World Bank approves US$500 million programme to support India’s MSMEs
The programme targets improving the performances of 555,000 MSMEs and is expected to mobilise financing of US$15.5 billion.
Vietnam prime minister urges for relaxation of overly strict lockdowns
Local governments have been urged to relax overly strict lockdowns that are affecting production and business activity in some provinces.
Malaysian employers cannot force non-essential service workers to office
Staff are encouraged to report incidents where their workplace exceeds the 60% capacity, or they are asked to work despite the need for quarantine.
India forms expert committee to set national minimum wage
The committee will provide technical inputs and recommendations to set minimum wages and a national floor for minimum wages.
Why employee experience and technology are key for success
A recent SAP SuccessFactors webinar pinpointed the ways HR leaders can successfully pivot to build a future-capable workforce.
Thailand rolls out wage subsidies to deter mass layoffs
Qualified SMEs for the new co-payment scheme include those that could not acquire a soft loan from Thailand’s central bank package.
Taiwan grants pandemic subsidies to 600,000 self-employed
The Cabinet is revising an economic stimulus bill to provide financial relief to two groups of self-employed people affected by the pandemic.
Chinese city turns to blockchain for worker payments
An app records and encrypts data like work attendances based on facial recognition, and feedback from recruiters.
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Malaysian banks offer loan moratorium and assistance to SMEs
SMEs adversely hit by the full lockdown can now enroll in the Targeted Repayment Assistance (TRA) programme offered by banks.
Unemployment rate in Singapore dips in April
In April, a total of 92,100 people — comprising Singapore citizens and permanent residents — were unemployed.
Government workers in the Philippines to receive hazard pay
Government employees who need to report physically for work will receive a hazard pay of P500 (US$10.4) per day.
Thailand approves US$4.5 billion COVID-19 stimulus package
The measures include cash handouts to welfare card holders and special groups, co-payments and cash rebates, and will be implemented from July.
Prudential helps organisations plan for sustainability and success
KOCH Singapore Packaging Systems has benefited from Prudential’s EB offerings to build a happier and more productive workforce.
Counselling, collaboration, and virtual coffee chats: Leadership in the post-COVID era
Skillsoft’s Rosie Cairnes examines the role of leadership in the workforce in a post-pandemic era.
WFH employees to be prioritised for vaccination in the Philippines
The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) is urging the government to include employees who work from home in its A4 vaccination priority list.
56,000 people lost jobs after Australia ended JobKeeper
While these job losses are linked to the end of its wage subsidy, more people are beginning to find jobs, says the treasury secretary.
Japan steps up COVID-19 vaccination at workplaces & universities
Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato has said the country will start vaccination for COVID-19 at work premises and universities beginning on June 21.
Malaysia urged to extend COVID-19 subsidy till year-end
The government has been asked to extend the wage subsidy programme throughout all phases of MCO and [Conditional] MCO, or at least till December.
Building your post-COVID strategy: Five emerging digital business trends to consider
SumTotal’s Rhys Hughes highlights five key digital trends impacting businesses.
Taiwan approves up to US$30.4 billion for pandemic relief
Taiwan’s legislature has passed a financial relief proposal that will see NT$840 billion set aside for direct payments and loans to citizens and businesses.
Hong Kong rolls out vaccination leave for civil servants
This will apply to all government employees, which includes civil servants, non-civil service contract staff and post-retirement service contract staff.
Employment continues to grow in South Korea
The Ministry of Employment and Labour said the number of employees hired by local businesses grew 2.1% year-on-year in April.
Malaysia unveils RM$40 billion stimulus package
RM$2.1 billion (US$0.51 billion) will be distributed to lower-income workers who earn less than RM5,000 (US$1,212) each month.
HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2021: Nominations now open!
Organisations and businesses are welcome to nominate themselves and anyone else worthy of this ultimate prize of dedicated HR service provider.
Malaysia mulls giving more power to JTKSM to police WFH SOP
The Department of Labour could be given more authority to penalise companies who fail to comply to WFH orders.
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Singapore likely to relax COVID-19 restrictions after June 13
Enhanced wage support for select businesses affected by the city-state’s tighter measures has also been announced.
35.5 million more workers to be vaccinated in the Philippines
The government is expanding its A4 vaccination priority group to include 35.5 million more workers, who will be vaccinated beginning this month.
Taiwan plans NT$25 billion subsidy for families
On Monday, it approved an additional NT$420 billion in stimulus spending to support the economy as business activities are curbed.