New Zealand companies repay COVID-19 subsidies exceeding NZ$536 million
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke out against companies that benefited from the subsidies, yet handed out large bonuses in 2020.
Malaysia sees more protection for workers’ rights take effect in January
Employers or employees may now be represented by any person of their choice, excluding lawyers, during dispute processes.
Singapore-New Zealand digital economy partnership takes effect
The pact will allow both countries to conduct businesses with greater efficiency, increased trust, and reduced costs or digital barriers.
Startups in India today are the MNCs for tomorrow: PM Modi
The prime minister urged the country’s youth to be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead as startups grow in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Hong Kong’s financial chief expects city to be out of recession by end-2021
He expects Hong Kong to ride on Beijing’s five-year plan to stimulate domestic growth, which aims to achieve independence in science and tech.
Japan looks to implement more flexible paternity leave
The revised law would allow fathers to take a total of four weeks off, and give a shorter notice of their leave to their employers.
South Korea approves 9.3 trillion won jobs package
Some 5.6 trillion won will be used for cash handouts to small businesses, temporary workers or freelancers, and taxi drivers.
96% of foreign investors still keen in investing in Thailand: Survey
Thailand’s Board of Investment also found that 76.67% of firms will maintain the same level of investment, while 19.33% of businesses intend to increase their investment value.
Taiwan raises monthly minimum wage to NT$24,000 effective January
The wage hike is expected to benefit some 1,558,500 workers, which includes 1,097,700 Taiwanese and 460,800 foreigners.
All foreign workers In Malaysia must be screened for COVID-19 starting Jan 1
The order would see all foreign workers spanning all sectors to undergo mandatory screening.
China bans discrimination in job recruitments
The new ruling takes effect on March 1, 2021, and will require HR agencies to secure the protection of their candidate’s personal information.
Employers of apprentices in Australia could receive A$4,000 of incentives
The government programme aims to support up to 80,000 additional apprenticeships over five years, particularly in industries with skill gaps to fill.
Japan looks to shorten restaurant operating hours through subsidies
The review of the law would allow the government to handout subsidies to bars and restaurants that shorten operation hours.
Singapore government distributes over S$1 billion in payouts in 2020 to co-fund employee wages
The next tranche of payouts will be in March 2021, for qualifying wage increases in 2020.
Malaysia disburses RM$12.6 billion in wage subsidies
The nation’s hiring incentive and training assistance programme has also helped 106,443 employees secure employment.
Thailand to equip students with robotics skills
The country aims to teach 5,200 vocational students per year to meet the estimated future demand of 200,000 robotics-trained workers by 2024.
Japanese firms cut down on year-end bonuses
Businesses that were more affected include service companies, which suffered a 13% drop in bonuses, the largest decline since 2009.
Government loan guarantees help SMEs access better funding
Thailand’s central bank has provided 500 billion baht in soft loans for financial institutions to re-lend to SMEs.
All organisations should have zero tolerance against workplace sexual harassment: Delhi High Court
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that needs to be addressed at all work places urgently and sensitively.
China sets sights on stabilising and expanding job market in 2021
Among the groups identified to receive further government support include university graduates, rural migrant workers and poor urban families.
Malaysia’s high-tech SMEs to benefit from central bank’s RM$1 billion facility
Eligible SMEs under the programme can obtain financing of up to RM$1 million for working capital.
Australia’s November jobs soar, records 90,000 new employments
The jobless rate eased to 6.8%, the labour participation rate rose to 66.1%, while monthly hours worked rose by 43 million hours.
New Zealand to raise minimum wage to NZ$20 an hour from April 1
The minimum wage hike is set to increase the incomes of some 175,500 citizens who work 40 hours per week.
Young workers urged to learn new skills in COVID-19 age
The changing environment calls for a transformation in how we think about learning, and acquiring the ability to adapt.
Singapore has granted payouts to over 200,000 self-employed persons
Under an income relief scheme, some S$1.8 billion in contributions have been made to help those in need tide over the pandemic.
Enterprise Singapore urges SMEs to adopt ISO standards
Businesses that are ISO certified means that their services, products, or processes adhere to a globalised standard.
Malaysia’s wage subsidies total RM$15 billion as at end-October
The nation’s wage subsidy programme aims to help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain companies and lower retrenchment.
Workplace arrangements to be reviewed under Singapore’s Phase 3 opening
Are Singapore companies ready to return to the workplace?
Indian startups set on recovery from COVID-19 pandemic
A survey by India’s chamber of commerce for the tech industry found that startups in the country have seen their revenue accelerate, and funding improved.
South Korea doles out COVID-19 subsidies to ‘essential workers’
Home care workers and after-school tutors will receive a payout, which will be drawn from a dedicated donations fund.