AI Skills Become Most Difficult Competency to Find in APME: ManpowerGroup Global Talent Shortage 2026 Survey

Singapore — Labour shortages are intensifying across the Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region, creating a critical moment for many enterprises and economies. According to ManpowerGroup’s 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey, 71% of companies in APME report difficulty filling job vacancies, nearly matching the global average of 72%.

The survey involved more than 39,000 companies across 41 countries, including 12,193 companies in 10 APME markets. Results demonstrate that recruitment challenges vary significantly by country. In APME, Japan (84%) and India (82%) face the highest talent shortage rates, followed by the United Arab Emirates (76%), whilst China (48%) records the lowest shortage rate both regionally and globally. Globally, Slovakia (87%), Greece (84%), and Japan report the highest shortages, whilst Finland (60%) and Poland (57%) rank among the lowest, alongside China.

Despite variations across countries, artificial intelligence expertise consistently ranks as the most difficult competency to locate in APME. The top two skills include AI Model Development and Applications (27%) and AI Literacy (26%). Conventional information technology and data skills rank sixth (18%).

“AI developments have fundamentally transformed the skills landscape and recruitment processes across APME. AI expertise is no longer a specialised competency but rather a determinant of workforce competitiveness in the region,” said François Lançon, Regional President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup. “Following accelerated AI adoption by many enterprises, company leaders must operate across multiple stages simultaneously. They must support employees navigating rapid transformation to adapt to AI-driven changes whilst preparing the future by developing deeper and more relevant AI expertise. Simultaneously, recruitment processes are evolving rapidly, requiring companies to build, recruit, or leverage resources to secure candidates with AI competency.”

ManpowerGroup, a leading global workforce solutions provider, assists enterprises in transforming the rapidly changing career landscape. The company recruits, evaluates, develops, and manages human resources to support corporate success. ManpowerGroup’s brands—Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions—have delivered value to job candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories for over 75 years.