– Futurestep announces expanded Strategic Talent Acquisition solutions,
addressing the changing business environment of the region –

KUALA LUMPUR, February 26,2009 – Recent economic turbulence has prompted companies to re-address the changing landscape for talent. To support clients facing the challenges of the global economic downturn, Futurestep, a Korn/Ferry Company (NYSE:KFY) has expanded it Strategic Talent Acquisition solutions across Asia Pacific.

Futurestep now offers a more comprehensive approach to talent acquisition through Strategic Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO). These solutions draw on Futurestep’s expertise in all facets of talent management, a global presence with locations on four continents, and industry-leading competency methodologies. Originally unveiled in the United States in April 2008, Strategic Talent Acquisition solutions have garnered significant industry recognition, most notably the inclusion of Futurestep in the exclusive annual Baker’s Dozen list of Top RPO Vendors by HRO Today magazine (USA) and HR Vendors of the Year 2008 by Human Resources magazine (Singapore).

Speaking at the Futurestep Launch cocktail event, Tim Nelson, President of Futurestep Asia Pacific said, “Being able to compete effectively for talent remains a challenge for organisations of all sizes. Regardless of economic conditions, companies will continue to vie for leadership talent, as well as specialised skills. Leaders now need to consolidate their recruiting operations, eliminate organisational inefficiencies and find ways to achieve more with less. Strategic RPO is an effective business enabler that will help you consolidate and transform your talent acquisition function.”

Nelson believes that an RPO strategy is ideal for companies in Malaysia who will need to scale up rapidly as the market rebounds. In this current slower economy, he believes that companies should focus on improving their hiring processes; by eliminating duplication and redundant staffing practices, aligning their workforce plans and utilizing internal staff more efficiently.

A recent study done by the Human Capital Institute (HCI) with Futurestep found that despite economic uncertainty and a profound decrease in recruiting activities in the past six months, fifty percent of the respondents say they will use RPO over the next five years.

The cocktail event was also graced by a guest speaker from a leading natural resources organisation. The speaker shared their experience of working with Futurestep to assess their recruitment strategies and workforce needs by adopting the RPO model; which has proven to be a smooth, efficient and cost effective approach.

The natural resources organisation is currently in the recruitment phase working closely with Futurestep to recruit 100 positions in Malaysia.

“Our experience in designing and implementing centralised, standardised, recruiting processes dramatically improves efficiency, minimises client risk and greatly enhances the quality of the hire,” said Nelson.

He added, “Futurestep’s proven approaches for identifying gaps, developing strategies and applying resources, impact bottom line performance and turn strategy into action. Through a comprehensive discovery process, we develop an insider’s view of the history, structure and culture of a firm’s enabling us to transform your talent operations to help you compete more efficiently and deliver greater business impact.”

About Futurestep
Futurestep, a Korn/Ferry Company, is the industry leader in strategic talent acquisition, offering fully customized, flexible solutions to help organizations meet specific workforce needs. Our full-spectrum portfolio of services includes: Strategic Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), Project-Based Recruitment, Mid-Level Recruitment, Interim Professionals and Consulting Services. With locations on four continents and a record of success in securing top talent around the world, Futurestep provides the experience and global reach to identify, attract and retain the people who drive business success. To learn more, visit futurestep.com.

About Korn/Ferry International
Korn/Ferry International, with more than 90 offices in 40 countries, is a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Based in Los Angeles, the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to identify, deploy, develop, retain and reward their talent. For more information on the Korn/Ferry International family of companies, visit kornferry.com.