IT has been a tough 18 months since the Covid-19 pandemic started, but as recovery is in sight with the progress of vaccinations, 60% of global and 59% of Asia-Pacific CEOs polled in KPMG’s 2021 annual CEO survey say they want to expand and grow their business.

       A total of 42% of Asia-Pacific CEOs say they expect 0.01% to 2.49% growth in earnings over the next three years.

       CLICK TO ENLARGE

       About 87% of the CEOs believe mergers and acquisitions are critical in powering this growth besides acquiring digital capabilities, while 87% of them want to make deals over the next three years.

       Hiring is priority and they recognise the future of work is more than where people are based, as is upskilling.

       Active listening, empathetic communication and a commitment to finding the right balance in the long term are key in fostering a digital-first culture so people naturally look to integrate technology into their work, it says.

       The CEOs’ concerns about operational matters such as supply chain resilience, cyber security and regulatory matters are back to the top of their agendas, it adds.

       The CEOs are also supercharged to increase investment into environmental, social and governance to meet investors’ demand.

       About 1,325 CEOs responded to the survey from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, Britain and the United States.

       They represent the asset management, automotive, banking, consumer and retail, energy, infrastructure, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing, technology and telecommunications sectors.