Hong Kong committed to creating jobs and improving workers’ welfare
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has affirmed her commitment to create jobs, improve employee welfare and boost protection of workers’ interests.
Australia to unveil A$1.7 billion childcare fund in upcoming Budget
The current annual cap of A$10,560 per child will be removed, and instead increased to a maximum of 95% for families with two or more children.
Malaysian unions urge for better employee welfare amid pandemic
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has called for the revision of minimum wages and the remuneration system.
Singapore to expand scope of progressive wage model
Tripartite committees comprising unions, employers and the government are working to extend the model to more sectors like food services and retail.
Cambodian government urged to protect workers against COVID-19
Unions and NGOs are calling on the government to tighten safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Building mental resilience critical to tackle WFH-led mental stressors
A campaign will be held in September by healthcare institutions and agencies in Singapore to share best practices on how to build workers’ mental resilience.
COVID-19 now a compensable work-related disease in the Philippines
The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has included COVID-19 in its list of occupational and work-related diseases.
Companies in Japan offer vaccination leave for workers to receive jabs
Businesses are hoping to create an environment where workers can make vaccination appointments easily, which will hasten the vaccination process.
Singaporean Chew Shou Zi named as new CEO of TikTok
The appointment of Chew is described as a “strategic reorganisation to optimise TikTok’s global teams and support the company’s unprecedented growth”.
Singapore launches tripartite standard for work-life balance
To help workers achieve a better work-life balance, the Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony (TSWLH) has been launched.
Australians on unemployment benefits fall by 20,000
Since end-2020, the number of Australians relying on unemployment benefits has fallen by 13% as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Philippines to give COVID-19 vaccines to minimum wage earners and OFWs
To observe Labour Day, 5,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be given to minimum wage earners and overseas Filipino workers.
Malaysian companies urged to lodge concerns on regulatory barriers
The MyMudah platform, launched last July, aims to alleviate the economic impact of COVID-19 on local enterprises and international businesses.
How to succeed in the era of hybrid workforce management
HR Tech Fest Connect 2021 will provide key insights into how HR leaders can be successful in a new era of hybrid workforce management.
Market-based support benefits MSMEs more than subsidies or loans
To help MSMEs recover from the pandemic, the Asian Development Bank is urging governments to consider more targeted and differentiated assistance.
New Zealand restarts working holiday visa
The decision to restart the working visa programme was welcomed by tourism employers, who would have access to a pool of offshore workers.
Total employment in Singapore grows for first time since start of pandemic
Singapore’s labour market is showing shoots of recovery with total employment growing by 4,800 in Q1’21 after four consecutive quarters of decline.
Malaysia aims to have 50 SMEs join its business improvement programme
SMEs selected for the programme will undergo capacity building and be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to RM500,000.
Singaporeans perceive improvement in local labour market
Over the past year, Singaporeans’ perception of the job market has shown marked improvement, while their job security levels remain largely unchanged.
WFH in Japan limited to office workers, survey finds
Staff working from locations other than their offices accounted for 19.2% of all workers in Japan in April, which is almost unchanged from levels in July 2020.
Philippine employers’ association urges for waiver of licence fees
To spur job creation, the country’s biggest employers’ association has called on the government to waive off fees for the renewal of existing permits and licences.
Taiwan mandates occupational accident insurance for all workers
Employers are required to sign their staff up for the insurance on their first day at work, regardless of company size, or face a fine of up to NT$100,000.
Australia considers increasing childcare subsidies for female workers
To increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Australian government is considering increasing childcare subsidies in its upcoming budget.
Singapore’s low-wage workers fund receives $4 million boost
The fund, launched in 2017, has helped workers in the lower-wage group while they search for a new job and wait for social support.
Pandemic dampens Japan PM’s plans to raise minimum wage
Japan’s SMEs and some members of the ruling party are opposing prime minister Yoshihide Suga’s proposal to increase the minimum wage.
Philippines to dole out compensation to COVID-19-positive workers
To receive the compensation, workers will need to present a certificate of employment, an RT-PCR test, and accompanying medical records.
Singapore names Tan See Leng as new Manpower Minister
Tan See Leng, who is currently Second Minister for Manpower, will take over Josephine Teo with effect from May 15.
Employers’ group in Malaysia says vaccination should remain voluntary
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has said vaccinations are still on a voluntary basis unless the government makes it mandatory for workers.
Hong Kong lawmakers renew calls for more COVID-19 support
Business sector legislators have called for short-term support for the unemployed in the form of HK$6,000 per month for six months.
Pandemic affected more women workers than men in South Korea
The number of employed women aged between 25 and 54 fell by 541,000 year-on-year last March, more than the 327,000 for men in the same age group.