Japan PM renews call to reverse salary downtrend
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has reiterated his call to business groups and unions to “boldly reverse” a downtrend in workers’ wages.
Vietnam scales down fiscal stimulus package
A slimmer stimulus package of 347 trillion dong (US$15.2 billion) is being considered to lift the pandemic-hit economy.
India’s central government allows 50% of staff to WFH
Amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the central government is allowing half of its employees below the rank of under secretary to work from home.
Indonesia sets out to address labour issues in 2022
Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah has revealed resolutions to address labour issues, including breakthroughs to restore the national economy.
South Korea raises minimum wage by 5.1% in 2022
The minimum wage for 2022 has been set at 9,160 won (US$7.7) per hour, the first time it has exceeded 9,000 won (US$7.5).
India to implement new labour codes in FY2022-23
The Labour Ministry is planning to implement all four new labour codes in the new fiscal year, set to replace 29 current labour laws.
Seoul has best work-life balance in South Korea
Seoul topped other cities and provinces in terms of work-life balance, a recent survey by the Ministry of Employment and Labour has shown.
61.7% of Malaysian companies want to continue with hybrid work model
A survey has shown that the majority of businesses in Malaysia are opting to continue with the hybrid model of on-site and remote working.
P250-million fund assists startups for job creation in the Philippines
The Department of Trade and Industry has partnered with the National Development Co to set up a P250-million (US$4.9-million) fund for local startups.
Singapore’s economy grew 7.2% last year
Singapore’s economy grew 7.2% in 2021 – the fastest growth since 2010, rebounding from 2020’s recession.
18% of Japan’s companies plan to raise salaries by 3% or more
Despite calls for firms to raise pay by more than 3%, only 18% have indicated that they will do so at the upcoming wage negotiations.
No change to minimum wage in Myanmar
The minimum daily wage will remain at Ks4,800 (US$2.67) as decided by the National Committee on Minimum Wage.
Indonesia to continue developing digital talent in 2022
To quicken the pace of digital transformation in the country, a digital talent development programme will be continued in the new year.
Thailand mandates government workers to WFH
To curb the spread of the Omicron virus, all government officials have been directed to work from home (WFH) after the New Year break.
More South Korean employees want to work shorter hours
77.8% of salaried workers are in favour of the 52-hour workweek, a policy launched in 2018 to reduce long working hours.
Taiwan to increase minimum wage for 2022
The Executive Yuan has approved the raising of the minimum monthly wage to NT$25,250 (US$913) and the minimum hourly wage to NT$168 (US$6).
More workers in Japan leaving their jobs for better ones
This has seen the unemployment rate rise to 2.8% in November, an increase of 0.1 percentage point month-on-month.
Most workers in the Philippines will receive 13th-month pay
More than 80% of employers have given their workers their 13th-month pay as required by labour laws, or will do so in January.
India likely to continue WFH policy into 2022
The Central government has started discussions to set rules to regulate work from home (WFH) amid rising cases of the Omicron variant in the country.
Malaysians urged to keep up with digital tech
Malaysians must equip themselves with the right knowledge and relevant skill sets in digital technology to stay relevant.
Indonesia to boost empowerment of women
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has outlined three main conditions that must be met to bolster the empowerment of Indonesian women.
17,202 Cambodians seeking employment
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training said that out of the 17,202 people searching for employment, 4,753 people were able to secure jobs.
Unemployment rate fell to 2.6% in November in South Korea
The jobless rate was 2.6% in November, down 0.8 percentage point year-on-year. The rate was 3.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Japan PM urges companies to increase wages next year
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he would do everything possible to create an environment for firms to raise wages.
More Australian professionals resigning for jobs with better pay
Professionals who have postponed their career moves during the pandemic are now quitting their jobs for better-paid ones.
China moves to reduce workplace gender discrimination
Under new regulations, employers cannot ask female job applicants if they intend to get married or pregnant, or to make them take pregnancy tests.
India likely to implement 4-day work week
If the country’s new labour codes are implemented, there is a likelihood that workers in India may be able to enjoy a four-day work week in FY2022-2023.
Businesses increase hiring as economy reopens in the Philippines
The employment outlook index is 24.5% for the first quarter of next year compared to the previous quarter’s 6.2%.
Jakarta increases provincial minimum wage for 2022
The provincial minimum wage of Jakarta has been raised by 5.1% to IDR4.6 million for 2022, according to Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.
Thailand launches 2nd phase of job retention programme for SMEs
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can now register for the second phase of the recently announced Job Retention SME programme.