Thai government urged to extend public subsidies
Under the latest phase of its subsidy scheme, some 29 million people will be eligible for a 50% discount on products and services.
Japan revises law to make paternity leave more accessible
All companies must inform their employees of the paternity leave system, and confirm with to-be fathers whether they want to take the leave.
Firms in South Korea begin gradual return to office
Up to 10 people are allowed to gather indoors, and establishments like cafes and restaurants would also be able to operate until midnight.
Singapore’s job vacancies hit all-time high in 2021
The number of new roles was most pronounced in growth industries like information and communications, as well as professional services.
Brunei to upskill more micro, small and medium enterprises
MSMEs are provided with voluntary mentorships from leading business people, professionals and subject matter experts in Brunei.
Malaysia passes bill to increase maternity leave from 60 to 98 days
The bill, which was passed with a unanimous vote, would ensure women employees get enough rest and attract more women to enter the job market.
Unions in Australia push for 5% minimum wage raise
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is pushing for the minimum wage rate to increase to A$21.35 an hour, up from A$20.33 an hour.
Central Bank of Malaysia calls for progressive rollout of minimum wage
Malaysia’s new minimum wage rate of RM1,500 (US$357) will take effect on May 1, and is an increase of 25% from the previous minimum wage.
Businesses in Australia encouraged to invest in new technologies
The Technology Investment Boost helps smaller companies embrace the digital revolution by providing tax deductions on tech related expenses.
Workers in the Philippines wants intervention on return-to-work order
They have proposed a 50%-75% office capacity and the implementation of a reduced workweek while proceeding with a work-from-home arrangement.
Japan’s unemployment rate in February falls to 2.7%
The job availability ratio in February rose slightly to 1.21 from 1.20 in January, marking the second straight month of improvement.
Fewer firms in the Philippines keen on expansion
The percentage of businesses planning on an expansion in the second quarter this year has dropped to 20.8% from 23.2% in the previous survey.
Malaysia sees 233% rise in job roles in 2021, but at lower pay scales
Job vacancies registered on the MyFutureJobs portal grew by 232.8% to 2,480,577 openings in 2021 compared to 745,304 in 2020.
Malaysia will ensure the continual development of SMEs
By 2025, the government plans for SMEs to contribute 45% of GDP to the country, in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan, says the Prime Minister
Hong Kong’s jobless subsidy scheme sees surge in applications
With almost 180,000 applications in the first launch days, Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said there will be no upper limit on the overall funds distributed.
India plans to set up skill hubs across the country
The first phase would see 5,000 such centres set up, with an eventual aim of having a hub present across all Indian cities.
Japan mulls mandating disclosure of average wages by gender
As part of efforts to reduce gender inequality, the government is also considering having firms disclose the ratio of male workers on childcare leave.
Workers in Australia concerned over heading back to the office
Some 69% of workers surveyed highlighted that they were worried about the increased risks caused by COVID-19.
India’s urban unemployment rate falls to 9.8% in July-September 2021
The labour force participation rate in urban areas over the same period was 46.9%, down from 47.2% year-on-year, showed official data.
Malaysian industry groups call for rethink of minimum wage hike
Calling the increase “too much, too soon”, industry associations urged the government to consider a gradual wage increase over three years instead.
Majority of firms in South Korea bullish on employment market in 2022
Over 80% of businesses also plan to hire fresh graduates among their new recruits, reported the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
More needs to be done to address workplace racism in Australia
Less than a third of respondents of a recent survey said their company is proactively preventing racial discrimination in the workplace.
Indonesia needs at least nine million digital talents by 2030
Indonesia’s ratio of entrepreneurs to its population stands at 3.47%, which is relatively low and needs to be improved, said Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
Malaysia to raise minimum wage to RM1,500 on May 1
The minimum wage rate would apply to private sector companies nationwide that are employing a minimum of five workers.
Big firms in Hong Kong to be excluded from government subsidies
The subsidy package will cover a monthly subsidy of HK$8,000 for each full-time employee, spanning a three-month period between May and July.
Australia sees strong job recruitment activity in February
Recruitment activity was highest in Western Australia (59%) and Victoria (58%), revealed a report by the National Skills Commission.
Japan’s top firms agree to minimum wage raise of over 2%
The prime minister had previously called for a wider distribution of wealth, and urged companies to increase wages of their workers by 3% or more.
Australia records lowest unemployment rate since 2008
77,400 jobs in February, with full-time jobs rising by over 4,000 a day, bringing total roles added in the month to 121,900.
South Korea’s unemployment rate in February falls to record low of 2.7%
Some 254,000 jobs were added in healthcare and social services,
while some 135,000 jobs were added in transportation and warehouses.
MSMEs in the Philippines need more subsidies than financing
MSMEs generally are risk-averse to loans, and many belong to the informal sector, or are unbanked, said the representative of Marikina City.