Asia Leads the Way in the Race for Tech Talent

A new study reveals a dramatic shift in the global tech landscape: the Asia Pacific region is now home to three of the world’s top 10 technology talent markets.

Beijing, Bengaluru, and Tokyo surge ahead in global tech rankings as Asia Pacific emerges as the world’s new center of gravity for digital talent and innovation, according to a study by Colliers released on Friday. Colliers is a global investment management company specializing in real estate and related industries.

With a total of 14 APAC cities ranking in the global top 50, the region is fast becoming a magnet for the next generation of tech professionals, especially in AI, data science, and cybersecurity.

Largest Pool of Data Scientists in India

China tops the regional leaderboard not only with Beijing ranked 4th globally but also with the highest number of APAC cities in the top 50, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

India follows closely, with six cities represented, most notably Bengaluru, which boasts the world’s largest pool of data scientists. Japan and Australia round out the region’s leaders, with Tokyo, Osaka, Sydney, and Melbourne making the list.

Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Youth Power the Shift

The report underscores a growing polarization of tech talent, driven by surging demand in artificial intelligence. Job postings requiring AI skills have increased by 68 percent globally since late 2022, while traditional IT postings have fallen by 27 percent 

Cities with dense pools of AI and cybersecurity talent – such as Bengaluru, Singapore, and Seoul – are climbing fast in global rankings.

Demographic trends are also shaping this evolution. Between 2014 and 2022, the number of tech workers under age 25 increased by 9 percent – over 20 times the all-industry average. In APAC, younger cities like Jakarta, Hyderabad, and Pune are proving particularly attractive to employers looking for scalable, long-term talent.

Venture Capital Surges Through Asia’s Hubs

Asia Pacific now accounts for all of the world’s top 10 cities for growth in venture capital (VC) deals. China is fueling this trend with strong momentum in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, while India’s Bengaluru and Hyderabad remain key targets for global investors. Japan and South Korea are also gaining ground: Tokyo ranks third in sector composition and VC funding, and Seoul comes in fourth.

Notably, Singapore, while smaller in scale, maintains its edge with high hiring activity and an efficient, innovation-friendly ecosystem.

Global Rebalancing

The global tech map is being redrawn. The US still dominates with 14 of the top 50 markets, led by the San Francisco Bay Area. But the Colliers study shows the tide is turning.

  • India now outpaces many Western markets in tech hiring and talent availability. China is translating its research and capital into results. And cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore are solidifying their reputations as global innovation hubs.

«Asia Pacific is drawing significant global attention for its unmatched tech talent density and strong venture capital momentum,» Colliers APAC Managing Director Chris Davis said. «These markets aren’t just supporting global tech expansion – they’re leading it».

Roadmap for the Future

As remote work contracts and hybrid models take hold, companies are once again making strategic location decisions. With 59 percent of tech executives planning to use labor market analytics more proactively, insights like those provided in the Colliers report are becoming indispensable.

In a world where digital transformation is both opportunity and imperative, Asia Pacific’s momentum marks a pivotal shift – one where innovation is no longer centralized, but global, dynamic, and increasingly Asia-led.