Japan considers fresh COVID-19 stimulus package
Lawmakers have since escalated calls for a new relief package, with the idea of an extra budget valued at 30 trillion yen being floated around.
Cambodia approves projects that will create 9,500 jobs
The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has approved eight new projects worth US$71.4 million expected to create over 9,500 jobs.
Malaysian Employers Federation seeks to be part of reopening stakeholders
The Malaysian government aims to fully reopen the economy by October earliest, based around recommendations by the National Recovery Council.
Leading the change: Reinventing the HR experience
SAP SuccessFactors’ SEA HR Connect 2021 virtual event will exemplify ways to build an interconnected business by reinventing HR.
Japan’s unemployment rate falls to 2.9% in June
The recovery was attributed to hiring at pandemic-hit restaurants and retailers as the state of emergency was lifted in some areas.
Philippines seeks additional funds to help workers through lockdown
Formal workers will be able to receive a one-time cash assistance of P$5,000 (US$100) under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Programme.
HR development key for Indonesia’s advancement
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani has called for the development of human resources as a priority for Indonesia’s continued development.
Laos urges the unemployed to seek help in finding jobs
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has urged local officials to provide information on the number of unemployed people who need assistance.
HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2021: Nominations closing soon!
Nominations for the coveted HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 will close on Aug 31, so act now before it’s too late!
Singapore’s resident employment grew at slower pace in Q2
Resident employment for citizens and permanent residents continued to expand, though at a slow pace due to stricter pandemic measures from May 16.
SMEs in Malaysia incurred RM$40.7 billion loss in 2020
Some 580,000 businesses, representing 49% of the SME sector, are at risk of failing by October this year if they are not allowed to open up operations by then.
South Korean president urges for swift disbursement of pandemic aid
The 34.9-trillion-won (US$30.5-billion) supplementary budget should be disbursed swiftly to pandemic-hit businesses and people.
China to create business environment that supports growth of SMEs
Vice-Premier Liu He has also urged entrepreneurs to contribute to China’s economic development by supporting SMEs in the country.,
ADB loan to boost youth employment in the Philippines
A US$400-million (₱20.1-billion) loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will expand employment and skills programmes for youth in the country.
Malaysia proposes enhanced SOPs for reopening of small businesses
Under the proposal, business owners and workers will have to be fully vaccinated and undergo a weekly COVID-19 swab test.
68.1% of older South Koreans want to work till 73
About 68.1% of South Koreans aged between 55 and 79 said they would want to work till an average age of 73, health permitting.
Cambodia records high female labour participation
Marital status is the most important determinant of women’s employment., with those who are married 38% less likely to be in paid employment.
Singapore addresses workplace discrimination
A Tripartite Committee on Workplace Fairness (TCWF) has been set up to review the framework for workplace fairness in Singapore.
Queensland government urged to look closer into gender inequality
The gender gap persists in more areas other than pay, such as the number of hours worked, highlights QCOSS.
New Zealand companies express interest for workplace vaccination
Companies are seeking to inoculate employees after the Ministry of Health sought expressions of interest to provide workplace vaccination.
South Korea battles unemployment woes
Those in their 20s and 30s accounted for 46.8% of the total discouraged workers in June, up 8.2 percentage points from the year before.
Improving employee productivity and wellbeing in a transformed workplace
HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2021 will examine how organisations can create a healthy and productive workforce consisting of the best talent.
Singapore businesses told to prepare for life with endemic COVID-19
As Singapore prepares to reopen its economy, businesses must play their part to facilitate this process, says Minister Gan Kim Yong.
Malaysian businesses urged to embrace workplace safety and health
Employers are also advised to set up a dedicated safety department at the workplace and appoint a safety office at the work site.
Vietnam provides aid to pandemic-affected workers
To buffer the impact of pandemic lockdowns, the government has been providing help to workers via its various policies.
NSW approves two-hour vaccine leave for public workers
Flexible working arrangements are also encouraged so that vaccine appointments can be scheduled for about 400,000 workers employed by the state.
Indonesia plans wage subsidies for workers
The Ministry of Manpower is preparing the policy for distribution of the BSU wage subsidy programme for workers in 2021.
DOLE seeks to end endo bill in the Philippines
“End of contract” refers to a highly contested form of contractualisation where workers are hired for not more than five months.
10-day sick leave rule takes effect in New Zealand
The legislation doubling the minimum number of sick leave from five to 10 took effect on Saturday, July 24, for employees in New Zealand.
Two thirds of global workers want to work flexibly post-COVID-19
Only a minority support the views that people would miss their co-workers, be less productive and become burned out by flexible working.