Equinix Commentary - International Data Center Day 2022
Hwa Choo Lim, VP of Human Resources, Equinix Asia-Pacific
Hwa Choo Lim, VP of Human Resources, Equinix Asia-Pacific
Data centers used to hide in plain sight, but the growing global reliance on cloud computing, 5G, AI, and IoT technologies has seen them take on increasingly important roles across industries. In Asia-Pacific specifically, data centers are rapidly growing as governments digitize their economies and businesses fast-track their digital journeys. Data center investments in the region grew by around 35% in 2021 compared to 2020, and the market is expected to reach US$94 billion by 2027.[1] As data centers take up their critical role in upholding the digital economy, it has made it an exciting and rewarding place to develop a career. At the same time, data center staff requirements are forecast to grow globally from about 2 million full-time employees in 2019 to nearly 2.3 million by 2025.
Most demand is expected in the Asia-Pacific region, followed by North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.[2] Thanks to the fast-growing demands for data center services and staff, the industry needs more skilled professionals to staff and maintain facilities.
As the world's infrastructure company™, Equinix believes we have the responsibility to step up and take the lead to encourage individuals to consider a career in the data center industry. We strive to build an inclusive workplace for employees where they can say “I’m safe, I belong and I matter.’ Designed to bring employees together, Equinix Employee Connection Networks (EECNs) play an essential role in advocating for the needs and goals of communities with common identities, cultures or backgrounds. Additionally, we continue to identify new channels and avenues to connect underrepresented communities to meaningful opportunities at Equinix. Our Pathways Program, new-to-career partnerships, and expanded talent marketing strategy offers multiple paths to reach a diverse pool of candidates at different stages in their career journeys. In Singapore, five trainees who joined our SGUnited traineeship program were converted into full-time data center operation employees.
Today, we continue promoting initiatives that foster a culture where talent thrives and inspire the next generation of talent to join the data center industry, demonstrating that there is a place for everybody at Equinix. We're proud of our progress to ensure an inclusive, diverse, and strong workforce. One that continuously recognizes all our employees' achievements and great work, especially those who do a tremendous job to keep our mission-critical services running.
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