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APAC Edition
15th July 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Employers have confidence about graduate business programs
A recent poll from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) suggests that employers have strong confidence in business schools and their graduates. Recruiters are planning to steadily hire or even expand MBA hiring in 2024, with a third expecting to hire more MBAs than last year. The most sought-after skills by employers are problem-solving and strategic thinking, followed by the anticipated growth in importance of AI skills. Consulting, finance, and data analytics are projected to see the most hiring growth in 2024, with employers in Asia showing the strongest hiring intentions. The survey also highlights the preference for in-person programs over online programs, with employers believing that in-person programs impart stronger technical, leadership, and communication skills. "This year's Corporate Recruiters Survey affirms that graduate business programs continue to be uniquely positioned—and trusted for their ability—to develop business talent with increasingly relevant and cutting-edge skills, who are equipped to tackle new and perennial challenges with a balance of tech and human understanding," observed Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC.
LEGAL
Nearly 40,000 cases of workplace harassment reported in Korea in five years
Over the past five years, nearly 40,000 cases of workplace harassment have been reported in Korea. However, less than 5% of the cases resulted in prosecution, fines, or corrective guidance. The number of reported cases has been steadily increasing each year, with 3,668 cases reported in the first five months of this year alone. Of the processed cases, only 0.78% resulted in indictment. The low number of indictments is due to the limited criminal penalty stipulated by the law. The government says it is working on improving the system by clarifying the criteria for bullying and seeking input from experts.
Can online reporting stop workplace microaggressions?
Some management experts aver that if companies funnel employees to use anonymous hotlines to tell the truth about unacceptable behaviour, then it may suggest that it is risky to speak out.
HIRING
India remains top destination for talent in IT sector
As the IT sector undergoes significant transformations, India continues to be the go-to destination for talent, adapting to the tectonic shifts shaping the sector, The Times of India reports. TCS, for example, added 5,452 employees in the June quarter, bringing total headcount to 606,998. The company plans to hire around 40,000 freshers in the current financial year. TCS CHRO Milind Lakkad stated that India is the destination for talent and highlighted the company's efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry requirements through reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Malaysians in Australia's mining sector find positives to offset demanding FIFO work
Malaysians working in Australia's mining sector, particularly in fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) roles, have found that the unique environment and financial benefits help to balance the demanding nature of their work, reports South China Morning Post. These FIFO workers travel to remote work sites for extended periods, often staying in temporary accommodation provided by their employers. The mining camps offer various amenities such as gyms and swimming pools. Pauline Chuo, a 32-year-old electrical engineer from Sibu, Sarawak, is one of the Malaysian FIFO workers in Australia's mining sector. She says: "The money and unique environment make the demanding work more bearable."
TAX
India's opposition Congress asks Modi to tax billionaires more
Despite India's world-beating economic growth and booming stock markets, the country is facing deepening income inequality and high unemployment. Jairam Ramesh, senior Congress party leader, has proposed a 2% wealth tax on India's billionaires, which could raise $18bn or about 0.5% of GDP. It is said that this revenue could be used for essential investments such as schools, hospitals, and renewable energy. India's richest 1% currently holds the greatest level of wealth in six decades, surpassing countries like Brazil and the United States. The government has ruled out taxing the wealth of the ultra-rich, citing the risk of tax migration. Congress has also asked Prime Minister Modi to clarify India's position on a global billionaire tax at the upcoming G20 meeting in Brazil. Brazil has proposed a 2% levy on fortunes exceeding $1bn, which could raise $250bn annually.
INTERNATIONAL
Labour to hold bad UK employers accountable, says TUC chief
The new Labour government in the UK will hold bad employers accountable for their actions, according to Paul Nowak, head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Nowak argues that despite intense lobbying from UK corporations, he expects the King's Speech this week to demonstrate to bosses that Labour's fundamental transformation of workers' rights is proceeding as scheduled. Businesses should be afraid of the changes, according to Nowak, but only if they are among the bad actors. "To good employers, there's nothing to worry about, to bad employers, then I'm sorry," the union leader said. The Labour Party's New Deal for Working People is a set of policies aimed at improving workers' rights. These include raising the minimum wage, prohibiting "fire and rehire" tactics, terminating zero-hour contracts, and providing protection against wrongful termination from day one. While employers and unions have expressed reservations about the proposals, Labour plans to introduce an employment rights bill within its first 100 days in office.
Unilever to cut European workforce by a third
Consumer goods business Unilever plans to cut a third of its office-based roles in Europe by the end of 2025, accounting for around 3,200 jobs. It remains unclear where in Europe the job cuts will have the most impact. The multinational says it has yet to determine that. “In the coming weeks, the discussions will start with employees who may be affected by the proposed changes,” said a Unilever spokesperson. “We are aware of the large unrest that this brings to people. We are doing everything to support everybody during these changes while we continue the consultation process.” Unilever employs around 128,000 people worldwide. Earlier this year, Unilever announced cost-cutting plans that would affect 7,500 roles globally.
Delta Air Lines changes employee uniform policy following controversy
Delta Air Lines is changing its employee uniform policy following a passenger's outrage over two flight attendants photographed wearing Palestinian pins. The uproar over the incident led Delta to ban its employees from wearing pins representing any country or nationality besides the U.S. Delta's previous policy allowed employees more flexibility with uniform accessories. The airline stated that the new policy is aimed at ensuring a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all. Delta also addressed a social media post made by one of its employees, who sympathized with passengers and criticized the attendants wearing the Palestinian pins. The employee responsible for the post has been removed from handling social media communications.
Emirates Red Crescent launches water aid initiative to combat summer heat
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has launched The Water Aid Initiative to mitigate the impact of summer heat locally and internationally. The campaign targets underprivileged families, labourers, and individuals involved in strenuous work amid rising temperatures. Umbrellas, containers to keep water cool, and health packages are given to these groups at the local level. Internationally, the initiative includes drilling wells, and providing water tanks and atmospheric water generators. The Water Aid Initiative is expected to add a new dimension and a qualitative shift in providing additional water sources to people in water-scarce countries, calling on donors to contribute to such vital projects. In a statement, the ERC stated that the campaign is founded on the drive to preserve human life, health and dignity and provide protection from natural factors, noting that it has completed its preparations and taken the necessary steps to achieve the campaign's goals by attracting more partners, thereby expanding the number of beneficiaries locally and internationally.
OTHER
Drones and chartered flights deliver fresh Wushan crispy plums to consumers
In a pioneering move, drones are now being used to transport Wushan crispy plums from remote farms to the local airport in Chongqing, significantly reducing delivery times to within 24 hours. This innovative logistics solution enables the plums to maintain their crispness and freshness when reaching consumers across approximately 1,000 cities in China. The use of drones to bridge the gap between the mountainous farming areas and the airport allows for the fruits to be swiftly loaded onto chartered flights headed to Nanjing, bypassing the lengthy traditional land transportation methods. Wushan County, celebrated for its favourable climate and mountainous terrain, is a major producer of these sought-after crispy plums, generating an annual output value exceeding 7 billion yuan. The local government has collaborated with China Post to implement this efficient transportation strategy, which not only preserves the quality of the plums but also cuts down on time, manpower, and costs. The drone transfer to Wushan Airport takes just eight minutes, marking a significant improvement in handling and logistics. This system is set to expand to other specialty local products, revolutionizing the way delicate produce is transported in the region.
 


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