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APAC Edition
24th October 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Australia's families: A labour market shift
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released a report detailing the evolving landscape of family employment in Australia. The findings indicate that 75% of single-parent families are led by mothers, while 95% of couple families with dependants have at least one employed parent. Bjorn Jarvis, head of labour statistics at the ABS, stated: "The key reason behind what we do is providing an understanding beyond just your young couples." The report highlights a significant increase in dual-income families, with both parents employed rising from 61.4% to 72.8% over the past two decades. Additionally, the number of families in Australia has surged by 1m in the last decade, reflecting broader trends in the labour market. Mr Jarvis added: "Most labour market information is highlighting that Australia is likely more employed than it's ever been in the past." The data underscores the importance for policymakers of tracking family employment dynamics.
WORKFORCE
Jammu and Kashmir dismisses labour exodus claims
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have dismissed claims made by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti regarding non-local workers being pressured to leave the Valley following a recent terror attack in Gagangir. Mufti expressed concern on X, stating: "Asking them to leave in this manner is not a solution." However, officials labelled these claims as "baseless" and assured that measures are in place to ensure the safety of non-local workers. An official spokesperson stated: "The rumours spread on social media platforms regarding the administration pressuring non-local workers to leave the Valley are false." The administration urged the public to refrain from spreading unfounded rumours and highlighted the importance of maintaining peace in the region.
Job losses in India spark political firestorm
AAP and BJP are clashing over the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW)'s abrupt termination of all contractual employees just before Diwali. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal assured the dismissed workers, stating: "I assure my sisters who have been fired from DCW that I will get them their jobs back, no matter what it takes." Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia condemned the BJP for contradicting its job creation promises, questioning how the affected workers could celebrate Diwali. The BJP, led by Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva, blamed AAP for the terminations, citing hiring irregularities and unpaid salaries. The dismissals were based on a directive from the Women and Child Development Department, which highlighted issues in the hiring process. At the time of termination, DCW had 52 staff members, with 223 contractual posts created.

 
Communication woes plague SMEs in Busan
Communication has emerged as the foremost challenge for SMEs in Busan and Ulsan managing foreign labourers, according to a survey by the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business (KBIZ). The survey, which included 84 SME manufacturers, revealed that 52.4% of respondents identified communication difficulties as their primary concern. Personnel expenses and frequent requests for work location changes were also significant issues, affecting 17.9% and 16.7% of firms, respectively. Notably, 58.3% of companies fully cover dormitory costs for foreign workers, while 73.8% pay for meals. Foreign workers earn an average of 2.89m won monthly. Heo Hyeon-do, Chairman of KBIZ, stated: “The rising labour costs and incidental expenses associated with the increased use of foreign workers are becoming a growing burden for small businesses,” highlighting the need for supportive policies.
TECHNOLOGY
Australasian construction industry embraces digital revolution
The construction industry in Australia and New Zealand is increasingly adopting digital transformation to tackle challenges such as a skilled labour shortage and regulatory complexities. Tooey Courtemanche, founder and chief executive of Procore, highlights that “the number one challenge in all of construction is a skilled labour shortage.” Procore's construction management software facilitates seamless communication and compliance, essential for modern projects. Will Twomey, Procore's Australian senior director, notes a surge in renewable energy construction, stating: “This means there is essentially a construction boom that is underpinning the energy transition.” Companies like Woollam Construction are leveraging technology for better data integration and compliance, with digital lead Emile Cloete describing digital transformation as "a game-changer for us.” The industry is poised for further advancements with artificial intelligence and augmented reality, promising to redefine project management and enhance decision-making.
Revolutionising HR with AI technology
Adrenalin eSystems is launching an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform aimed at transforming the Human Resource (HR) industry. The platform is designed to enhance employee engagement and streamline HR processes by embedding AI at its core. According to Srinivasa Bharathy, managing director and chief executive of Adrenalin eSystems Ltd, “AI is transforming how HR is perceived and implemented within organisations.” The platform promises to offer real-time insights, predictive analytics, and hyper-personalised interactions, enabling organisations to automate recruitment and improve decision-making. With AI-driven recruitment, hiring times could be reduced by up to 40%. Bharathy emphasised that the goal is to enhance the entire employee journey, making HR a strategic enabler for businesses.
