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.
Moments that matter in the inclusion experience

Lexy Martin and Melissa Arronte explain how the Inclusion Experience Framework can help organisations connect to key employee outcomes.
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.
Brunei to upskill more micro, small and medium enterprises

MSMEs are provided with voluntary mentorships from leading business people, professionals and subject matter experts in Brunei.
Australia sees more jobs vacancies than before the pandemic

There were 423,000 job vacancies in February this year, up from the about 200,000 in the same month two years ago.
Malaysia passes bill to increase maternity leave from 60 to 98 days

The bill, which was passed with a unanimous vote, would ensure women employees get enough rest and attract more women to enter the job market.
Vietnam raises the number of overtime hours

The National Assembly has passed a Resolution to increase overtime working hours from the current 40 hours to 60 hours per month.
Unions in Australia push for 5% minimum wage raise

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is pushing for the minimum wage rate to increase to A$21.35 an hour, up from A$20.33 an hour.
Earning power of freelancers and self-employed in Japan falls

About 37% of freelance workers surveyed expect their incomes to be lower than before the pandemic going forward.
Central Bank of Malaysia calls for progressive rollout of minimum wage

Malaysia’s new minimum wage rate of RM1,500 (US$357) will take effect on May 1, and is an increase of 25% from the previous minimum wage.
New Zealand introduces Fair Pay Agreements Bill

The Fair Pay Agreements Bill has been introduced to Parliament to lift incomes and improve working conditions, especially of medium and lower earners.
Businesses in Australia encouraged to invest in new technologies

The Technology Investment Boost helps smaller companies embrace the digital revolution by providing tax deductions on tech related expenses.
How to accelerate business transformation

A new ebook produced by NTUC LearningHub and HRM Asia identifies the three key competencies building pillars for organsiations.
Reinvigorating the learning and development journey

Learning and development (L&D) strategies are being redefined by organisations to ensure workplace learning can take place from anywhere.
Employers in Singapore must consider flexi-work arrangements

Under a new set of government guidelines, by 2024, employers must consider staff requests for flexible work arrangements fairly and properly.
Workers in the Philippines wants intervention on return-to-work order

They have proposed a 50%-75% office capacity and the implementation of a reduced workweek while proceeding with a work-from-home arrangement.
Malaysia lets employers choose whether to allow WFH

As the country moves into the endemic stage on April 1, employers will get to decide whether to continue work-from-home (WFH) or hybrid arrangements.
Japan’s unemployment rate in February falls to 2.7%

The job availability ratio in February rose slightly to 1.21 from 1.20 in January, marking the second straight month of improvement.
Microsoft drives business transformation with key appointment

In her new role as Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore, Lee Hui Li will lead Microsoft to drive business transformation in Singapore.
Singapore’s guidelines on fair employment practices to become law

A White Paper has proposed that the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices be enshrined in law.