Question 1

What is Asiatal?

Accepted Answer

Asiatal is a talent platform that helps companies hire dedicated remote employees from Southeast Asia — engineers, marketers, and designers. You pay the agreed talent compensation plus our monthly fee, and we charge a flat retainer fee for vetting, matching, hiring support, and ongoing talent management. Think of us as your transparent remote hiring partner.

Question 2

Which countries do you hire from?

Accepted Answer

We source talent from 7 Southeast Asian countries: Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Each country has unique strengths — the Philippines for English fluency, Vietnam for engineering depth, Indonesia for scale, Thailand for creative talent, and Malaysia for bilingual professionals.

Question 3

What roles can I hire for?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in three categories: Engineers (full-stack, backend, frontend, mobile, DevOps, AI/ML), Marketers (growth, SEO, paid media, content, email, analytics), and Designers (UI/UX, product, brand, Webflow, motion, design systems). Whether you need one role or an entire team, we can help.

Question 4

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

We charge a flat $499/mo retainer fee per hire for ongoing placements. You pay the agreed talent compensation plus our monthly fee. We manage payroll, compliance, and everything else. Alternatively, a one-time flat fee of 15% places the talent directly on your payroll. No hidden markups or percentage cuts.

Question 5

What does the $499/mo retainer fee cover?

Accepted Answer

The $499/mo covers the full hiring lifecycle and ongoing support: discovery consultation and JDs, candidate sourcing and headhunting, multi-stage vetting and scoring, interviews and aptitude tests, offer management and negotiation, onboarding coordination, Employer of Record (EOR), managed payroll, and ongoing local compliance. You pay the agreed talent compensation plus our fee. We manage payroll, compliance, and everything else.

Question 6

What's the difference between the monthly plan and the flat fee?

Accepted Answer

With the monthly plan ($499/mo retainer fee), we handle vetting, matching, hiring support, and ongoing talent management. You pay the agreed talent compensation plus our monthly fee to us. We manage payroll, compliance, and everything else. With the flat fee (15% one-time), we recruit and vet the talent, then they join your payroll directly. The flat fee is best for companies with existing HR infrastructure.

Question 7

How fast can I hire someone?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive a curated shortlist of 2-4 pre-vetted candidates within 5 business days of telling us what you need. After you interview and select your hire, we handle onboarding. Most clients have their new team member fully working within 4 weeks total.

Question 8

What's the minimum commitment?

Accepted Answer

The monthly plan requires a 6-month minimum commitment. This ensures both sides invest in the relationship — leading to better integration, real productivity, and meaningful results. After the minimum period, you can cancel with 30 days notice.

Question 9

What if the hire isn't the right fit?

Accepted Answer

We offer a free replacement guarantee. On the monthly plan, we'll replace your hire at no extra cost anytime during the engagement. On the flat fee plan, the replacement guarantee covers the first 90 days after placement.

Question 10

How do you vet candidates?

Accepted Answer

Every candidate goes through our rigorous 5-stage screening: (1) Technical/skills assessment, (2) AI proficiency test — we verify they're fluent in tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Midjourney, (3) English fluency evaluation, (4) Culture fit interview, and (5) Reference checks. Only the top candidates make it into our network.

Question 11

What experience level is the talent?

Accepted Answer

Our talent pool consists of professionals with sharp skills, high motivation, and fluency in modern tech stacks and AI-augmented workflows. They've worked at top Southeast Asian companies like Grab, Gojek, Shopee, Tokopedia, and FPT Software.

Question 12

Is this freelancing or outsourcing?

Accepted Answer

Neither. Freelancers juggle multiple clients and disappear between gigs. Outsourcing companies manage projects, not people. Asiatal gives you dedicated team members who work exclusively for you, report to you, and are embedded in your team. They're your employees in every way that matters.

Question 13

How do timezones work?

Accepted Answer

Southeast Asian timezones (GMT+7 to GMT+8) overlap well with Australia, East Asia, and European business hours. For US teams, our talent is experienced in async communication and flexible scheduling. We align timezone preferences during the matching process to ensure productive overlap.

Question 14

Who handles payroll, taxes, and compliance?

Accepted Answer

On the monthly plan, Asiatal supports you with contracts, compliance guidance, and onboarding. You pay the agreed talent compensation plus our fee. we ensure everything runs smoothly. On the flat fee plan, you manage these directly since the talent joins your payroll.

Question 15

Can I hire multiple people?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our clients build entire remote teams through Asiatal — engineers, marketers, and designers working together. If you're hiring 3 or more roles, contact us for volume pricing.

Question 16

Do I get a dedicated point of contact?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every client gets a dedicated success manager who handles onboarding, performance check-ins, and any issues that arise. They're your single point of contact for everything talent-related.

Question 17

What tools and equipment does the talent use?

Accepted Answer

Our talent works remotely with their own equipment (laptop, reliable internet, quiet workspace — all verified during vetting). They integrate into your existing tools — Slack, GitHub, Figma, Jira, Google Workspace, or whatever your team uses.

Question 18

Can I interview candidates before hiring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. We provide a curated shortlist of 2-4 candidates with detailed profiles. You interview your top picks, assess cultural fit, and make the final decision. We never place someone without your approval.

Question 19

What happens if I want to cancel?

Accepted Answer

After the 6-month minimum commitment, you can cancel with 30 days written notice. Early termination before the minimum period may incur a fee equal to the remaining months. We make it straightforward — no lock-in traps.

