In a significant shift from West to East, major companies like Puma, Under Armour, and Dyson are relocating key supply chain operations to the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, leveraging its growing tech talent and innovative capabilities.
The Rising Demand for Digital Skills in APAC
The global supply chain industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation, with companies seeking innovative ways to enhance their operations. The APAC region is rapidly emerging as a leader in tech talent, challenging the traditional dominance of the US and UK. Major organizations like Puma, Under Armour, and Dyson are moving key operations to APAC, indicating a clear shift from West to East. Research from supply chain intelligence firm Zero100 reveals that 26% of supply chain roles in APAC demand digital expertise, compared to 19% in Europe and 15% in North America.
The Implications for Western Firms
The demand for digital skills is not limited to basic data entry. APAC job postings are three times more likely to require advanced capabilities in automation, analytics, and software engineering. The region’s focus extends to AI, machine learning, big data, and cloud technologies – essential elements for building resilient, future-proof supply chains. The successful digital transformation equation goes beyond technical expertise, requiring a strong foundation in soft skills as well. Job descriptions in the APAC region increasingly seek communication, problem-solving, and change management capabilities.
In a significant shift from West to East, major companies like Puma, Under Armour, and Dyson are relocating key supply chain operations to the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, leveraging its growing tech talent and innovative capabilities. This talent shift signifies a critical inflection point for the global supply chain industry, reminding Western companies of the need to adapt swiftly or risk falling behind. Western multinationals are actively hiring and developing talent in APAC countries to digitally transform their supply chains, contributing to the emergence of a ‘digital divide’ between East and West. To counter this trend, Western companies need to ramp up the digital skills and capabilities of their employees in the US and Europe, ensuring that tech learning is shared effectively between APAC-based teams and those elsewhere in the world.
