India proposes work-from-home rules for services sector
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has made the proposal to formalise work from home (WFH) regulations for the services sector in the new year.
Malaysia sees more protection for workers’ rights take effect in January
Employers or employees may now be represented by any person of their choice, excluding lawyers, during dispute processes.
Employers in Australia can make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for staff
Businesses can force their staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 under workplace laws.
Singapore-New Zealand digital economy partnership takes effect
The pact will allow both countries to conduct businesses with greater efficiency, increased trust, and reduced costs or digital barriers.
South Korea to spend US$5.3 billion on science and ICT research
The Ministry of Science and ICT will invest US$5.3 billion on science and information and communication technology (ICT) research in 2021.
Startups in India today are the MNCs for tomorrow: PM Modi
The prime minister urged the country’s youth to be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead as startups grow in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Cambodia: e-commerce initiative aims to create 10,000 new jobs
A joint initiative by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and UN Development Programme (UNDP) will boost the kingdom’s e-commerce drive and create jobs.
Hong Kong’s financial chief expects city to be out of recession by end-2021
He expects Hong Kong to ride on Beijing’s five-year plan to stimulate domestic growth, which aims to achieve independence in science and tech.
Japan looks to implement more flexible paternity leave
The revised law would allow fathers to take a total of four weeks off, and give a shorter notice of their leave to their employers.
Cambodia subsidises garment, textile and tourism sectors
The government will continue to offer subsidies to the garment and textile industry, which accounts for 80% of the country’s exports.
South Korea approves 9.3 trillion won jobs package
Some 5.6 trillion won will be used for cash handouts to small businesses, temporary workers or freelancers, and taxi drivers.
Singapore must manage wage disparity
Trade and industry minister Chan Chun Sing said equipping workers with skills for the future is crucial in managing wage disparity in the country.
South Korean graduates face a job market with less openings
The employment rate of university graduates of the class of 2019 fell, while the employment gap between men and women widened.
Taiwan raises monthly minimum wage to NT$24,000 effective January
The wage hike is expected to benefit some 1,558,500 workers, which includes 1,097,700 Taiwanese and 460,800 foreigners.
Thailand relaxes rules on soft loans and mulls monthly long weekends next year
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has further relaxed rules on a soft loan programme to help SMEs financially.
All foreign workers In Malaysia must be screened for COVID-19 starting Jan 1
The order would see all foreign workers spanning all sectors to undergo mandatory screening.
India revamps quarterly employment surveys
Starting from March next year, the government will launch a more comprehensive All India Quarterly Base Establishment Survey (AIQBES).
China bans discrimination in job recruitments
The new ruling takes effect on March 1, 2021, and will require HR agencies to secure the protection of their candidate’s personal information.
More South Koreans disheartened with job search
As the pandemic worsens an already tightening labour market, an increasing number of South Koreans have abandoned the search for jobs.
Employers of apprentices in Australia could receive A$4,000 of incentives
The government programme aims to support up to 80,000 additional apprenticeships over five years, particularly in industries with skill gaps to fill.
Thailand moves to attract foreign investments
The government plans to revise various regulations in immigration, foreign business and other areas to attract more foreign direct investment next year.
Japan looks to shorten restaurant operating hours through subsidies
The review of the law would allow the government to handout subsidies to bars and restaurants that shorten operation hours.
Japan: Number of job hoppers drop in market hit by pandemic
The number of workers changing jobs has seen a 6.8% drop in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period last year.
Singapore government distributes over S$1 billion in payouts in 2020 to co-fund employee wages
The next tranche of payouts will be in March 2021, for qualifying wage increases in 2020.
Retirement-fund body to provide social security cover for informal workers in India
The EPFO faces the huge challenge to cover 400 million informal workers.
Malaysia disburses RM$12.6 billion in wage subsidies
The nation’s hiring incentive and training assistance programme has also helped 106,443 employees secure employment.
Singapore: “Sharp cliff effect” not likely when government relief schemes cease
Jobs and business are expected to adapt as government support taper off going into 2021.
Thailand to equip students with robotics skills
The country aims to teach 5,200 vocational students per year to meet the estimated future demand of 200,000 robotics-trained workers by 2024.
More unemployed and middle-aged South Koreans start small businesses
To make ends meet, more jobless middle-aged people have turned entrepreneurial and started their own small businesses.
Japanese firms cut down on year-end bonuses
Businesses that were more affected include service companies, which suffered a 13% drop in bonuses, the largest decline since 2009.