South Korea rolls out 15 trillion won support for small businesses
With the extra budget, total government spending would rise to a record 573 trillion won this year, up 11.9% from 2020, the finance ministry said.
Japan’s unemployment falls, job availability rises
Despite the country being in a pandemic state of emergency, its unemployment rate declined and job availability increased, government statistics revealed.
Foreigners on a dependant’s pass will need a work pass to work in Singapore
Businesses hiring DP holders will have to comply with the requirements for hiring, which includes the relevant quotas, levies and qualifying salaries.
Gender pay gap in Australia drops marginally
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has said the national gender pay gap decreased by 0.6 percentage points to 13.4% in the past six months.
Japan installs teleworking booths in city metros
These teleworking cubes have since been installed at various stations and office building entrances across cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
New Zealand unions urge workplaces to adopt safe practices
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) and Business New Zealand (BNZ) have called on workplaces to help the country get through the pandemic safely.
Thai workforce needs to learn digital skills, urges official
Businesses should speed up on training programmes for skills development for their workers as companies have turned to automation and AI, Pichayanan said.
How the supply and demand for skills are shifting
Ajay Sridharan, VP of Sales, India/South East Asia & Middle East, Degreed, provides insights on how organisations can support employee upskilling.
Australian employees given choice to increase working incomes
The Australian government is looking to allow employees to choose between increased take-home pay and higher pension contributions.
Japan adopts new bill for more flexible paternity leave
With the revision, fathers can take leave in two batches, and will receive employment insurance benefits equivalent to 67% of their pre-leave wages.
Workers in India among the most overworked and paid the least: ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has said Indian employees ranked among the highest at being overworked and earned the least.
Job security is about staying employable
Singapore’s priority is to build upon the skills and experience that workers have accumulated, while breaking down barriers to new jobs.
‘Superpower’ your talent during uncertainty
Rhys Hughes, Regional Vice-President of Sumtotal, highlights why organisations should empower their employees to thrive during uncertainty.
Singapore MP proposes formalising labour laws to protect locals
Labour MP Patrick Tay has said the country needs more formal labour laws instead of mere advisories and guidelines to protect local workers.
Malaysia approves RM1.259 billion of financing for SME support
Under the National Economic Recovery Plan, the scheme prioritises SMEs that have not received financing from banks previously.
Developing East Asian countries underperform in adopting innovation
The World Bank said all 10 developing East Asian economies, except China, have innovated less than expected in relation to their per capita incomes.
Singapore’s Chief HR officer receives highest accolade in HR industry
Peck Kem, who leads the Singapore Public Service, has demonstrated “exceptional HR leadership” during the COVID-19 pandemic, says CIPD.
Taiwan to nurture digital talent in four-year plan
In its four-year plan, Taiwan’s National Development Council (NDC) will focus on cultivating a digital talent pool, among other goals.
Singapore firms urged to invest in local talent
Investing in local talent and equipping them with skills relevant to a changing economy will help workers thrive and address the tech skills shortage.
South Koreans’ average monthly income rose 4.1% in 2019
Data showed that the average monthly income of South Korean workers increased by 4.1% in 2019 year-on-year due to a rise in minimum wage.
Drive learner engagement in a world of unknowns
Rosie Cairnes, Regional Vice-President, Skillsoft Asia Pacific, details how organisations can drive learner engagement during uncertainty.
Hong Kong government rolls out HK$9.5 billion relief package
About 180,000 Hongkongers who were unemployed for at least two months since the start of last year will also be eligible to apply for low-interest loans.
Two Cents: Agility defines the future of L&D
Organisations are beginning to redefine the role L&D plays in their organisations and how it relates to organisational success.
New Zealand government approves improved Holidays Act
The revised Holidays Act will provide clarity to employers and help employees receive their leave entitlements.
Australia records 0.6% wage growth for 2020 December quarter
The uplift was attributed to a reverse in salary cuts by businesses, as a measure to survive amid the economic uncertainty brought on by COVID-19.
Singapore mulls progressive wage model for retail sector
Senior minister of state for manpower Zaqy Mohamad has said the government is considering a progressive wage model (PWM) for the retail sector.
Gender wage gap in Taiwan narrows in 2020
Taiwan’s average hourly gender pay gap fell from 17.1% in 2010 to 14% in 2020, which translates to a fall from 63 to 51 extra work days.
6 key facts about the multigenerational workforce in 2021
Rachele Focardi explains why generational diversity and inclusion is quickly becoming the hottest item on the agendas of CEOs and CHROs.
Australian employers cannot force staff to get COVID-19 jab
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Safe Work Australia (SWA) have advised employers to assume employee vaccinations are not required.
Malaysia imposes requirements for improved workers’ lodging
Failure to comply with government orders to improve living quarters will result in RM200,000 in fines or a three-year jail term, or both.