Hi all I'm quite new to the consulting scene.
Do consulting firms in Southeast Asia typically require you to know their local language in order to land a job with them? Or is being fluent in English only fine.
I recently got my undergraduate degree and am planning to apply for an entry level role in consulting.
Thanks!
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Great question. It really depends on which country in SEA you're applying to — but in general:
- For Singapore/KL, English is the working language and being fluent is usually sufficient, even for local clients. No additional language required.
- For markets like Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia, many firms do prefer or require fluency in the local language, especially for client-facing roles. Some may still consider strong English-only candidates, but it’s less common unless you’re applying for a regional or specialized role.
- At MBB and Tier 2 firms, language expectations are usually tied to client mix — if most clients are local, they’ll expect you to communicate in the local language.
If you're targeting SEA broadly, start with Singapore or KL — it's the most accessible market language-wise, and often serves as a regional hub. The biggest issue with Singapore is work permit - that's why many try to look in KL instead.
Let me know if you want help tailoring your approach to a specific country or firm.
