Singaporeans could expect a 15-20% salary increase in 2012

Employees in Singapore, amongst those in Asia projected to receive high salary increases.

The recently released 2012 Robert Walters' Salary Survey reveals a rapid rate of growth anticipated for professional salaries in Asia.

According to the Survey, salaries within emerging Asian markets are projected to grow the most rapidly, compared with slower expected salary rises in more established economies like Japan.

Here's some highlights in the study:

Across many sectors in China, 2012 salaries for job-seekers are anticipated to increase by 15-30% over 2011 levels, as will salaries in Malaysia (20-35%), Vietnam (15-20%) and Thailand (10-20%).

Larger markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore should also benefit from the regional growth with professionals entering a new company typically earning salary increases of 10-20% and 15-20% respectively in these cities.

While salary growth in Japan was less than 10% for many job-seekers, total remuneration for specialist job functions was still substantially higher than their Asian counterparts.

Despite the continued offshoring of some job functions overseas, specialised professionals required locally such as for client-facing roles and sales support, should still command competitive salaries. Recruitment activity in Japan is expected to remain steady at 2011 levels, although this activity will be linked to the performance of global markets.

Outlook for 2012 salary increases for specialist roles:

Japan 1-10%
China 15-30%
Hong Kong 10-20%
Malaysia 20-35%
Singapore 15-20%
Thailand 10-20%
Vietnam 15-20%

Now in its 13th edition, the annual Global Salary Survey offers comparable salary levels for professional careers in Japan and across the Group's network of 23 countries worldwide.