Malaysia aims for 25,000 SMEs to go digital in two years
The country has rolled out a dedicated delivery service programme, subsidising costs for delivery bags and uniforms for delivery workers.
Nearly half of employers in India hired virtually in 2020
31% of employers said virtual hiring gave them wider access to talent, while 28% said that it allowed flexibility and convenience.
Biased evaluation of staff performance can be useful
A research paper posits that workers who are very talented will lose motivation if they are evaluated fairly, because they can outperform with lower effort.
Hong Kong’s 14-week maternity leave takes effect December 11
The maternity leave pay is to be calculated at four-fifths the daily average of the wages earned by the employee.
South Korea’s gig workers to receive greater employment protection
Amendments to various employment acts were made after the country’s delivery workers died due to overwork.
Country should raise minimum wage, says the Malaysian Trades Union Congress
An increase in the retirement age instead, would affect new jobseekers, says MTUC.
Automation will displace 85 million jobs by 2025: World Economic Forum
Roles are set to change when companies’ adopt technologies that will transform tasks, jobs and skills, creating new employment opportunities.
Singapore Institute of Technology inks deals to plug industry knowledge gap, spur innovation
A*Star researchers will provide technical expertise to companies and help mentor SIT interns.
Australian and New Zealand businesses pressured over misuse of COVID-19 subsidies
More than 17,000 businesses in New Zealand have voluntarily repaid NZ$524 million in subsidies.
Thai commerce chamber urges extension of economic stimulus
The tourism subsidy package will run until Jan 31 next year, while a separate co-payment scheme will end on Dec 31.
Australian government rolls out new measures to strengthen casual worker rights
The country employs 2.6 million casual workers, with 1.35 million of them working regular shifts.
China’s civil service exam attracted over 1.58 million jobseekers, for 85,000 open roles
The test typically covers aptitudes such as language proficiency, document writing and policy analysis.
57% of Singapore’s publicly listed firms have sufficient cash to repay short-term debt: MAS
The proportion of SMEs that are vulnerable is about 30 percentage points higher than larger firms.
Taiwan hires fewer workers aged 50 and above
The labour participation rate of people aged 50 and above is found to be significantly lower than that of Japan, South Korea and the US.
Japan’s October unemployment rate rises to three-year high of 3.1%
However, Japan’s job availability ratio improved, with 104 job openings for every 100 jobseekers as the economy begins a gradual recovery.
South Korean female workers in non-regular jobs hit record high of 4.09 million
Non-regular jobs include temporary jobs, contract jobs, and other roles with low job security.
SMEs can now apply for financing of up to RM$500,000: Malaysia’s central bank
The financing will have a tenure of up to 7 years, and a repayment moratorium of at least 6 months.
Japan to extend jobs subsidy until February 2021
The subsidy scheme covers part of leave allowances firms pay to furloughed workers, subsidising up to ¥15,000 (US$144) per day.
Financial institutions in Singapore aim to create 1,800 new roles and 2,000 traineeships by June 2021
A survey conducted by MAS polled over 30 firms on their projected hiring for the next 12 months.
Malaysia imposes mandatory Covid-19 screening for foreign workers
From December 1, the HR Ministry will carry out targeted COVID-19 screening for foreign workers in zones with a high occurrence of cases.
Japan government conducts exams for mid-career jobseekers to enter public sector
A total of 5,634 applicants sat for the exams, competing for 157 positions.
Malaysia’s dedicated jobs programme has helped 120,000 jobseekers
Over 500,000 vacancies have been posted on the national jobs platform, with more than 400,000 job seekers visiting the site every day.
More frameworks and certification programmes to strengthen HR profession in Singapore
Select HR candidates can take an accelerated path, depending on which qualification track they are on.
Australia’s recruitment rises by 6.2% in October
Sales Workers; Labourers; and Community and Personal Service Workers saw the highest increase in job advertisements for the month.
New Zealand urged to increase minimum wage
Lifting minimum wages has an inequality reducing effect, although there may be adverse company-level impacts in the short-term.
More training needed to foster productive employment: Malaysia’s Economy Minister
Malaysia has transitioned into an ageing society, where 7% or more of the population are aged 65 and above.
Philippines set to cut corporate taxes to attract investors
The government has also launched a dedicated campaign to highlight the country’s potential as an ideal business destination in Asia.
COVID-19 subsidy only for workers in Hong Kong without paid sick leave
The HK$5,000 (US$645) handout will only cover residents such as freelancers, taxi drivers, and the self-employed.
Over 12,000 tech jobs available in Singapore
Between April to early November, over 7,000 jobseekers have been placed into jobs, traineeships and attachments in the ICT sector.
Japan to halt local tourism campaign amid new peak of Covid-19 cases
The domestic campaign was set up to help boost local businesses, providing local travellers with subsidies of up to 50% on entertainment-related deals.