Workers in the Philippines to be upskilled in AI
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched an AI programme to prepare workers for disruption from technological advancement.
Companies in Malaysia to help with COVID-19 vaccination and tests
This will help the country manage the economy better, and help industry players affected by the pandemic, Malaysia’s HR minister says.
New Zealand’s union calls for sick leave for new employees
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is pushing for the removal of the rule that workers must be employed for six months before getting sick leave.
Opportunities for gig-working in India rises
India’s lockdown period saw companies adopt a WFH arrangement for their staff, cutting down on staff strength, hiring freelancers and outsourcing tasks.
Taiwan protects working rights of middle-aged and senior workers
The Executive Yuan has passed a new Act to address the challenges of an ageing population and potential future labour shortages.
Only 37% of firms meet Japan government’s push to telecommute
The survey by business lobby Keidanren also found that the number of people commuting to work was reduced by 65%, or around 870,000.
Singapore’s resident employment rebounds to pre-pandemic levels
At the end of 2020, resident employment increased by 28,900, rising for the second consecutive quarter after growing 43,200 in 3Q.
Malaysia’s wage subsidies total RM20.7 billion in payouts
The third phase of the country’s wage subsidy programme will receive an additional injection of RM500 million.
Cambodia’s manufacturing and service sectors create the most jobs
A recent government press release showed that the manufacturing and service sectors created the most jobs in the country over the last decade.
Women in India hit harder in employment due to pandemic
Out of those who could retain their jobs, about 83% of women workers in India faced a severe income drop, said Oxfam India.
Employers in Singapore urged to adopt hybrid working arrangements
Multi-ministry COVID-19 taskforce co-chair and education minister Lawrence Wong has said a total work-from-home arrangement is “not doable”.
Thailand rolls out jobs support to tourism workers
The Tourism Council of Thailand wants to implement a dedicated support programme for tourism workers to reskill and upskill by March.
China created 11.86 million new jobs in 2020
The human resources ministry said the country’s employment situation improved quarter by quarter in 2020, exceeding expectations.
Pandemic dulls outlook for pay hikes at Japan’s annual wage talks
Japan’s Business Federation says companies should have more financial leeway and pay hikes are unrealistic amid the economic uncertainty.
SMEs in Vietnam to benefit from broader access to soft loans
A strong, effective and sustainable lending mechanism is important to remove credit barriers facing SMEs.
Investment in upskilling can boost GDP by US$6.5 trillion by 2030
Skills enhancement would ensure that workers have the experience and skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Majority of employees in Taiwan generally satisfied with jobs
A survey by the Ministry of Labour (MOL) found that 71.2% of workers were generally satisfied with their jobs, with 3.7% being dissatisfied.
Hong Kong banks on innovative tech for city’s economic recovery
The government’s intervention and support are crucial in the early stage of innovation and tech development, says city financial chief.
Malaysia: Reskilling workers better strategy than wage subsidies
The government’s strategy to mitigate the effects of the pandemic should be to upskill or reskill workers instead of continuing to pay wage subsidies.
Japan government revises paternity leave to promote time off
The government has been encouraging men to take paternity leave, but the practice is not common in Japan, which suffers from a declining birth rate.
Pandemic causes South Korea’s wage disparity to widen
The Korea Employment Information Service (Keis) said South Korea’s income gap increased by 4% year-on-year in 2020 due to the fallout from COVID-19.
Over 56% of Singapore employers in specific sectors are looking to hire
Industries like Essential Domestic Services, Modern Services and Built Environment are most likely to hire new talent despite market outlook.
Malaysian MPs: Provide 6 months’ automatic loan moratorium
Twenty-five MPs have appealed to the government to implement six months of automatic loan moratorium to save jobs.
Singapore maintains work-from-home as default option
Under current safe management measures, peak-hour travel on public transport in January has risen by 11%, compared to November 2020.
Indonesia calls for increased digitalisation for economic recovery
To overcome the fallout from the pandemic, Indonesia has urged fellow ASEAN member countries to accelerate digitalisation.
Teleworking rate in Japan remains low despite government urge
The proportion of teleworkers fell to 22% in mid-January, from 31.5 % in May 2020, when the country was under its first state of emergency.
China mulls harsher penalties for workplace safety breaches
Lawmakers are proposing heavier disciplinary measures on workplaces which violate workplace safety in an effort to enhance risk management.
Skills training needed to meet targeted labour demand in Thailand
The training programmes may also need to focus on promoting livelihoods and self-employment skills in rural areas, said the World Bank
Japanese politician proposes 4-day work week
Member of the Japan House of Councillors Kuniko Inoguchi is backing a bill that would give workers a four-day work week.
Australia sees unemployment fall to 6.6% in December
Although employment has recovered 90% of the fall from March to May, the recovery in part-time employment has outpaced full-time employment.