Implementation of four-day workweek unlikely in Malaysia
Most employers are not ready to adopt a four-day workweek, noted the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.
China launches campaign to limit overtime work
To protect workers’ rights to adequate rest, the authorities are clamping down on employers who make their staff clock excessive overtime.
Hitachi joins four-day workweek drive in Japan
Hitachi employees now have more flexibility to change and organise their schedules to work only four days a week.
Victorian government calls for paid family violence leave
The government of Australia’s Victoria state has called for at least 10 days of paid family violence leave to be offered to all government workers.
New Delhi government to launch jobs portal in July
The platform will use artificial intelligence to draw up the best job matches and will offer end-to-end employment related information to jobseekers.
Return to offices in Singapore more likely if commutes are less crowded
Employees are more likely to want to return to their workplaces rather than continue working from home if MRT trains are less crowded, a survey has found.
Flexible working models needed to keep women in the workforce
Employers should create a more accommodating working environment for women, urged a global social impact enterprise.
Number of unemployed drops in Malaysia
The number of unemployed persons continued its fall by 1.3% to 671,000 in February from 680,400 in January this year.
Employers in the Philippines told to maintain COVID-19 safety protocols
The Philippines labour department highlighted that it would be wrong for workplaces to start getting complacent against COVID-19.
Singapore’s unemployment rate continues fall to pre-pandemic levels
Unemployment rates for February were around the quarterly average unemployment rates in 2018/2019 and are expected to hover around these levels.
Indonesia’s young generation urged to contribute to MSME growth
SMEsHub, which was set up to support the growth of MSMEs, recently launched a platform, seeking to engage the younger generation and MSMEs.
Hong Kong supports more workers with new job-saving scheme
About 440,000 additional workers will benefit from the government’s more inclusive revised Employment Support Scheme (ESS).
Philippines government asked to expedite approval of wage subsidies
The wage subsidies will help stimulate consumer spending, which could help the government in its efforts to revive the economy.
South Korea’s minimum wage policy faces overhaul
The incoming administration headed by President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is seeking to overhaul the country’s highly controversial minimum wage policy.
Singapore considers shared pool of parental leave between parents
This will result in a more equitable distribution of statutory parental leave and help reshape societal perceptions on gender roles, said MP Louis Chua.
Indonesia provides wage subsidies to lower-income workers
This year’s Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) will focus on Indonesian workers with salaries below Rp3.5 million (US$243).
Philippines trade union asks for minimum wage hike
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board has highlighted that the trade union’s request for a blanket pay hike is not within its jurisdiction.
SAP makes key leadership changes for the APJ region
Subramanian Ananthapadmanabhan has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Head of Midmarket, APJ.
Japan Business Federation calls for digitalisation to be accelerated
The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) has proposed the review of laws that would promote digitisation for organisations across the country.
New Zealand’s Fair Pay Agreements to create level playing field for workers
The new legislation aims to create an environment in which good employers are not disadvantaged by paying reasonable, industry-standard wages.
Singapore’s gig workers support mandatory CPF contributions
The government is reviewing how to better protect platform workers to meet their retirement and housing needs.
Thai government urged to extend public subsidies
Under the latest phase of its subsidy scheme, some 29 million people will be eligible for a 50% discount on products and services.
Skillsoft completes acquisition of Codecademy
This expands Skillsoft’s capabilities in the technology and developer segment, and connects a worldwide community of 90 million learners.
Startups in the Philippines raise US$1.03 billion
The Philippine Venture Capital Report 2022 said local startups raised US$1.03 billion for funding in 2021, a 179% increase year-on-year.
Japan revises law to make paternity leave more accessible
All companies must inform their employees of the paternity leave system, and confirm with to-be fathers whether they want to take the leave.
Singapore launches campaign to curb workplace discrimination
The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) has kicked off a campaign to stamp out workplace discrimination.
Firms in South Korea begin gradual return to office
Up to 10 people are allowed to gather indoors, and establishments like cafes and restaurants would also be able to operate until midnight.
Wage subsidies of RM20.63 billion disbursed in Malaysia
To preserve 2.96 million local jobs, the government has disbursed RM20.63 billion (US$4.9 billion) in wages subsidies as of March 18 this year.
Singapore’s job vacancies hit all-time high in 2021
The number of new roles was most pronounced in growth industries like information and communications, as well as professional services.
Government called to upskill and reskill workers in the Philippines
To reduce job mismatches, the government needs to have in place more training programmes so that workers can keep pace with digital transformation.