of women from overseas
taking advantage of the career opportunities offered here.
"Banking sectors in particular are looking to source experienced
female professionals from a global talent pool."
Simon explained that many global firms were setting up
headquarters in Singapore, or expanding their operations to include
branch offices in South-East Asia.
With 42% of Singapore's population made up of expats and
overseas students, it's not surprising that 80 percent of the
professionals surveyed found it easy to settle in and make new
friends.
"The culture of inclusion is strong here, and new global
recruits are warmly welcomed. Our female candidates tell us that
lifestyle and settling in quickly is just as important to them as
improving their salary. South-East Asia ticks all the boxes," said
Abigail Waudby, Hydrogen Asia Director.
Tim Smeaton, Chief Executive Officer of Hydrogen Group, said,
"We are seeing companies in South-East Asia planning their
workforces strategically to incorporate the new global culture of
working.
They recognise the need for gender diversity and equality, and
also realise that by employing professional women from a global
talent pool, they are future-proofing their business.
"We envisage global mobility will play a greater role in
people's career decisions moving forward and produce the report to
determine shifts in candidate perceptions of overseas working.
"We've moved 40 of our own employees around our global offices
in the last 18 months, so we understand the issues faced by both
our candidates and clients when advising them about relocation," he
said.