BEIJING, July 9 -- Overall, World Expo 2010 will create fresh opportunities while amplifying challenges in human capital management amid a landscape of tight talent and high economic growth.

Firstly, human resources professionals will be in great demand, particularly those with staffing and strategic expertise. Staffing remains a key requirement given rapid economic growth amidst a tight talent pool. To address longer-term issues, companies are recognizing the importance of a more strategic approach to human capital management.

As such, we are seeing increased needs for strategic HR professionals to join the rungs of senior management to spearhead key initiatives to address the full spectrum of attraction, engaging, retention and development of top performers.

Secondly, our real estate practice expects increased demand in construction, engineering and design positions. Given the emphasis on environmental issues, developers of properties in and around the Expo site will be required to adhere to compliance with "green" standards.

As such, professionals with "green buildings" exposure will certainly enjoy more opportunities in the future. Overall, the shortage of talent in these areas will worsen with the dual impact of the World Expo and the influx of Western investment companies that have set up offices in Shanghai to drive their acquisition activities.

Increased demand will be seen for talents in the hospitality, travel, food and exhibition segments.

A World Expo is regarded as an economics and technology Olympics. So technology orientation is an essential prerequisite across all segments and functions. Candidates with strong technical skills augmented by fluent English continue to command a premium in this market.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)