Unemployment in Vietnam expected to hit 1.3 million in 2022

Among Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam ranks second, while Indonesia takes top place at 6.1 million unemployed.
Qualified HR will help Indonesia compete in digital economy

Qualified human resources (HR) will support the country to gain a competitive edge in the digital economy, said President Joko Widodo.
Australian unions urge firms to cover costs of COVID-19 tests

The unions are asking employers to shoulder the cost of rapid tests until they are ideally provided free for everyone by the government.
South Korea to finalise extra budget to help businesses and self-employed

An extra budget of 14 trillion won (US$11.7 billion) is being planned to support small merchants and the self-employed hard-hit by the pandemic.
China’s unemployment rate fell in 2021 as more jobs created

Certain sectors, such as wholesale and retail, saw more employment, which contributed to the overall employment stability.
Thai PM not in favour of wage increases

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said now is not the time for a hike in salaries and wages as the country cannot bear the additional financial burden.
Malaysia disburses some RM1.3 million in compensation to delivery riders

The payments cover temporary and permanent disability benefits, medical expenses, and funeral and dependent benefits.
Employers urged to grant paid quarantine leave in the Philippines

Employers are encouraged to grant paid leave for workers who have contracted COVID-19 and need to be quarantined.
China could create 88 million jobs by 2030 through green efforts

One of the transitions identified by the World Economic Forum is eco-tourism, which is projected to create some US$53 billion of additional revenue.
Mapping the business transformation roadmap for Singapore’s F&B industry

The IHRP Playbook for Food Services highlights key human capital strategies and solutions adopted by companies in Singapore.
Clarification wanted on South Korea’s new industrial accident law

Foreign companies are calling on the government to provide “clarity” and “predictability” on the tougher law relating to serious industrial accidents.
P$1 billion of cash aid to be disbursed to workers in the Philippines

Some 200,000 formal sector workers affected by pandemic-led restrictions in Metro Manila and other regions are set to receive P5,000 in cash aid.
Malaysia mandates employers to post job vacancies on MYFutureJobs

Employers in the country must advertise job vacancies on the MYFutureJobs portal to ensure that these opportunities are offered to locals first
Australian businesses lament government response to staffing crisis

Under more relaxed measures, only workers from some industries are allowed to return straight to work after recording a negative rapid antigen test.
South Korea’s jobs growth surges to 7-year high in 2021

This was the most number of jobs added in seven years as the labour market bounces back to pre-pandemic levels.
Japan minister encourages businesses to telework

The goal of teleworking is to maintain the same level of socio-economic activities in a time when rapid spread of COVID-19 is expected.
Malaysia budgets RM20.107 billion for wage subsidies

The government has allocated RM20.107 billion (US$4.8 billion) to 357,402 employers under its Wage Subsidy Programme (PSU).
Firms in Vietnam employed over 14.7 million workers in 2020

Over the same period, the number of private businesses and production establishments totalled nearly 5.2 million, an increase of 5.7% from 2016.
Indonesia’s manpower minister urges for gender equality at work

Women should be given equal employment opportunities in Indonesia, said Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah.
Success of flexible working depends on both workers and firms

Employers in Singapore have also been urged to clearly communicate their expectations upfront and manage appraisals fairly based on work outcomes.
Hong Kong to roll out another round of pandemic subsidies

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said that the government is preparing another round of subsidies for businesses impacted by the Omicron outbreaks.
Thailand raises maternity leave for public officials

The increase of maternity leave from three to six months is in line with the government’s policy of encouraging breastfeeding among mothers.
How to attract and retain the best talent

In a new e-book, Culture Amp highlights how the ‘Great Resignation’ is providing opportunities for organisations to rethink their talent strategy
Vietnam approves US$15.3 billion stimulus package

The package will help businesses and workers hit by the pandemic, revive an economy impacted by strict lockdowns, and increase infrastructure spending.
Firms in Malaysia encouraged firms to arrange workers’ vaccination

A public outreach programme provides a more controlled and easier way for workers to receive their booster shots.
Japan’s employers’ body supports wage increase

Companies which are making profits are encouraged to increase workers’ salaries during the upcoming wage negotiations.
Cambodia introduces COVID-19 protocols for businesses

These include what to do when staff test positive, how to perform risk assessment and inspections, and procedures for monitoring and evaluation.
More companies implementing 4-day workweek in Japan

Panasonic Corp has joined a small, but growing, number of Japanese companies to offer staff a four-day workweek to encourage better work-life balance.
Singapore warns against legislating WFH arrangements

The country believes that the approach to workplace flexibility should be inclusive, as remote working is not practical for all types of workers.
Malaysia’s unemployment rate continues to drop

The number of unemployed persons fell below 700,000 in November, its lowest level since April 2020, according to the Department of Statistics.