Businesses in Japan that violate shutdown orders could face fines

The amendment to the special measures law is set to be enacted by the Japanese government in early February.
Singapore seeks to raise wages of bottom-rung workers

Senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said the country needs to raise the salaries of workers at the bottom of the ladder.
Josh Bersin: 5 positive lessons HR learned in 2020

Looking ahead to 2021, global industry analyst and dean of the Josh Bersin Academy, Josh Bersin, highlights some of the key lessons HR learnt in 2020.
Job openings in Australia rise 23% in November

The increase in vacancies reflect the pace of recovery in labour demand in the second half of the year, says labour stats chief.
Taiwan’s employment rose for sixth consecutive month

Employment figures in the industrial and service sectors increased for the sixth consecutive month in November.
Ho Chi Minh city plans to add 3,600 workers to public workforce

The city government has requested permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to employ 10,700 civil servants in 2021 instead of the 7,100 approved earlier.
Japan’s education ministry posts job openings at schools for pandemic-hit workers

Corporate workers can now search for jobs at schools in a new section of the education ministry’s website.
Thailand approves more measures to soften COVID-19 blow

The measures include soft loans and lower utility bills, and aim to boost liquidity for businesses, provide debt relief and unemployment support.
Some Malaysian employers cover up status of staff infected by COVID-19

Fearing that their businesses will not be able to operate at full capacity, some employers remained silent about staff testing positive for the virus.
Employers should hire and train mature workers, eliminate bias

The country aims to tap into the Singapore workforce, instead of relaxing its foreign worker policy, says minister.
Jason Averbook: Why 2021 is the year of ‘Re-‘

The year 2021 represents an opportunity for organisations to rethink many of their processes and practices.
People-centric Sime Darby Property leads employees with mental health awareness at the forefront

Malaysia’s leading property developer sees their employees’ mental wellbeing as a priority.
How HR can make a successful shift into 2021

HRM Asia talks to some of the leading HR thought leaders on how organisations can make a successful transition into 2021.
3 tips for managing long-term remote work

With more organisations making remote work permanent, here are a few things to keep in mind, writes HRE’s Jen Colletta.
Jobs available for Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand

The National Employment Agency (NEA) is preparing 20,000 jobs in the kingdom for migrant workers returning from Thailand.
Malaysia requires employers to provide quarantine centres for foreign workers

Employers will also be responsible for medical costs and ensuring the welfare of their foreign workers.
South Korea launches third round of emergency cash reliefs

The finance ministry plans to hand out 4.1 trillion won (US$3.7 billion) in emergency cash to people affected by the third wave of the coronavirus.
Japan urges businesses to promote teleworking

The government is requesting companies to cut the number of commuting workers by 70% with alternatives like teleworking.
Hong Kong incentivises companies to employ local graduates

Hong Kong’s government is offering companies a grant of HK$10,000 (US$1,290) for each recent college graduate they employ.
New loan guarantees provide Thai SMEs with more financial flexibility

The new loan programmes have a combined loan guarantee of 40 billion baht, and will be rolled out through six financial institutions.
Singapore enterprises received US$13.2 billion worth of loans in 2020

Enterprise Singapore (ESG) aided businesses by loaning S$17.4 billion (US$13.2 billion) last year, as many companies struggled because of the pandemic.
Taiwan sees weekly drop in furloughed workers

The government expects the number to drop further, with the upcoming Lunar New Year boosting domestic demand and businesses.
What are the key concerns for HR in 2021?

After a largely difficult and uncertain 2020, HR faces the challenge of reinvigorating employees, as well as helping their organisations develop strategies that will ensure success in 2021.
Funding from FDI to create high-skilled jobs in Malaysia

The government is partnering international venture capital fund managers to create jobs, said Malaysia’s finance minister.
Australian education and employer bodies call on adaptability for the future workplace

Australians need to change what, when and how they learn to prepare for the workplace of the future.
South Korea to increase investment in startups in 2021

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said the budget to support startups has been raised to 1.5 trillion won (US$1.4 billion) this year.
Cambodian government disburses US$23 million to unemployed workers

Workers who lost their jobs due to the closure of businesses in garment and textile factories, and the tourism industry will be able to receive support.
Employees in Singapore not getting COVID-19 vaccine not obliged to change duties

Workers who are not vaccinated will not need to have a change of job scope, says health minister.
South Korea reaffirms pledge to create 150,000 new jobs in 2021

The government also plans to support smaller businesses, offer tax incentives to increase hiring, and support sectors that were severely retrenched.
New Zealand companies repay COVID-19 subsidies exceeding NZ$536 million

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke out against companies that benefited from the subsidies, yet handed out large bonuses in 2020.