Japan: Third stimulus package to be announced in early December
The third supplementary budget is expected to be more than 20 trillion yen (US$192 billion), and include measures to help small businesses.
Cambodia seeks HR training from Singapore
Cambodia has asked Singapore for more support in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
Malaysia launches “green travel bubble” scheme
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) has launched a “green travel bubble” to resuscitate the local tourism industry.
Singapore: Q3 GDP contracts at a slower pace of 5.8%
For the third quarter, Singapore’s GDP shrank by 5.8% year-on-year, improving on Q2’s slump of 13.3%, with the outlook for 2021 looking optimistic.
Indonesia: Transport companies pivot to logistics business
State-owned airline Garuda Indonesia and train operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) are pivoting their businesses to logistics as the pandemic wears on.
Singapore prioritises employees’ physical and mental well-being
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will work with employers and building owners to better manage infectious diseases in the workplace.
2,713 SMEs closed in Malaysia since MCO implemented
HR Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan told Parliament that 2,713 SMEs have closed down from March to October this year.
Vietnam’s GDP highest in Southeast Asia
Driven by rising exports, Vietnam’s economy has outperformed others in the Southeast Asian region through the pandemic.
Singapore adopts conservative approach to post-COVID recovery
Sectors like aviation, tourism and entertainment will remain in “suspended animation for some time to come.”
Philippines: Hiring falls by more than 50%, fierce competition for jobs
COVID-19 has caused hiring in the country to decline by more than 50%, with more applicants vying for the same job.
Hong Kong Express pilots get pay cuts, ground staff go on unpaid leave
HK Express has requested all 200 of its pilots to sign new contracts with further cuts in salaries and allowances of up to 40%.
Thailand’s GDP shrank more slowly in Q3
Thailand’s economy contracted by 6.4% in the third quarter, improving from its 12.1% slump in the previous quarter.
India: Govt’s new round of stimulus to boost economy further
The government has announced another Rs1.2 lakh crore (USD$16.1 billion) to stimulate the economy, focusing on job creation and private businesses.
Singapore’s world talent ranking rises one level
Singapore has been ranked ninth in 2020’s list of the most competitive countries for talent globally, by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre.
Two major oil companies announce jobs cut within a week
Chevron could slash 10% of jobs in its Singapore operations – within a week of Shell’s announcement that it will cut 38.5% of its workforce.
Japan rises out of recession, but winter bonus down
While the economy continues to recover, bonuses for public servants is expected to be lowered for the first time in a decade.
Workers in Indonesia sent home without pay amid recession
With Indonesia falling into its first recession in 22 years, an increasing number of workers are being laid off without pay.
Migrant workers can stay longer in Thailand due to COVID-19
Migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar with work permits expiring next year can continue working in Thailand for up to two more years.
Philippines: Third-quarter GDP shrinks by 11.5%
The Philippine economy shrank for a third consecutive quarter, though at a slower rate compared to second quarter’s plunge of 16.5%.
Number of layoffs by SMEs spikes in South Korea
The percentage of workers “temporarily laid off” by small and medium sized companies rose sharply from 28.0% in August to 50.1% in September.
More workers moonlighting in Japan to ease financial burden
More companies in Japan are giving their blessings or tacit approval for their staff to take on outside jobs in the midst of the gloomy economic landscape.
Singapore: Number of jobs in manufacturing sector doubles from end-August
Singapore’s manufacturing output grew by 24.2% in September compared with the same month last year.
Malaysia: Work from home or work from hotel?
Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO or PKP) has given rise to an alternative for the WFH acronym – work from hotel.
Indonesia’s unemployment hits 10-year high, economy enters recession
The pandemic has caused some 2.56 million people to lose their jobs, raising Indonesia’s open unemployment rate to its highest since 2011.
Australian unions want better protection for WFH workers
Unions in Australia unions are evaluating if more protection would be needed so that workers do not face discrimination or loss of pay and benefits.
Vietnam looks to South Korea for HR training support
HCMC Party Chief hopes South Korea will provide support in HR training in IT, AI, healthcare, tourism, urban management, automation and logistics.
Retrenched Malindo Airways staff assured of benefits
The Malaysian government has assured the 2,647 retrenched staff of Malindo Airlines that they will receive due compensation and retraining.
China: Employment rising as service sector recovers at a faster pace
The service sector in China is showing signs of recovery with hiring rising to its highest level in a year.
Thailand: NSF recruits Grab riders and targets more members
Thailand’s NSF, a voluntary pension fund, has signed an MoU with Grab to recruit more members. while planning for their retirement.
India: Diwali bonuses bring cheer for employees
Public and private companies in India are giving out bonuses to their employees for the upcoming festival of lights.