For the last few years, Talent Acquisition teams have been reacting to extreme market swings, from the “Great Resignation” to sudden economic headwinds. But as we step into 2026, the dust has settled, and the landscape has fundamentally shifted.
We have moved from a market of volume to a market of value.
To find out what candidates really want today, we surveyed over 4,300 professionals across Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines for the 2026 Southeast Asia Talent Report.
The findings revealed a brutal truth: the old hiring playbook is broken. Today’s candidates are not just looking for a job; they are actively auditing your organisation for stability, efficiency, and honesty.
The Opportunity in the Shift
While candidate expectations have never been higher, this presents an incredible opportunity for employers. Organisations that adapt to these shifting mindsets will not only fill seats faster but will build highly engaged, future-ready teams.
Here is a sneak peek at the themes defining today’s talent market in Southeast Asia, and how you can turn them into your competitive advantage:
The New Currency of Trust: Candidates are looking for radical clarity before they even hit “apply”. We uncover the single most powerful signal that builds candidate trust (hint: it’s no longer just your brand reputation) and how leading with it can instantly widen your talent pool.
The Need for Speed: We mapped the “Black Hole” of hiring and identified the exact timeframe when the majority of candidates will abandon a slow process. The report reveals strategies that will top-tier talent stay engaged and committed to your hiring process.
Beyond the Paycheck: What truly makes a candidate stay? We dive into the new psychological contract of work, exploring how organisations can address hidden retention risks (like burnout) and deliver the future-ready upskilling that candidates are actively seeking.
One Region, Three Distinct Personas: A one-size-fits-all strategy will no longer work in Southeast Asia. Discover the unique behavioural drivers of the Pragmatist in Singapore, the Balancer in Malaysia, and the Aspirer in the Philippines.
Navigating the New Reality Together Understanding these shifts is just the first step. The 2026 Southeast Asia Talent Report doesn’t just present the data; it provides a concrete, actionable TA Playbook to help you redesign your hiring process.
At Indeed, we believe hiring works best when it is human, transparent, and candidate-first. As the landscape evolves, Indeed is here as your strategic partner. Whether you need to evaluate your job content, fast-track qualified talent, or authentically showcase your company culture, we provide the solutions you need to meet candidates where they are.
Ready to rewrite your hiring playbook and start winning the talent that matters?
