Singapore’s employment rate among women remained stable in 2020

Singapore’s Manpower Minister also highlighted that a welcome change in the workplace would be having more women representation in company boards.
Gender equality key to boost Cambodia’s economic output: ADB

Women are more likely to be in vulnerable employment and also more likely to be in the category of unpaid contributing family worker.
Malaysia prepares to roll out support packages for businesses and citizens

The new initiatives would cater to Malaysians and businesses that are the most affected by the pandemic, said the finance minister.
Thailand works on third tranche of co-payment subsidy

The third phase of its handouts would allow for financial assistance for public services, such as public transport costs.
Australia doles out A$1.2 billion in wage subsidies

The scheme will see the government subsidise half of the wages for 70,000 apprentices for 12 months, incentivising businesses to hire younger workers.
Thailand sources 56,000 roles to help the unemployed

In February, 114,101 newly unemployed workers registered for financial aid, while 487,143 people updated their unemployment status.
Two thirds of large South Korean companies negative on hiring

Some 63.6% of the largest 500 companies in South Korea surveyed said that they have no plans for recruitment.
WFH to remain as default as Malaysia loosens movement control restrictions

The government has replaced the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang to a conditional MCO (CMCO).
Staggered working hours and remote working encouraged in Singapore

Spreading out commuter crowds on buses and trains during peak hours would help ensure the financial sustainability and efficiency of public transport.
Malaysia allocates RM$7 million to accelerate COVID-19 screening for foreign workers

Malaysia allocates RM$7 million to accelerate COVID-19 screening for foreign workers
South Korea aims to create 300,000 service sector jobs by 2025

The government aims to help small shop owners and firms set up a smart business system to support their transition into contactless operations.
Malaysia aims to bridge the digital divide among workers

All Malaysians should seize the opportunities made available under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, says Malaysian minister.
Singapore to raise retirement and re-employment age in 2022

The government also aims to support business transformation, help older workers, and spur the hiring of locals this year.
South Korea rolls out 15 trillion won support for small businesses

With the extra budget, total government spending would rise to a record 573 trillion won this year, up 11.9% from 2020, the finance ministry said.
Foreigners on a dependant’s pass will need a work pass to work in Singapore

Businesses hiring DP holders will have to comply with the requirements for hiring, which includes the relevant quotas, levies and qualifying salaries.
Japan installs teleworking booths in city metros

These teleworking cubes have since been installed at various stations and office building entrances across cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Thai workforce needs to learn digital skills, urges official

Businesses should speed up on training programmes for skills development for their workers as companies have turned to automation and AI, Pichayanan said.
Japan adopts new bill for more flexible paternity leave

With the revision, fathers can take leave in two batches, and will receive employment insurance benefits equivalent to 67% of their pre-leave wages.
Job security is about staying employable

Singapore’s priority is to build upon the skills and experience that workers have accumulated, while breaking down barriers to new jobs.
Malaysia approves RM1.259 billion of financing for SME support

Under the National Economic Recovery Plan, the scheme prioritises SMEs that have not received financing from banks previously.
Singapore’s Chief HR officer receives highest accolade in HR industry

Peck Kem, who leads the Singapore Public Service, has demonstrated “exceptional HR leadership” during the COVID-19 pandemic, says CIPD.
Singapore firms urged to invest in local talent

Investing in local talent and equipping them with skills relevant to a changing economy will help workers thrive and address the tech skills shortage.
Hong Kong government rolls out HK$9.5 billion relief package

About 180,000 Hongkongers who were unemployed for at least two months since the start of last year will also be eligible to apply for low-interest loans.
Australia records 0.6% wage growth for 2020 December quarter

The uplift was attributed to a reverse in salary cuts by businesses, as a measure to survive amid the economic uncertainty brought on by COVID-19.
Gender wage gap in Taiwan narrows in 2020

Taiwan’s average hourly gender pay gap fell from 17.1% in 2010 to 14% in 2020, which translates to a fall from 63 to 51 extra work days.
Malaysia imposes requirements for improved workers’ lodging

Failure to comply with government orders to improve living quarters will result in RM200,000 in fines or a three-year jail term, or both.
New Zealand businesses can apply for government support from March 2

Companies must show a 30% fall in revenue over seven days compared with a similar period in the six weeks prior to the heightened alert level.
Malaysia aims to create 500,000 jobs in the digital economy by 2025

The government also aims for the digital economy to contribute to 22.6% of the country’s gross domestic product in four years.
Gig workers in Singapore need help in terms of social security

The labour movement is looking into how gig workers can have greater structural support, which can include greater bargaining power.
Chinese lobby group calls on shared parental leave

Making it compulsory to use at least a third of shared parental leave will force fathers to be more involved in childcare, says the Shanghai Women’s Federation.