Digital skills enhance employability in Asia Pacific

A new joint report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and LinkedIn has highlighted how basic digital literacy is now essential, and those with higher digital skills stand to benefit more.

Most employers in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines now consider digital skills such as proficiency with collaboration tools or basic internet skills for commerce as essential workplace skills, according to the report.

Advanced skills such as coding and programming are also gaining ground. Employers surveyed required 8 of the last 10 candidates hired in the past year to possess at least basic digital literacy and skills, and 4 of the last 10 hires to have advanced digital skills.

While the pandemic disrupted labour markets, the study found that there was increased demand for people with skills to help companies accelerate their digital transformation, and an unprecedented growth in online learning.

About 89% of respondents agreed that digital credentials will become a critical part of higher education. Most believe digital credentials will complement traditional qualifications and will be important for entry-level positions in key sectors.

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“The digital economy in Asia and the Pacific is growing at great speed, with e-commerce expected to reach US$2 trillion by 2025. As digital transformation reshapes jobs in the region, there is an urgent need to invest in digital skills and talent,” said ADB Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department Director General Bruno Carrasco, reported Deviscourse.