Question 20

How is Asiatal different from Toptal, Turing, or other platforms?

Accepted Answer

Three key differences: (1) We focus exclusively on Southeast Asia, giving us deeper talent networks and local expertise. (2) We're not a marketplace — we manage the entire employment relationship, not just the matching. (3) Our talent is specifically vetted for AI-augmented workflows, delivering 5x output compared to traditional hires.

Question 21

What is Asiatal?

Accepted Answer

Asiatal connects skilled professionals from Southeast Asia with global companies looking for dedicated remote team members. We handle the employment side — contracts, payroll, compliance — so you can focus on doing great work for your client.

Question 22

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

We're looking for engineers, marketers, and designers based in Southeast Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar) with strong English communication skills, and proficiency in AI-augmented workflows.

Question 23

Is this freelancing?

Accepted Answer

No. Asiatal places you as a dedicated team member with one client at a time. You work exclusively for that client full-time. It's a stable, long-term role, not gig work. You're embedded in their team, attend their standups, and report to their managers.

Question 24

How does the application process work?

Accepted Answer

Apply on our website with your resume, portfolio, and details about your experience. If you pass initial screening, you'll go through our 5-stage vetting: technical assessment, AI proficiency test, English fluency evaluation, culture fit interview, and reference checks. Accepted candidates join our talent network.

Question 25

What does the 5-stage vetting involve?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1: Technical or skills assessment relevant to your role. Stage 2: AI proficiency test — we verify you can use tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Midjourney productively. Stage 3: English fluency evaluation (written and verbal). Stage 4: Culture fit and communication interview. Stage 5: Professional reference checks.

Question 26

How much will I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Your compensation is negotiated directly between you and the client — what you agree is what you receive. Asiatal does not take a cut of your pay. We charge the client a separate flat retainer fee. This means your earnings reflect your true market value, not a discounted rate after a middleman's markup.

Question 27

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

The client pays you directly based on the compensation you both agreed on. Asiatal supports the process to ensure timely, reliable payments. The specifics (payment method, currency, schedule) are agreed upon when you join a placement.

Question 28

Do I need to be available full-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our placements are full-time dedicated roles. You work exclusively for one client as an embedded team member. This is what makes Asiatal different from freelance platforms.

Question 29

What kind of companies will I work with?

Accepted Answer

Our clients range from funded startups to established companies across industries like SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and more. They're typically US, European, or Australian companies looking for dedicated remote team members. You'll work directly with their team, not through layers of management.

Question 30

What tools do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your role. Engineers should be proficient in modern stacks plus AI tools like Copilot and Cursor. Marketers should know AI-powered marketing tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and analytics platforms. Designers should be fluent in Figma plus AI tools like Midjourney and Figma AI. Specific requirements vary by client.

Question 31

Do I need my own equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You'll need a reliable laptop, stable internet connection, and a quiet workspace. We verify these during the vetting process. Most clients use tools like Slack, GitHub, Figma, Jira, and Google Workspace — you should be comfortable with remote collaboration tools.

Question 32

What timezone do I need to work in?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the client. Some clients require overlap with US or European business hours, while others are flexible with async work. We match timezone preferences during the placement process. Being flexible with scheduling increases your chances of getting matched.

Question 33

How long are the engagements?

Accepted Answer

Clients commit to a minimum of 6 months. Most engagements run much longer — many of our talent have been with the same client for over a year. This isn't short-term contract work; it's a stable, ongoing role.

Question 34

Can I work with multiple clients at the same time?

Accepted Answer

No. When you're placed with a client, you work exclusively for them during your contracted hours. This is a core part of the Asiatal model — dedicated, committed team members, not freelancers juggling multiple projects.

Question 35

What happens after I'm accepted into the network?

Accepted Answer

Once you pass vetting, your profile enters our talent network. When a client has a role that matches your skills and preferences, we'll present the opportunity to you. You'll learn about the company, the role, and the team before deciding if you're interested. If both sides agree, we handle onboarding and you start working.

Question 36

How long does it take to get matched with a client?

Accepted Answer

This varies based on your skills, experience, and availability. Some candidates get matched within days of joining our network; others may wait a few weeks. High-demand skills (full-stack engineering, growth marketing, product design) and AI proficiency significantly speed up matching.

Question 37

What if the client isn't a good fit for me?

Accepted Answer

If the working relationship isn't working out, talk to your Asiatal success manager. We'll work to resolve any issues. If needed, we can transition you to a different client. Your wellbeing and job satisfaction matter to us — unhappy talent doesn't produce great work.

Question 38

Do I get any benefits?

Accepted Answer

Benefits are discussed and agreed upon between you and the client during the compensation negotiation. Asiatal supports both parties with compliance guidance to ensure local labor law requirements are met. Specific details are finalized when you're placed.

Question 39

Can the client hire me directly later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's possible. If a client wants to bring you onto their own payroll after a monthly plan engagement, they can do so by paying the flat fee (15%). This gives both sides flexibility for the long term.

Question 40

What makes Asiatal different from other remote job platforms?

Accepted Answer

Three things: (1) We're focused exclusively on Southeast Asian talent — we understand your market, culture, and strengths. (2) We provide stable, dedicated placements, not gig work or project-based contracts. (3) We specifically value and test for AI-augmented skills, which means you're matched with clients who appreciate modern workflows and the 5x output you deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions