Developing East Asian countries underperform in adopting innovation
The World Bank said all 10 developing East Asian economies, except China, have innovated less than expected in relation to their per capita incomes.
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.
Taiwan to nurture digital talent in four-year plan
In its four-year plan, Taiwan’s National Development Council (NDC) will focus on cultivating a digital talent pool, among other goals.
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.
South Koreans’ average monthly income rose 4.1% in 2019
Data showed that the average monthly income of South Korean workers increased by 4.1% in 2019 year-on-year due to a rise in minimum wage.
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.
New Zealand government approves improved Holidays Act
The revised Holidays Act will provide clarity to employers and help employees receive their leave entitlements.
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.
Singapore mulls progressive wage model for retail sector
Senior minister of state for manpower Zaqy Mohamad has said the government is considering a progressive wage model (PWM) for the retail sector.
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.
Australian employers cannot force staff to get COVID-19 jab
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Safe Work Australia (SWA) have advised employers to assume employee vaccinations are not required.
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.
Hong Kong will face unemployment woes for more than three years
Unemployment will plague Hong Kong for years ahead, and that it may take more than three years for the jobless rate to fall below 5%.
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.
India to add 12 million people to working population yearly
Based on the country’s present demographics, the working population is projected to increase by 12 million annually.
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.
DOLE proposes wage subsidy for workers in the Philippines
Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is proposing a three-month wage subsidy for workers.
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.
How to bring about a successful digital transformation
A new CCL report examines digital leadership in Singapore and highlights the need for improved digital transformation management.
Household incomes in South Korea fell for third straight quarter in 2020
Data from Statistics Korea showed that household incomes from salaries and business operations declined for three consecutive quarters in Q4 2020.
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.
Malaysia’s Yayasan Peneraju has certified over 36,000 bumiputeras
Yayasan Peneraju, an initiative to strengthen the capacity of bumiputeras (local Malays), has trained and certified over 36,000 bumiputeras since 2012.
Singapore’s aviation sector set to receive increased wage subsidies
This is part of the S$870 million OneAviation Support Package announced in Budget 2021 to support firms hit hard by the pandemic.
Temporary jobs for South Koreans in their 20s plunge as pandemic wears on
Statistics Korea said the number of temporary and daily jobs for those in their 20s declined 18% in January due to the pandemic.
Singapore sets aside S$1 billion to co-fund digital solutions with businesses
The programme will help co-fund the costs of trials and the adoption of frontier technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence.
Hong Kong testing centres fully booked as businesses reopen
As the restrictions on businesses ease in Hong Kong, testing centres for COVID-19 are stretched to the max due to mandatory testing.
Malaysia launches dedicated jobs programme for graduates
Poor English proficiency and skills mismatch among graduates are reasons why they are less desirable in the job market, says MEDAC minister.
Thailand approves 4,000-baht handouts for salaried workers
Under its social security system, the government has approved a scheme that will give salaried workers 4,000 baht (US$134) each.
Australia sees workers on wage subsidies fall
The number of workers who collected wage subsidies decreased by about 2 million over an eight-month period last year.
Pandemic widens employment gap in South Korea
Smaller businesses saw a steep drop in employment numbers while that of larger conglomerates rose last year.