- Employers Offering Leadership Development Most Likely to Attract and Keep Top Talent  -

Kuala Lumpur, April 12, 2006 -- Futurestep, the outsourced recruiting subsidiary of Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), a premier global provider of talent management solutions, today announced that a survey conducted in early April of more than 180 mid-level professionals in Malaysia found that 58 percent of them labeled themselves either “highly likely” or “likely” to change jobs this year, despite a majority feeling “fairly” if not “very” secure in their present position.

Contributing to these findings were the respondents’ views on the state of the economy and job market in Asia over the next 12 months. While almost 17 percent felt the region is in the midst of a significant upswing and that employees should take advantage of it to accelerate their careers, 38 percent reported that the region is leveling off and thus they need to make the most of any opportunity that comes to them now.  Thirty-four percent of respondents said it is “as good as it’s going to get and may be poised for a downturn,” so people need to prepare for the future, with the remaining 11 percent indicating that the sense of urgency to find a new job came from a belief that a significant correction is about to begin which would mitigate their bargaining power.

“The relatively strong economic conditions across Asia have empowered middle-level professionals to take charge of their careers,” said Angelena Cala, Director, ASEAN and Japan, Futurestep. “Multinational corporations, as well as local companies, have been coming to us for guidance on how to manage these new issues. Our understanding of the talent pool in Malaysia enables us to work closely with organizations here to review their HR practices and find new ways of attracting and retaining the very best people in their industry.”

Understanding Employee Attitudes is Key to Solving Talent Challenges
The survey illuminated some underlying employee frustrations that Futurestep consultants work with clients to proactively address, including:

• Inability to Find Attractive Positions: Sixty percent of those who responded to the survey said they have updated their CV in the last six months, with 80 percent of those who have not intending to do so this year. Thirty-six percent said they are still with their current employer only because they have not seen a vacancy that interests them in recent months. Alarmingly, a quarter of respondents expressed frustration at not being able to find a new job and described themselves as feeling “trapped” at their current company.
• Inadequate Opportunities for Development and Advancement: Fewer than 22 percent of the professionals surveyed felt there was a “strong” to “definite” possibility they would be promoted this year. But when asked what the most significant thing a potential employer could do to make them leave their current company, offering a promotion came in second (18 percent) behind investing in their professional growth and development (40 percent). Further, 24 percent of respondents indicated that offering development opportunities is the most important thing their current employer already is doing to keep them on board.

“To effectively help employers reach their most sought-after candidates in Malaysia, Futurestep offers its expertise in the development and execution of employer branding campaigns,” Cala continued.  “At the end of the day, the primary focus is to promote employee loyalty through development programs.”

About the Survey
The online survey was the second in a series that Futurestep will be conducting across the Asia Pacific region this year to keep abreast of trends in employee aspirations and behavior in each market. Respondents were drawn from the Company’s comprehensive candidate database and comprised more than 180 middle management professionals across multiple industries.

About Korn/Ferry International
With more than 70 offices in over 40 countries, Korn/Ferry opened its first office in Kuala Lumpur in 1978. Based in Los Angeles, the firm partners with clients worldwide to deliver unparalleled senior-level search, management assessment, coaching and development, and outsourced recruitment services through its Futurestep subsidiary.
 
About Futurestep
Founded in 1998, Futurestep serves as Korn/Ferry International’s outsourced recruiting subsidiary, focusing on the creation of successful recruitment solutions based on clients’ individual workforce needs. In addition to recruitment process outsourcing, the company’s portfolio of services includes project-based recruitment, interim solutions and mid-level recruitment. With 32 offices in 17 countries worldwide, Futurestep now has a presence in the following countries across Asia Pacific:  Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

For more information, visit the Korn/Ferry International Web site at www.kornferry.com or the Futurestep Web site at www.futurestep.com.

Media Contacts:  

Anisah Haja
(65) 6231-6123
anisah.haja@kornferry.com

Chui Y. Lee
(603) 2275 7725
ChuiYu.Lee@kornferry.com