AUTOMATION
Humanoid robot has potential to recharge China's manufacturing labour shortage
UBTech has unveiled its Walker S1 humanoid robot, which has already begun training in factories in China, including those of electric vehicle giant BYD. With over 500 orders from carmakers, the development aims to address China's manufacturing labour shortages. According to Tan Min, UBTech's chief brand officer: "Around 70% of the workload in automated factories is currently handled by robotic arms." The company plans to replace 20% of the total workload with humanoid robots, allowing human workers to focus on collaboration and tool management. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security predicts a shortage of 30m workers in major manufacturing industries by 2025. The Walker S1, measuring 172cm and weighing 76kg, can perform various tasks, including quality inspections and assembly, potentially reducing physical strain on human workers.
Robots set to revolutionise construction
In a significant move to enhance productivity and safety at construction sites, the Housing Board (HDB) of Singapore plans to deploy robots for painting and plastering at approximately half of the new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats starting in 2025. Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How announced the initiative during a forum on October 23. The robots have already shown promising results in trials, with one architectural finishing robot improving productivity by up to 30%. HDB aims to achieve a 40% increase in overall productivity at public housing construction sites by 2030, having already reached 26.2% of this target as of 2021. The agency is also collaborating with construction firms to implement advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous cranes, to further enhance efficiency and safety in construction processes.
LEGAL
McKinsey faces Republican calls for probe into China ‘conflicts’
A group of Republican lawmakers called for a federal investigation of McKinsey, saying the firm worked on sensitive US national security matters while failing to disclose it was doing consulting work for China. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) have asked Attorney General Merrick Garland and Defense Secretary to initiate a probe into McKinsey’s work for the Defense Department complied with US law and for the Defense Department to examine whether McKinsey should be eligible for future contracts. McKinsey has also directly worked with Chinese state-owned enterprises whose “interests are directly adverse to the United States,” they said. U.S.-based McKinsey is overhauling its China business, including by separating its China operations from other global operations to reduce security risks. It is also cutting back on government-linked clients. 
ECONOMY
Korea and EU unite for stronger ties
Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF), recently met with ambassadors from 23 EU nations to discuss enhancing cooperation between Korea and the EU. During the roundtable at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, Sohn emphasised the need for collaboration to tackle shared challenges, stating: “Cooperation between Korea and the EU will become increasingly important because both sides face many common challenges.” He highlighted Korea's declining workforce due to low birth rates and expressed interest in learning from the EU's experiences. Additionally, Sohn pledged to create a more welcoming environment for European businesses in Korea. The meeting included notable figures from various industries, showcasing a united front for stronger economic ties.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
New president for Thai Retailers Association
The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) has appointed Nath Vongphanich as its new president. Mr Vongphanich, who has a background in the restaurant industry, aims to enhance the Thai retail sector through the "TRA GREAT" policy. The initiative focuses on five key areas: establishing Thailand as a global lifestyle hub, boosting retailer competitiveness, elevating human capital, promoting sustainability, and encouraging technology adoption.
INTERNATIONAL
Employers should be fined for unhealthy workplaces,UK thinktank says
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has proposed that UK employers should face fines for creating unhealthy workplaces, as part of a plan by health secretary Wes Streeting to help unemployed individuals return to work. Chris Thomas, head of the IPPR's Commission on Health and Prosperity, stressed the need for a healthier work environment, saying: “One of the big factors we find in whether a workplace is conducive or detrimental to someone's weight and their nutrition is access directly to healthy food.” The proposal includes regulatory action by the Health and Safety Executive against firms that fail to mitigate health risks, particularly concerning obesity and mental health. Additionally, financial incentives for smaller firms to improve employee health are suggested, alongside potential waivers on national insurance contributions for those that adopt evidence-based health strategies.
 


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