Connect | APAC // Debate: Is the industry doing enough to overcome its talent shortage?

Across APAC, the talent shortage has become one of the biggest barriers to growth, with demand outpacing the industry’s ability to attract and develop skilled professionals. The global AI race is intensifying competition, creating a worldwide battle for expertise. While automation and AI promise to ease pressure, many fear they could widen the skills gap. The industry also faces a visibility challenge and must create greater awareness of the career opportunities available within data centers. With new capacity rising faster than talent can be developed, is the sector truly doing enough to secure its future workforce?

This debate will unpack:

• Whether AI and automation will close or deepen the industry’s skills gap
• Where the industry’s talent crisis is hitting hardest, and how to respond
• If current initiatives like graduate schemes, operator-led academies, and university partnerships are delivering results 
• Whether re-skilling talent from adjacent sectors can close the gap faster than training from scratch
• How to improve the industry’s visibility and appeal to new entrants 

Held under Chatham House Rule, DCD>Debates are open discussions led by a panel of experts, on the biggest issues to face the industry.