This is not limited to SE Asia. Outsourcing, rather over-simplified and limited definitions of cost, buyer's market for companies (and no, the bigger players do

This is not limited to SE Asia. Outsourcing, rather over-simplified and limited definitions of cost, buyer's market for companies (and no, the bigger players don't care for real talent at large) drive this in other environments too. I am from Germany and in this market for 20 years as a freelancer/contractor/consultant. Personally - having a major in mathematics and relevant project experience - I have no significant problems. But 'dev-only' people certainly face the mass market effects.