New LinkedIn data reveals that over half of professionals in Australia (51%) and India (57%) acknowledge AI’s growing role at work, while business leaders in Australia (83%), India (98%), and Singapore (94%) prioritize accelerating AI adoption in 2025.
These insights were unveiled at LinkedIn’s APAC Talent Connect Asia 2025, where industry leaders gathered to discuss how embracing AI, enhancing workforce skills, and adapting to evolving employee expectations will shape the future of work. HR leaders, in particular, are essential in guiding this workforce transition.
However, finding talent with the right mix of AI expertise and human skills remains a pressing challenge. LinkedIn data reveals:
- 95% of L&D professionals in APAC stress the rising importance of creativity, curiosity, and communication alongside technical know-how.
- 41% of HR professionals report that less than half of job applications meet all required and preferred qualifications.
- The hardest-to-find skills include technical fluency (36%), leadership (35%), and soft skills like communication and problem-solving (34.5%).
With hiring rates slowing across the region throughout 2024 and easing off towards the end of the year, companies are showing selectivity in their hiring in 2025.
95% of L&D professionals in APAC stress the rising importance of creativity, curiosity, and communication alongside technical know-how.
HR professionals say they would only consider reaching out to (49.2%) and hiring (50.8%) candidates who meet 80% or more of job qualifications.
Alongside this, organizations are doubling down on upskilling their current workforce to build resilient, future-ready teams:
- 78.3% of HR professionals in APAC rank helping employees build new skills as a top priority for 2025, and they’re prioritising upskilling employees on AI (73.5%) and soft skills such as communication and collaboration (77%).
- Leaders across APAC (40% in Australia, 48% in India and 32% in Singapore) also say investing in learning and development to train employees on AI tools is critical for accelerating AI adoption.
AI at work is no longer a distant future — it’s today’s reality. To stay competitive, businesses must rethink their talent strategies and prioritise continuous learning.
AI at work is no longer a distant future — it’s today’s reality.
“As technology, especially AI, reshapes the workforce, businesses and HR leaders must keep people at the heart of their talent strategies,” said Sumita Tandon, HR Director, APAC, LinkedIn.
“The companies that will thrive are those that embed a culture of continuous upskilling and reskilling, ensuring employees are prepared for the future.”
