Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem has been beset with layoffs in the last few months as businesses struggle to cope with the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even those with massive war chests, such as ride-hailers Grab and Gojek and travel booking unicorn Traveloka, found themselves inadequately prepared for a prolonged slowdown in business.
Despite the dreary outlook, startup hiring in the region has not ground to a halt. Listings on jobs marketplaces and other recruitment platforms reveal companies are still actively, albeit selectively, hiring as a larger talent pool becomes available and the balance of power shifts in favour of recruiters.
