Nearly 90% of organisations across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region now recognise skills-related initiatives as vital to business growth and agility, according to Aon’s 2025 APAC Skills Impact Survey. The findings reflect a significant shift in focus toward future-ready capabilities over traditional work experience.
Conducted by Aon plc, a global professional services firm, the study surveyed over 135 organisations across APAC. It highlights critical skill gaps, explores evolving workforce strategies, and evaluates the readiness of businesses to adapt to a skills-first approach.
“As workplaces grow more dynamic, it’s essential to prioritise skill development over past experience to nurture a resilient, agile workforce,” said Puneet Swani, Head of Talent Solutions, APAC, at Aon. “Organisations that harness people analytics and embed skills into HR frameworks will be better positioned to drive sustainable business outcomes.”
Key findings from the report include:
- 40% of businesses are actively developing future-oriented talent strategies.
- 68% have established a formal skills framework.
- 44% are adopting modern tools like assessment platforms and skill benchmarks, while 56% still rely on conventional methods such as job descriptions and manager evaluations.
The top skill areas driving transformation include recruitment, learning and development, succession planning, workforce planning, and career mobility. Notably, around 40% of surveyed companies are already using skills data to support lateral career moves—improving employee engagement and hiring success. Within the next two years, this figure is projected to rise to 45%.
However, organisations continue to face roadblocks in implementing skill-first models. Maggie You, Head of People Advisory for APAC at Aon, pointed out that limited budgets, difficulty in measuring impact, and challenges in identifying relevant skills are key obstacles.
“To move forward, businesses should start with pilot initiatives, employ objective assessments, set clear KPIs, and align internal frameworks with external benchmarks,” said You. “Engaging leadership and stakeholders early in the journey is critical for long-term success.”
The report underscores a growing consensus: integrating a robust skills strategy is no longer optional but a necessity for long-term competitiveness and workforce resilience in the APAC region.
