HR relooked in a new world of work

HRM Asia’s CHRO Online Series 2021 will kick off on October 28 with CHRO Indonesia discussing how the role of HR continues to evolve in a new world of work.
Eateries, spas cannot sack unvaccinated staff in the Philippines

Businesses offering dine-in and in-person services cannot fire staff or withhold the salaries of those who are not vaccinated.
Unvaccinated workers not allowed back to the workplace in Singapore

From January 1 next year, only those who are vaccinated will be allowed back to the workplace, or if they have tested negative for COVID-19.
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate falls to 4.5%

The jobless rate in Hong Kong fell from 4.7% in the June-August period to 4.5% in the July-September quarter, the lowest since the first quarter last year.
Digital transformation key for Malaysia’s economic recovery

Malaysia aims for the digital economy to contribute 22.6% to its gross domestic product and create 500,000 new jobs by 2025.
India mulls reclassifying gig workers as employees

Gig and platform workers may be reclassified as employees in a major government policy move amid a changing employment landscape.
Workers in the Philippines may receive lower 13th month pay

Due to tighter pandemic-led restrictions, many businesses were forced to temporarily retrench or cut the work days of their staff.
Thailand approves 37 billion baht in subsidies for SMEs

To help SMEs retain employees, the Thai Cabinet has approved a 37-billion-baht (US$1.1 billion) subsidy programme that will help pay for salaries.
Singapore rolls out S$640 million support package for businesses

Businesses in select sectors significantly affected by tightened COVID-19 measures will receive a 25% wage support under the Jobs Support Scheme.
Malaysia’s civil servants told to get vaccinated or face dismissal

The Public Service Department (JPA) is mandating all medically fit civil servants to get the jab against COVID-19 or face the sack.
Wage growth in Australia unlikely despite labour shortage

The Reserve Bank of Australia noted that in sectors where wage growth was observed, it was largely due to earlier implemented wage cuts that were reversed.
More South Korean women prefer to work virtually

An online survey of 4,476 employees shows that a much higher proportion of women than men prefer to work remotely than at a physical office location.
‘No vaccine, no pay’ practice declared unlawful in the Philippines

Some workers have said that they were not paid their salaries as they were required to first present proof of vaccination.
Adapting to the work and the workforce of tomorrow

HRM Asia’s CHRO Online Series 2021 will kick off on October 28 with CHRO Indonesia discussing how HR is taking the lead in shaping the future of work.
S$13 million recovered in employee claims in Singapore

Employees who made claims for salary arrears and compensation for wrongful dismissal in the last financial year recovered S$13 million.
Malaysia offers over 275,000 jobs on its public jobs portal

The portal is able to match jobseekers accurately to respective roles, based on their academic qualifications, experience and skills.
China’s urban unemployment rate fell marginally in September

Data showed that the country’s surveyed urban unemployment rate fell 0.5 percentage point to 4.9% in September year-on-year.
Some 40,000 small businesses in New Zealand go digital

The Digital Boost programme is a free training programme that has helped 40,000 small businesses improve their digital skills.
Taiwan ranks 4th globally in number of working hours

Workers in Taiwan worked more hours than those in other countries in the world last year except for three other countries, according to the Ministry of Labour.
Applications for Malaysia’s wage subsidies total RM$12.95 billion

A total of RM$84.2 million has also been channelled to 13,884 businesses in the form of grants and loans for subscriptions to digitalisation services.
Australia’s Labour Party proposes more rights for part-time workers

To help workers, especially women, balance family and employment responsibilities, Labour has urged for a review of the “erosion” of part-time work.
Singapore sets up job opportunities in HR for workers with disabilities

The programme will commence in the first quarter of next year, and will support up to 30 training and job opportunities.
Malaysia’s banking industry continues support for borrowers

The Financial Management & Resilience Programme (URUS) has been launched for individual borrowers who continue to be affected by the pandemic.
Thailand approves incentives to speed up industry 4.0 transformation

Companies with approval will have to fully implement their upgrade plans within three years from the BOI certificate issuance date.
Taiwan sees marginal improvement in employment and wages

The number of employed people across various sectors showed an increase in August month-on-month, with wages growing marginally.
Japanese workers see wage increase in August

Although wages levels have been increasing, workers are still making less than they used to as compared to before the pandemic hit.
South Korea records largest growth in jobs in 7 years

The number of employed people totaled 27.68 million in September, marking a record high since March 2014, when the figure grew by 726,000.
Malaysian government urged to review minimum wage

The current salary increment rate ranges between 100% and 150%, while the cost of living has increased from 400% to 600%, said a senator.
Australia mandates vaccination for service workers in Northern Territory

Australia’s Northern Territory has made it compulsory for anyone serving the public at work to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Workers in Vietnam see fall in wages in Q3’2021 due to COVID-19

Male workers are also receiving a higher average monthly wage as compared to their female counterparts.