Over 80% of senior corporate communications managers see the influence exerted by their function steadily increasing across the region over that time.

The research also found 52% of senior communications professionals operating in the Asia Pacific region are anticipating growth in their communications function in 2016, according to the research.

In addition, 69% of respondents are open to new career opportunities -- with 62% ‘considering opportunities’ and 7% ‘actively looking’, indicating a passive, yet positive, market.

The data, from specialist marketing and communications consultancy VMA GROUP, is based on a survey of delegates at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Communications Summit in Hong Kong, 19th and 20th November, where they were sole talent sponsor.

The event, co-hosted by the Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD) and Communication Director Magazine, was attended by senior practitioners from organisations including Microsoft Asia, American Express, L’Oreal, Bayer, Alibaba Group, AXA, BNY Mellon, GE, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, Li & Fung, HSBC Holdings, Huawei Technologies, Nomura, and Barclays Bank.The survey polled 180 conference delegates on an anonymous basis with a 40% response rate

Attended by leading communicators and distinguished academic experts, the summit was opened by APACD President Pierre Goad, Group Head of Human Resources and Communications at HSBC Holdings, who set the tone for what was an exciting two-day conference, inviting all 220+ participants to reflect, explore and debate the next era of communications.

Commenting on the results, Lisa MacMillan, Head of VMA GROUP’s Hong Kong office, said: “Without a doubt, this is the most valuable – and hotly anticipated – event in the APAC communications calendar and the calibre of delegates at the APACD Summit makes our latest findings all the more insightful. This research reinforces what previous market analysis has already highlighted about the local communications market – the future for Asian business is optimistic, and the future of Asian communications looks set for corresponding growth.”

For further information about VMA GROUP's Pulse survey, please contact us at marketing@vmagroup.com.