Shenzhen thirsty for technology talents

Demand for technology talent among employers in Shenzhen is increasing as the city strives to establish itself as a technology hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

According to a report by global specialist recruitment agency Hays, a number of new posts have emerged in data science, cloud architecture and blockchain, with more and more employers looking for design talent in technological innovation and research and development.

Traditional industries are also increasing their recruitment and the banking sector in particular is experiencing a growing demand for people who can liaise between companies and commercial banks.

Rich work experience is required for most of the posts. According to the report, 75 percent of those surveyed said they have hired people with five to 15 years of work experience.

About 40 percent of the posts require job seekers to have technical knowledge, management abilities and leadership skills.

Employees that meet these requirements are well paid. Annual pay for more than 40 percent of the posts reached 300,000 to 500,000 yuan ($43,573 to $72,623), while 35 percent were as high as 500,000 to 1 million yuan.

"The manufacturing and operating sectors have an urgent need for talent because a lot of large enterprises have poured money into research and development to encourage innovation in product design. It helps them retain their competitiveness," Samson Ho, Shenzhen business director of Hays, said.

The report also showed that employers in Shenzhen are positive about the future of their businesses in the city. Nearly 80 percent expect to enjoy a high or medium level of growth this year.

As infrastructure in the Greater Bay Area improves with the recent launch of the cross-border high-speed train linking Hong Kong and Shenzhen, more transnational companies, especially Fortune 500 companies, are expected to set up their regional headquarters in the city.

Known as the country's "Silicon Valley", Shenzhen is home to a number of leading global companies such as internet giant Tencent, telecom equipment supplier and smartphone maker Huawei and DJI, the world's leading drone maker.