More training needed to foster productive employment: Malaysia’s Economy Minister

Malaysia has transitioned into an ageing society, where 7% or more of the population are aged 65 and above.
Taiwan ends short-term contract extensions for migrant workers

The Ministry of Labor (MOL) has announced that it will end a programme that allowed employers of migrant workers to apply for short-term extensions.
Philippines set to cut corporate taxes to attract investors

The government has also launched a dedicated campaign to highlight the country’s potential as an ideal business destination in Asia.
Japan: Third stimulus package to be announced in early December

The third supplementary budget is expected to be more than 20 trillion yen (US$192 billion), and include measures to help small businesses.
COVID-19 subsidy only for workers in Hong Kong without paid sick leave

The HK$5,000 (US$645) handout will only cover residents such as freelancers, taxi drivers, and the self-employed.
Cambodia seeks HR training from Singapore

Cambodia has asked Singapore for more support in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
Over 12,000 tech jobs available in Singapore

Between April to early November, over 7,000 jobseekers have been placed into jobs, traineeships and attachments in the ICT sector.
Malaysia launches “green travel bubble” scheme

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) has launched a “green travel bubble” to resuscitate the local tourism industry.
Japan to halt local tourism campaign amid new peak of Covid-19 cases

The domestic campaign was set up to help boost local businesses, providing local travellers with subsidies of up to 50% on entertainment-related deals.
Singapore: Q3 GDP contracts at a slower pace of 5.8%

For the third quarter, Singapore’s GDP shrank by 5.8% year-on-year, improving on Q2’s slump of 13.3%, with the outlook for 2021 looking optimistic.
Wage gap between high school and university grads in South Korea smaller in larger firms

University grads working in big firms take home an average of US$29,744 annually.
CHRO Online Malaysia: Redefining leadership in a transformed workplace

Over 120 CHROs attended CHRO Online Malaysia, which highlighted the key priorities facing HR and business leaders in 2021.
Indonesia: Transport companies pivot to logistics business

State-owned airline Garuda Indonesia and train operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) are pivoting their businesses to logistics as the pandemic wears on.
Singapore prioritises employees’ physical and mental well-being

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will work with employers and building owners to better manage infectious diseases in the workplace.
Australia sees uptick in jobs for October, surpassing forecasts

Official figures released showed jobs rising by 178,800 for the month, an improvement from September’s numbers.
2,713 SMEs closed in Malaysia since MCO implemented

HR Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan told Parliament that 2,713 SMEs have closed down from March to October this year.
COVID-19 propelling the highly-skilled freelancer economy

As more staff look for work online, companies are also starting to hire more freelancers to cut costs, in response to the pandemic.
Vietnam’s GDP highest in Southeast Asia

Driven by rising exports, Vietnam’s economy has outperformed others in the Southeast Asian region through the pandemic.
Singapore outlines medtech as future sector of growth

An industry-led coalition will explore advancing diagnoses for disease preparedness, containment and control.
Singapore adopts conservative approach to post-COVID recovery

Sectors like aviation, tourism and entertainment will remain in “suspended animation for some time to come.”
Philippines: Hiring falls by more than 50%, fierce competition for jobs

COVID-19 has caused hiring in the country to decline by more than 50%, with more applicants vying for the same job.
Taiwan sees fall in number of furloughed workers

This marks an improvement from June’s high number of 31,000, which has fallen as the economic impact of COVID-19 has waned.
Australia’s central bank to shape monetary policy on labour market changes

Jobs support and creation will be a priority until unemployment falls below 6%.
CHRO Online Malaysia examines leadership priorities in 2021

Thought leaders like Jason Averbook and Josh Bersin will join speakers from ADP and Microsoft in discussing some of the key challenges facing leaders .
Hong Kong Express pilots get pay cuts, ground staff go on unpaid leave

HK Express has requested all 200 of its pilots to sign new contracts with further cuts in salaries and allowances of up to 40%.
Thailand’s GDP shrank more slowly in Q3

Thailand’s economy contracted by 6.4% in the third quarter, improving from its 12.1% slump in the previous quarter.
Maritime sector needs a “more adaptable workforce”: UNCTAD

Reskilling and retraining workers will be key as the workforce continues to be reshaped in the face of transformation.
Japan sets up support body for foreign workers

The move by the Japanese government seeks to make the country more attractive for foreigners to work in by taking care of workers’ wellbeing.
India: Govt’s new round of stimulus to boost economy further

The government has announced another Rs1.2 lakh crore (USD$16.1 billion) to stimulate the economy, focusing on job creation and private businesses.
Singapore’s world talent ranking rises one level

Singapore has been ranked ninth in 2020’s list of the most competitive countries for talent globally, by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre.