Japan’s summer bonuses fall for third consecutive year
The survey by the Japan Business Federation found that the pandemic impacted businesses in the non-manufacturing sectors the most.
Singapore to allow 50% of staff to return to workplaces from August 19
Up to half of employees will be permitted to return to their workplaces starting August 19 as the country prepares to relax its pandemic restrictions.
Malaysia creates 320,000 jobs through dedicated jobs programme
To help people find jobs, the government has allocated RM2 billion (US$0.47 billion) under the PenjanaKerjaya programme.
Employers should not use government relief funds for workers’ pay
Taiwan’s New Power Party (NPP) has raised the issue of employers using pandemic relief funds to pay their staff’s salaries.
New Zealand’s wage inflation rises 2.1% in the year-to-June quarter
The labour cost index (LCI) of all salary and wages, including overtime pay, increased by 2.1%, showing an increase of 1.6% in the year-to-March 2021 quarter.
Japan steps up vaccination at more workplaces
More workplaces are scheduled to start their on-site vaccination programmes In August, said prime minister Yoshihide Suga.
South Korea officially sets next year’s minimum wage rate at 9,160 won
The new rate will take effect on 1 January 2022, translating to a monthly wage of 1.91 million won (US$1,672), and will apply across all industries.
Companies urges Thai government to grant tax relief for vaccinations
Companies have asked the government to allow them to deduct the cost of vaccinating their employees from their corporate taxes.
New Zealand’s unemployment rate falls to 4% in June quarter
The number of unemployed people declined by 12.4%, marking the largest quarterly percentage fall in unemployment since 1986.
India’s jobless rate at 4-month low in July
The unemployment rate in the country fell to 6.95% in July – the lowest in four months, an indication of possible recovery in the labour market.
Singapore provides working parents with more benefits
Parents who were previously not eligible for paternity or adoption leave can now qualify for benefits up to S$30,000.
Malaysian fresh grads urged to gain new skills to boost employability
Fresh graduates and first-time job seekers need to brace themselves for stiff competition amid the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
Chinese Premier Li exhorts efforts to improve human resource services
He urged support for skilled talent and the gig economy to foster entrepreneurial capabilities and innovation to build new growth momentum.
New paradigm of talent management driving the future of work
HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2021 will highlight how organisations need to rethink talent management strategies as the workplace continues to evolve.
Mandatory vaccination for key-sector workers in Hong Kong
Civil servants, teachers and healthcare workers must get inoculated against COVID-19 or pay for regular testing.
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.