The View
Embracing Tomorrow
A commentary on building a talent pool ready for the future.
By Nancy Wang, Country Manager at LinkedIn China
As the world stands at the crossroads of technological transformation and economic internationalisation, one truth has become increasingly clear: talent is the engine driving progress.
Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Chinese companies expanding globally. I’ve seen that Chinese companies experience two phenomenal trends: AI transformation and global market expansion.
As a result, attracting and retaining global talent has become not just important, but critical for them. And this isn’t just a feeling, it’s backed by data. LinkedIn insights show that in the past year and a half, demand from China’s top 2,000 globally ambitious companies for highly educated overseas professionals surged by 300 percent. This growth is especially strong in industrial manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals and new energy sectors. That’s not just a trend, it’s a transformation.
Among all the global talent pools, I’ve always believed one of the most valuable is overseas graduates from top universities abroad. This generation is globally minded, digitally fluent and cross-culturally agile, exactly the kind of talent that will help Chinese companies thrive on the international stage. And that’s exactly where LinkedIn steps in. With over 1.1 billion professionals and 69 million companies, we connect more than 1 million Chinese overseas students, including 170,000 from the prestigious QS Top 200 universities, with the opportunities to shape the future of global business.
"In 2023, job postings on LinkedIn mentioning Generative AI increased 6 times. Additionally, skills in digital technology and green are really booming more than we consider."
“Employers want real capabilities, not just credentials. And Gen Z candidates expect to be seen for their potential, not just their pedigree."
From meeting thousands of students in job fairs, what struck me most wasn’t just the numbers, but the mindset. These students weren’t just looking for a job. They wanted to align their skills with global impact. At LinkedIn, we always say that skills are the new currency of the future. This message comes up time and again in my conversations with both students and companies throughout these recruitment journeys. In fact, since 2022, we’ve seen a 140 percent increase in the rate at which LinkedIn members are adding new skills to their profiles.
The demand for new, specialised skills has skyrocketed, especially as AI technology continues to evolve and reshape industries. According to our Skills on the Rise List, AI-related skills, like data analytics, machine learning and AI engineering, are in high demand, making them some of the most sought-after roles in the global job market. In 2023, job postings on LinkedIn mentioning Generative AI increased 6 times. Additionally, skills in digital technology and green are really booming more than we consider. Our Green Skills Report says that hiring for green talent is 50 percent higher than general hiring.
What I’m seeing more and more is a shift toward skills-first hiring. Employers want real capabilities, not just credentials. And Gen Z candidates expect to be seen for their potential, not just their pedigree. That’s why LinkedIn has fully committed to a skills-first vision. Today, our Skills Graph maps over 39,000 skills across 400+ industries, helping companies define what they really need and empowering job seekers to grow into those roles.
But building a skills-first world doesn’t happen overnight, it requires collective action. That’s why we partner with universities and companies around the world to provide online courses, certifications and networking opportunities. We support curriculum reform to align with future demand. And we help companies design tailored learning paths for onboarding and upskilling.
That’s where LinkedIn Learning Solutions plays such an important role. Ever since LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com in 2015, a pioneer in expert-led online education, we’ve continuously expanded our course offerings to meet the evolving needs of professionals worldwide. Today, with more than 24,000 online courses, including over 600 focused on AI, professionals can build both technical skills, like coding and data science, and human skills, like leadership and communication.
Beyond our expansive course library, we also encourage learners to build confidence through interactive experiences. Last year, we rolled out new AI-powered coaching and roleplay features, which allow professionals to actively practice essential soft skills, like giving feedback, conducting performance reviews, or discussing work-life balance, through realistic, conversational scenarios using text or voice. After each session, learners receive tailored feedback and course recommendations to close any skill gaps identified during the practice.
In this era, talent in AI, green energy, and advanced manufacturing isn’t bound by borders. It’s a shared global resource. Chinese companies have the opportunity not just to participate in global expansion, but to lead it by putting people and skills at the center of their strategy.
At LinkedIn, we’re proud to help our clients make that leap from local champions to global innovators. The future will be fast-moving and uncertain, but one thing is certain: it’s not machines, but people with the right skills, mindset, and platform, who will shape what comes next.