HR Tech Fest Connect 2021: What’s happening on Day 1
Join Asia’s largest HR network to connect, network, discover and share ideas on issues such as HR tech, workforce management and the future of work.
Vietnam’s manufacturing companies pushes for vaccination of workers
Three major manufacturing associations are calling for the vaccination of workers against COVID-19 due to the latter’s vulnerability to infection.
Malaysia calls on small businesses to prepare operating under stricter SOPs
These include making sure that premises are equipped with a safe entry QR code, thermometers and hand sanitisers
South Korea’s proposed bill protects workers’ rights when companies split
South Korea’s policymakers have proposed a bill that will guarantee employees’ rights when a company is in a spinoff.
Taiwan legislators propose pandemic leave subsidies for parents
The proposal would allow workers who have to take unpaid leave to take care of their children to apply for the subsidies.
Bringing organisations into the future of work
As organisations look to navigate past the pandemic and into an era of a redesigned workforce, what are the key priorities facing HR leaders?
Navigating the future of employer branding
A recent webinar organised by Indeed and HRM Asia examined trends in recruitment, and how organisations can reshape their employer brand.
Singapore businesses required to report on-site staff numbers
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has asked business owners to provide the number of staff on-site in their workplaces.
India allows family members of employees to be vaccinated
Some companies, both in the public and private sector, have already begun lining up its vaccination programme for their staff and family members.
Hong Kong freezes minimum wage amid pandemic woes
The minimum wage in Hong Kong has been frozen for the first time since the Minimum Wage Ordinance came into effect in 2011.
Malaysia announces RM$200m to fight COVID-19
This brings the total amount of a COVID-19 response fund to RM$65 billion, most of which has been allocated to save jobs and subsidise daily expenses.
Reskilling and upskilling critical for organisational growth
With workforce transformation continuing to gain pace, organisations have to ensure their employees build new skills and enhance existing ones.
New Zealand increases sick leave from five to 10 days
The New Zealand parliament has passed a bill that will double the number of paid sick leave for employees from five to 10 days.
Full lockdown in Malaysia may cause 40% of SMEs to close down
The government has further tightened MCO measures, which include a mandate of more WFH arrangements and a cap on operating hours.
Private-sector average wages in China rose 5.3% in 2020
The average wages of private-sector urban workers increased by 4,123 yuan (US$640) to 57,727 yuan (US$8,967) annually in 2020, up 5.3% year-on-year.
Australia’s unemployment rate in April falls to 5.5%
Official figures also show an improvement in youth unemployment, which is now better than at the start of the pandemic.
Addressing key workplace issues with the right technology platform
There are many innovative HR tech solutions available in the market today to help companies make better organisational and business decisions.
WFH-related disabilities or deaths in the Philippines now compensable
Employees in the Philippines who are disabled or pass away due to injury-related incidents when working from home will now be compensated.
Bank of Japan to extend pandemic relief if needed
Japan’s economy shrank an annualised 5.1% in Q1 as a slow vaccination rollout and a spike in COVID-19 cases hit spending on dining out and retail.
Malaysian agency to enhance workforce’s digital skills
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation remains committed to elevating the digital skills of workers, thereby boosting the country’s competitiveness.
Hong Kong’s civil service unions back salary freeze for officials
This comes amid fears that the salaries of civil servants could suffer a cut this year as Hong Kong continues to be impacted by the pandemic.
New Zealand launches national framework to assess workplace DEI
The launch of the national framework to measure workplace diversity, equity and inclusion will help organisations make changes to improve.
Deaths due to long work hours prevalent in South-East Asia: WHO
The study, produced jointly by WHO and the International Labour Organisation, showed that most victims (72%) were men, middle-aged or older.
Malaysia’s latest MCO keeps economy open to avert unemployment
The decision not to have a full lockdown that shuts down the economy will help prevent rising unemployment that could affect 1 million people.
More financial firms in Taiwan move to remote working
The move to remote work comes as an increasingly number of COVID-19 infections are reported in Taiwan.
Harnessing technology to build a future-capable workforce
What is the next big shift in HR Tech, that will allow organisations to successfully build future-capable workforces?
Help for working parents as Singapore schools move to home-based learning
As all schools start full home-based learning (HBL) from today, parents who cannot work from home have to find alternative arrangements.
China extends pro-job policies to boost employment
The government will continue subsidies for the unemployed, and vocational training, upskilling, internships for college graduates.
Philippine lockdowns reverse gains in employment
The Department of Finance (DOF) has said gains in employment cannot be sustained if strict lockdowns are repeatedly being imposed.
Japan seeks minimum wage hike as soon as possible
The proposals for higher wages could be reflected in the government’s mid-year policy guidelines, and will provide the basis for its fiscal year budget in 2022.