New Zealand considers prosecution against misuse of wage subsidies
An inquiry made into how the scheme was managed revealed that applications were approved based on verbal confirmation, without documents.
Creating a holistic employee experience with people at the core
Discover how organisations can rethink and redesign their employee experience strategies in a reshaped workplace.
Changes in Australia’s federal budget to benefit part-timers and women
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has scrapped the A$450 (US$354) a month threshold to pay mandatory super in the 2021 federal budget.
Travel for work in Malaysia only allowed with proper documentation
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia, the government has imposed a nationwide movement control order.
Cambodia’s labour ministry clarifies rules for factory re-openings
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has clarified that factories cannot force workers to be vaccinated in order for them to return to work.
Displaced workers in the Philippines will continue receiving support
DOLE has also ramped up the implementation of its programme to provide jobs for seasonal workers, those who are displaced, or underemployed.
Tokyo government promotes WFH with subsidies to companies
Financial incentives are offered to businesses that implement work from home (WFH) schemes to lower the number of people who commute to work.
Australia set to extend programme to train and reskill workforce
JobTrainer was designed for 17 to 24-year-olds and the unemployed, and was initially slated to expire in September.
Socso to protect self-employed in Malaysia by year-end
The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has announced plans to protect 200,000 active self-employed individuals by the end of this year.
Philippines’ jobless rate falls to lowest level since start of pandemic
In March, the number of unemployed citizens aged 15 and above was estimated at 3.44 million, 747,000 less than from February.
Identifying the key trends and priorities defining HR and work tech
HR Tech Fest Connect 2021 will provide key insights that will allow organisations to plan for a successful workplace transformation.
Singapore companies to close gaps in workplace learning
The new National Workplace Learning Certification scheme will help companies identify and close gaps in their workplace learning systems.
Australia commits A$1.2 billion to spur digital economy
The announcement comes ahead of its Federal budget on May 11, and includes measures to support skills and investments in the digital workforce.
Malaysia approved wage subsidies worth US$3.12 billion
The government’s Wage Subsidy Programme 1.0 (PSU 1.0) has approved wage subsidies of RM12.86 (US$3.12 billion) as of April 23.
Thailand plans US$7.2 billion stimulus to help low-income group
The Cabinet gave in-principle approval for the fiscal stimulus measures, aimed to help the poor cope with the economic impact from the pandemic.
Vaccinated employees get 2 days off work in Taiwan
Workers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will be entitled to two days off work, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
New Zealand’s jobless rate falls to 4.7% in Q12021
Over the March quarter, employment rose by 15,000 in New Zealand, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Malaysia imposes MCO with 30% of staff allowed in offices in Selangor
Businesses in six Selangor districts will be allowed to have 30% of staff present in offices from May 6 till May 17 under the latest movement control order.
Dining restrictions in Thai provinces expected to cost 200,000 jobs
The restrictions are now enforced in six provinces — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.
Rethinking employee engagement and wellbeing for a hybrid workforce
HR Tech Fest Connect 2021 will provide key insights into how organisations can more effectively manage their employees’ mental health and wellbeing.
Pregnant workers in Cambodia benefit from government subsidies
The government’s subsidy programme has disbursed US$24 million to pregnant workers since its launch in January 2018.
WFH as default to stop COVID-19 in India, says industry body
Firms should review operations and minimise the use of in-person manpower, limiting it to critical operations or activities required by law.
Singapore’s financial sector to create 6,500 jobs in 2021
The financial sector is expected to create 6,500 new jobs this year, building on its net gain of 2,200 positions last year.
Australia sees rise in telework despite easing restrictions
Larger businesses were twice as likely to have introduced remote working arrangements in response to COVID-19 as compared to smaller firms.
Decoding 2021’s top priorities for HR leaders
The HRM Asia Magazine April/May 2021 Issue attempts to address the key priorities for HR leaders in 2021.
Singapore cuts back number of staff allowed in the office
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, employers need to reduce the number of staff in the office from the current 75% back to 50%.
Malaysian employers group appeals to delay minimum wage review
Now is not the right time to review the minimum wage as this will add to costs of doing business, said the MEF president.
Japan incentivises migration out of Tokyo without staff changing jobs
The government is encouraging workers to relocate to less-populated areas of the country while still employed by businesses based in Tokyo.
Thailand considers new relief packages for workers and businesses
A government spokesperson said that the new relief packages would be decided “carefully” to ensure that those who are impacted by the pandemic are covered.
Talent recruitment and engagement key for business success
HR Tech Fest Connect 2021 will examine how organisations can recruit and retain the best talent, in order to move successfully into a new era of work.