Companies in South-east Asia prepare for business restructure

61% of businesses in the region expect a significant or worse decline in annual revenue in the wake of COVID-19, new survey shows.
1 in 4 Singaporeans lost their jobs due to COVID-19

The latest survey also revealed that Singaporeans had to work outside of their usual hours such as evenings and weekends during the work-from-home period.
Google steps up recovery efforts in Asia

The tech giant is helping COVID-19 recovery efforts in Asia-Pacific, including expanding direct support for small businesses.
570,000 aviation jobs in the Philippines at risk

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warns that the aviation industry’s recovery will be long and challenging.
Malaysia’s wage subsidy programme saved 2.4 million jobs

Despite the jobs saved, Malaysia’s unemployment rate is expected to increase in the coming months due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jetstar Asia to cut a quarter of its workforce as part of recovery plan

The job cuts, affecting a mainly Singapore-based workforce, will come from across all parts of the business.
7 in 10 workers in Malaysia, Thailand uncomfortable returning to workplace

Employees said they will only be comfortable going back to their offices if a treatment or vaccine is found, according to a survey.
Qantas releases 6,000 workers as part of COVID-19 recovery plan

100 flights will also be grounded for a year as the Australian carrier grapples with economic fallout from C0VID-19.
Asia-Pacific businesses kickstart COVID-19 recovery

10 million small businesses across Asia-Pacific will participate in Visa’s global programme designed to meet demand for cashless payments.
Over 187,000 Singapore workers’ salaries affected in past 3 months

It makes up about 5% of the country’s workforce, with their salaries cut by up to 25% as a result of cost-saving measures.
Australia’s jobless rate hits two-decade high

The last time the unemployment rate in Australia broke 7% was in October 2001.
Professional services in Australia continue to register layoffs

Deloitte is the latest company to announce job cuts in Australia, joining the likes of PwC and KPMG.
Ride-hailing firm Gojek lays off 430 staff

This comes three months after cutting 25% of its senior management pay and all budgeted salary increases for the year.
Japan Airlines employees to get $1,400 work-from-home allowance

The airline is hoping that the allowance will help boost the morale of its employees, having already halved their summer bonuses.
Violation of workers’ rights at seven-year high

Four Asian countries make the International Trade Union Confederation’s list of top 10 worst countries for working people.
Indonesia warns of spike in unemployment rate

The Indonesian government also predicted 4 million to 5.5 million people will lose their jobs this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thai Airways employees up in arms over benefit cuts

The airline’s latest decision to cut several work benefits, particularly health welfare, has proven to be the last straw for its employees
COVID-19 likely to wipe out growth across Asia-Pacific in 2020

Developing countries in Asia-Pacific will combine for a meagre 0.1% growth this year, said the Asian Development Bank in a new report.
Nearly every employer introducing emotional and mental health programs

The average budget for well-being programs has also increased to $4.9 million in 2020, up 36% over 2019.
HSBC restarts plan to slash 35,000 jobs

In April, the bank had called a halt on the proposed layoffs, saying it did not want staff to be unable to find work elsewhere.
Amazon deploys visual social distancing aid for workers

The e-commerce giant will also be making the technology open source to help other businesses ensure social distancing for their employees.
COVID-19 pushes businesses to change IT priorities

Businesses in South-east Asia, Australia and Newland are prioritising improving ICT and security resilience for business continuity plans.
AIA Singapore employees get $1000 work-from-home assistance scheme

The payment will enable them to get the equipment they need to enhance their home office setup and cushion any financial impact from the pandemic.
Over half of millennials in Malaysia plan to quit jobs to start businesses

Their top reason for doing so is that being an entrepreneur would give them more opportunities, according to a Randstad survey.
360 employees let go in Grab layoff

In a blog post, Anthony Tan, Grab’s CEO and co-founder, said this will be the last round of layoff across the organisation this year.
Digital upskilling tops training agenda for Singapore companies

In the NTUC LearningHub Employer Skills Survey report, 2 In 3 employers identified upskilling in digital competencies as a business imperative.
Singapore to enter Phase 2 of reopening, WFH still default option

Singapore will enter Phase 2 of its reopening on June 19, although employers should continue to allow workers to work from home.
Thai Airways employees’ jobs safe for now

Despite filing for bankruptcy with outstanding debts of 200 billion baht, Thailand’s national carrier said there will be no layoffs for now.
Singapore’s unemployment rate hits decade high

The latest labour market report released by MOM reveals total employment fell by 25,600 in Q1 2020, the largest quarterly contraction on record.
Importance of learning highlighted as remote work grows

Time spent learning on LinkedIn platform increased 144% in March and April, when Singapore entered into a ‘circuit breaker’ phase.