SUBSCRIBERS

AI talent war pushes US firms to Asia’s outsourced coders

From Mumbai to Manila, firms have emerged to aid in a wide range of projects, from simple product development to becoming de facto in-house engineering teams

    • While Rabiloo still offers software development services, it’s quickly beefing up its AI capacities.
    • While Rabiloo still offers software development services, it’s quickly beefing up its AI capacities. PHOTO: RABILOO
    Published Mon, Sep 15, 2025 · 09:16 AM

    HIRING an artificial intelligence (AI) engineer is proving to be tricky for US executives of firms outside of Big Tech. Many are promising flexible setups and purposeful work, while others are leaning into a tried and tested strategy: outsourcing.

    With tech salaries climbing and AI specialists scarce, more US enterprises are looking to outsource teams from South-east Asia and India for their tech development needs. According to a Deloitte survey, over 70 per cent of US organisations are outsourcing their software development and innovative tech needs, which include AI.

    Specialised software developers and computer programmers in these Asian markets that have long served US enterprises are transitioning to become AI-focused tech teams for hire. Some are also developing their own suite of AI enterprise software.

    Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services