Businesses in Japan that violate shutdown orders could face fines
The amendment to the special measures law is set to be enacted by the Japanese government in early February.
Singapore seeks to raise wages of bottom-rung workers
Senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said the country needs to raise the salaries of workers at the bottom of the ladder.
Job openings in Australia rise 23% in November
The increase in vacancies reflect the pace of recovery in labour demand in the second half of the year, says labour stats chief.
Taiwan’s employment rose for sixth consecutive month
Employment figures in the industrial and service sectors increased for the sixth consecutive month in November.
Ho Chi Minh city plans to add 3,600 workers to public workforce
The city government has requested permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to employ 10,700 civil servants in 2021 instead of the 7,100 approved earlier.
Japan’s education ministry posts job openings at schools for pandemic-hit workers
Corporate workers can now search for jobs at schools in a new section of the education ministry’s website.
Thailand approves more measures to soften COVID-19 blow
The measures include soft loans and lower utility bills, and aim to boost liquidity for businesses, provide debt relief and unemployment support.
Some Malaysian employers cover up status of staff infected by COVID-19
Fearing that their businesses will not be able to operate at full capacity, some employers remained silent about staff testing positive for the virus.
Employers should hire and train mature workers, eliminate bias
The country aims to tap into the Singapore workforce, instead of relaxing its foreign worker policy, says minister.
Jobs available for Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand
The National Employment Agency (NEA) is preparing 20,000 jobs in the kingdom for migrant workers returning from Thailand.
Malaysia requires employers to provide quarantine centres for foreign workers
Employers will also be responsible for medical costs and ensuring the welfare of their foreign workers.
South Korea launches third round of emergency cash reliefs
The finance ministry plans to hand out 4.1 trillion won (US$3.7 billion) in emergency cash to people affected by the third wave of the coronavirus.
Japan urges businesses to promote teleworking
The government is requesting companies to cut the number of commuting workers by 70% with alternatives like teleworking.
Hong Kong incentivises companies to employ local graduates
Hong Kong’s government is offering companies a grant of HK$10,000 (US$1,290) for each recent college graduate they employ.
New loan guarantees provide Thai SMEs with more financial flexibility
The new loan programmes have a combined loan guarantee of 40 billion baht, and will be rolled out through six financial institutions.
Singapore enterprises received US$13.2 billion worth of loans in 2020
Enterprise Singapore (ESG) aided businesses by loaning S$17.4 billion (US$13.2 billion) last year, as many companies struggled because of the pandemic.
Taiwan sees weekly drop in furloughed workers
The government expects the number to drop further, with the upcoming Lunar New Year boosting domestic demand and businesses.
Funding from FDI to create high-skilled jobs in Malaysia
The government is partnering international venture capital fund managers to create jobs, said Malaysia’s finance minister.
Australian education and employer bodies call on adaptability for the future workplace
Australians need to change what, when and how they learn to prepare for the workplace of the future.
South Korea to increase investment in startups in 2021
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said the budget to support startups has been raised to 1.5 trillion won (US$1.4 billion) this year.
Cambodian government disburses US$23 million to unemployed workers
Workers who lost their jobs due to the closure of businesses in garment and textile factories, and the tourism industry will be able to receive support.
Employees in Singapore not getting COVID-19 vaccine not obliged to change duties
Workers who are not vaccinated will not need to have a change of job scope, says health minister.
South Korea reaffirms pledge to create 150,000 new jobs in 2021
The government also plans to support smaller businesses, offer tax incentives to increase hiring, and support sectors that were severely retrenched.
Japan’s economy projected to grow 3.42% by end of next fiscal year
Japan’s economy is expected to start recovering toward the end of 2021 as consumption gathers momentum and vaccinations become widespread.
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.
India proposes work-from-home rules for services sector
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has made the proposal to formalise work from home (WFH) regulations for the services sector in the new year.
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.
Employers in Australia can make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for staff
Businesses can force their staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 under workplace laws.
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.
South Korea to spend US$5.3 billion on science and ICT research
The Ministry of Science and ICT will invest US$5.3 billion on science and information and communication technology (ICT) research in 2021.