The Asia Pacific region is witnessing significant growth in the data center industry, driven by countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. However, this growth is accompanied by a need for more skilled professionals to operate and maintain these facilities. According to Uptime Institute, it is predicted that by 2025, the global data center industry will require nearly 2.3 million staff. In a recent article featured in Tech Coffee House, Thiam Chye Sim, Head of Operations, Asia Pacific, for EdgeConneX discussed three ways in which the Asia Pacific data center sector can attract and retain the next generation of talent.
“Attracting qualified data center staff has been a major industry challenge for years and is becoming an even greater pain point amid growing data center capacity. The key lies in being creative with our current approaches and doubling efforts to attract and retain talent in our sector.” – Thiam Chye Sim, Head of Operations, Asia Pacific, EdgeConneX
To address this challenge, companies can adopt various strategies including:
First, there is a need to recruit individuals with complementary skill sets beyond traditional engineering backgrounds. This can involve hiring staff from industries such as aviation, oil and gas, and the military, where mission-critical operations and a focus on safety are ingrained.
Upskilling and training programs can also be implemented to ensure operational standards and offer career progression opportunities for existing employees. Regular on-site training programs and opportunities for career progression and professional growth help maintain operational standards and incentivize employees to stay within the organization.
Additionally, partnerships with tertiary institutions can be formed to create awareness and provide formal education programs for the data centre industry. Initiatives like Microsoft’s Datacenter Academy in Singapore and EdgeConneX’ Capstone Project in the United States demonstrate efforts to bridge the talent gap by investing in training and development programs.
Addressing the talent shortage in the data center industry is vital for its continued growth and success in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Companies can attract and retain skilled professionals in this rapidly expanding sector by being creative in recruitment, focusing on upskilling, and partnering with educational institutions.
Read the full article on Tech Coffee House HERE.
Antara News Feature
A short interview with Thiam Chye Sim was also featured in an Indonesian publication, Antara News HERE.
“The HR shortage in the data center industry, especially in the Asia Pacific region, is a significant challenge. However, it also provides an opportunity for companies to invest in training and development programs to attract and retain skilled professionals.” – Thiam Chye Sim, Head of Operations of EdgeConneX, Asia Pacific
Check out EdgeConneX’ current job openings here: https://www.edgeconnex.com/company/careers/
For more information on EdgeConneX global data centers, please visit: https://www.edgeconnex.com/global-map/
