Asia is Destination of Choice for Professionals

LONDON, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

With recent research putting Singapore in the top five relocation destinations for the first time, employers in Singapore are finding they have the pick of the world's top professional talent.

The research was commissioned by the global specialist recruiter Hydrogen Group and conducted by ESCP Europe. Respondents rated Singapore as fourth most desirable place in the world to live and work (up from sixth last year).

Simon Walker MD Asia comments "Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in work and it offers a clean and healthy environment so it is not surprising that 88% of those who have moved here feel that their living conditions have improved."

Hong Kong was rated sixth and 91 % of those that relocated to Hong Kong said it had improved their career prospects. Abigail Waudby, Director Hong Kong comments "The Asian economy is still strong and as a consequence, many companies are investing significantly in growth in this region and this is driving a range of opportunities for talented individuals."

Other key findings include:

• International experience is increasingly a prerequisite for senior professionals: 72% of respondents state their employers see international experience as important or very important (63% in 2011)

• Overseas work is no longer just for the young. 45% of respondents working abroad were aged over 40

• Migration is spread more widely than ever before, but the top three desired destinations remain US, Australia and UK

• 37% of respondents working abroad found their role through recruiters. Tim Smeaton, CEO, Hydrogen Group commented "Candidates recognise that recruitment specialists provide them with access to the global organisation of their choice."

Notes to Editors

• The survey interviewed 2,353 people worldwide

• The report, Global Professionals on the Move 2012, highlights insights and trends supported by Hydrogen experts, opinion from independent observers e.g. Recruitment & Employment Confederation, Deloitte and Forbes and stories from several professionals working overseas

• Hydrogen a specialist recruiter, places in over 50 countries with practices covering both professional support services and the technical and scientific market. (http://www.hydrogengroup.com)

• ESCP Europe is the world's oldest business school. Founded in Paris in 1819, the School provides postgraduate and executive-level business education at five European campuses, and globally via a broad network of academic partners. (http://www.escpeurope.eu)

For further information, interview opportunities, or a copy of the report, please contact: Alexandra Bigland +44-(0)20-7090-7730, alexbigland@hydrogengroup.com