Rising demand for cyber security experts in Hong Kong

Hiring in Hong Kong's IT industry will be heavily focused on security and risk professionals this year due to the increased threat of cyber attacks. With companies around the globe already being affected by security issues, job opportunities are available in Hong Kong for expatriates with the right IT skills.

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) recently urged enterprises and Internet users to strengthen their vigilance against cyber security attacks targeting computers, mobile devices, and servers. The warning followed a surge in security incidents in Hong Kong in 2014.

As a result many organisations are making greater efforts to clamp down on security threats that can negatively impact their business.

According to the Hays Quarterly Report for the period January to March 2015, there is more demand for Security Analysts who can indicate security threats and protect businesses from malware, as well as give security advice on how to prevent future security breaches.

With the opening of the Hong Kong-Shanghai stock connect scheme in November last year, IT risk and compliance will become an important issue for many companies, creating demand for these professionals.

Meanwhile, with the rapid growth of smartphone technology, large companies are seeking Project Managers who can increase a company's technical capabilities so that it can deliver an enhanced mobile phone user experience safely. Project Specialists and Project Coordinators are also sought as they help keep tasks on schedule for Project Managers.

Business technology professionals such as Business Analysts and Program Managers also continue to be sought after as local, regional, and global change projects are implemented and completed. As data analytics becomes more important for companies, Data Analysts' skills are sought after by multinational corporations as they look for insights into their business operations.

Data analytics is set to become a key part of driving businesses forward by increasing the efficiency of operations and processes.

Before moving to Hong Kong to take advantage of these opportunities, expatriate IT professionals will need to be aware of what is happening on the ground in the local jobs market.

This includes not only in terms of skills in demand but also the localisation of salaries, which has seen the traditional expatriate package become a rarity as employers instead offer packages more in line with local rates. 

The logistics involved in securing a valid work visa also deter some employers. The Hong Kong government advocates that employers must first consider local candidates, except for when there is a shortage of highly skilled candidates that are available locally.

It is worth noting that employers can be wary of a candidate who has not made a commitment to living in Hong Kong because they might decide not to relocate after considering an offer of employment.

As always communications skills remain a key commodity in short supply. Employers prefer local candidates who are already located in Hong Kong and have Chinese language skills, PRC experience, and cultural understanding.

Cultural fit matters because hiring managers want to know if your actual on-the-job behaviour may be inconsistent with the values and expectations of the team and the organisation you're hoping to join.

As is the trend in most other countries, IT professionals also need business acumen, coupled with the ability to communicate findings to both business and IT leaders in a way that can influence how an organisation approaches a business challenge.