3 policies to set Asia on road to recovery
Close coordination between monetary and fiscal policy, resource allocation and addressing inequalities are key for COVID-19 recovery.
Microsoft launches initiative to address unemployment crisis
Besides equipping job seekers with digital skills, the initiative will also help employers upskill new and existing employees.
COVID-19 halts business operations in Vietnam
More than 29,000 businesses have had to suspend operations in Vietnam in the first half of 2020, reported the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
Indian IT giants ponder WFH strategies
TCS is advocating to make WFH permanent, while Infosys prefers to explore a hybrid model of home and the office.
Skillsoft launches Aspire Journeys for Leadership Development
The programme will help equip leaders with digital leadership skills and competencies needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing business environment.
WFH set to be mandatory in the Philippines
A proposed new bill will require employers to offer work-from-home arrangements for their employees, and comes as lockdown measures continue.
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.