"So, Are You Still Going to be a Doctor or Lawyer?’: Perceptions of Career Attractiveness Across Southeast Asia

In today's rapidly evolving world, the concept of an attractive career has been subject to significant shifts, underpinned by major structural changes in the global economy. Perceptions towards certain professions have changed over time, influenced by factors such as individual preferences, generational differences, and emerging industries. Opinions on career attractiveness also differ significantly from country to country, across age brackets, and – sometimes – between genders.

A Blackbox-ADNA study conducted in June 2023 delved into this issue, surveying more than 9,000 respondents across key ASEAN economies—Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia— and our findings brought forth some interesting insights.

The Enduring Appeal of Law and Medicine

When asked to choose between 14 career options encompassing a mix of traditional and modern ones, the results were quite an eye-opener. For example, contrary to what many may believe today, traditional career paths such as law and medicine continue to hold a strong appeal across ASEAN nations. We found that 91% of Southeast Asians (regardless of age group) perceive a career in law as just-as-desirable or more desirable today than it was a decade ago. Similarly, a healthy majority of individuals consider careers in medicine (85%), and finance (89%) to be highly attractive as well. These findings suggest that while aspirations may be evolving, the traditional fields of law and medicine still retain their allure in the eyes of many.

Among the options selected, accounting seems to be losing its appeal with 22% opining that it is less desirable today. This may be attributed to accounting being listed as one of the fields most likely to be impacted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the near future. Other professions with lower perceived value today as compared to a decade ago include the public service (28%), education (27%), health services (25%), and the food industry (24%).

In Singapore, the difference in people’s opinions from the other regions is quite stark. For instance, 27% of Singaporeans consider medicine as less desirable today (as compared to 15% overall), while the “less desirable” ratings are all significantly higher too in the aforementioned fields of education (42%), health services (41%), public service (45%), and the food industry (54%).

The Rise of AI and Machine Learning

As the world becomes increasingly tech-dependent, a shift in career preferences can be observed among the younger population. Nearly half of Southeast Asians (49%) now view artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning as one of the top 2 most desirable careers for today's youth. Among those who selected this path, 44% cited its relevance to today's society as the primary motivation, while 35% were attracted by the prospect of better pay. This reflects the growing importance of technology and the increasing demand for professionals in the field of AI, creating more avenues for today’s young workforce who are comfortable to look beyond traditional career choices.

The Unwavering Focus on Education

Despite the changing landscape of career attractiveness, one aspect remains steadfast: the perceived importance of education. An overwhelming 95% of Southeast Asians believe that obtaining a university degree with high grades is necessary to secure jobs that offer the best pay and salary prospects. This emphasis on education underscores the region's dedication to academic excellence and the belief that a strong educational foundation is vital for career success. (Although we have noted the irony of how our survey shows that while Asians see the need to study as still very important, their desire to make a career in education is waning!).

The Challenge of Navigating Career Paths

While perceptions of attractive careers have evolved, navigating the job market has become more complex and daunting. A notable 64% of Southeast Asians feel that mapping out a career path is more difficult in today's times compared to a decade ago, a sentiment that can be attributed to several factors. When asked to select reasons for why career mapping has become more difficult, the three highest ranking answers from respondents were: decreased job stability (29%), the changing nature of work due to technology and AI (22%), and heightened competitiveness in the job market (21%). These challenges highlight the need for individuals to adapt, upskill, and remain resilient in the face of evolving career dynamics.

At the country level, we found that Singaporeans are most anxious about career development – 81% said they find career mapping to be more difficult than 10 years ago, significantly outstripping the 64% survey average. On the other hand, respondents were most optimistic in Vietnam, where only 31% believe career planning to have become more difficult in the past 10 years.

These fresh perceptions of career attractiveness in Asia reflect a broader global shift in values and aspirations. While some traditional professions continue to be esteemed, others appear to be losing their sheen, with the spotlight moving toward emerging fields – often within the vibrant tech sector. Both employers and employees will need to be ready to adapt to evolving job market dynamics that necessitate a mindset of continuous learning and flexibility, while policymakers will want to keep a keen eye on the marketplace for signs of unwanted and imbalanced productivity shifts between sectors and professions.

For individuals, embracing change, pursuing educational excellence, and navigating the complexities of the modern job landscape will help them forge rewarding and fulfilling careers that align with their aspirations and contribute to the progress of society as a whole. Employers, too, need to play their part by staying attuned to these shifting perceptions in order to attract and retain the best talent. While high pay will always remain a motivating factor, helping employees map out a clear direction to their career paths will become critical.

This is the first of a series of articles Blackbox will be publishing in the coming months on the evolving perceptions of career attractiveness and related issues in Asia. For assistance in devising a strategic vision that aligns with your company’s workforce goals, reach out to us at connect@blackbox.com.sg