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APAC Edition
8th January 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Thailand's office space is going green and worker-friendly
According to the Future of Work 2024 survey by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Thai businesses are increasingly prioritising modern office spaces that integrate technology, flexibility, and environmental consciousness. Michael Glancy, managing director for Thailand and Indonesia at JLL, observed: "The rise in modern office buildings in Thailand marks a big change in how we think about workplaces." The survey revealed that 65% of organisations globally plan to invest more in eco-friendly workplaces, while 80% anticipate using artificial intelligence in their offices by 2030. In Thailand, there is a strong focus on creating "destination workplaces" that attract talent and reflect company values. Anawin Chiamprasert, Head of Research at JLL Thailand, noted that 71% of younger workers consider green credentials when selecting their workplace.
HIRING
International students are keen on Korea jobs
According to a survey by Korea's Ministry of Education, 42.5% of international students in Korea wish to work in the country after graduation. The survey, which polled 1,207 foreign students, revealed that 55.1% prefer to work in their current area of residence, while 37.2% favour the greater Seoul area. Manufacturing and mining emerged as the most popular sectors, attracting 16.1% of students. The survey also highlighted that 57% of 98 participating companies are open to hiring foreign employees, with 65.3% planning to expand foreign hiring in the next five years. The Education Ministry says it is committed to connecting international students with local companies facing labour shortages, enhancing job counselling services, and organising tailored job fairs.
CYBERSECURITY
Cyberattacks lay groundwork for potential conflict with Beijing
The Wall Street Journal says two large-scale hacking operations have revealed the “astonishing skill level and stealth” of Chinese cybercriminals and points to them having evolved into being “soldiers on the front lines of potential geopolitical conflict between the US and China, in which cyberwarfare tools are expected to be powerful weapons.” A Chinese hack compromised even more US telecoms companies than previously known, including Charter Communications, Consolidated Communications and Windstream, the WSJ reports, citing people familiar with the matter. Hackers also exploited unpatched network devices from security vendor Fortinet and compromised large network routers from Cisco Systems, the newspaper reports. Brandon Wales, a former US cybersecurity official at the Department of Homeland Security, says US computer networks are a “key battlefield in any future conflict” with China. 
LEGAL
Steelmakers sue over blocked merger
Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel allege that President Joe Biden unlawfully blocked the former’s $14.9bn bid to acquire the latter. In a lawsuit filed on Monday, the firms called for a federal appeals court to overturn Biden's decision to block the deal on national security grounds. The companies are looking to secure approval through a new review. The lawsuit alleges that the President prejudiced the decision of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. and violated U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel’s right to a fair review. A White House spokesperson defended the review, saying: "President Biden will never hesitate to protect the security of this nation, its infrastructure, and the resilience of its supply chains."
STRATEGY
Microsoft plans to invest in AI-enabled data centres
Microsoft plans to invest about $80bn in developing data centres to train artificial intelligence (AI) models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications in fiscal 2025. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith has called on President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration to protect the country’s leadership in AI. Noting that China “wisely” recognises “that if a country standardises on China’s AI platform, it likely will continue to rely on that platform in the future,” he said: “The best response for the United States is not to complain about the competition but to ensure we win the race ahead.”
Mazda announces plans for new plant in southwest Japan
Mazda Motor has announced plans to build battery cells at a new plant in Iwakuni City, southwest Japan. Assembly of modules and packs of automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells acquired from Panasonic Energy will take place at the new facility.
TECHNOLOGY
AI won't replace these jobs
Research by Adzuna, using data from Goldman Sachs and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), has identified the jobs least likely to be affected by artificial intelligence (AI). The study highlights that roles requiring specialist human interaction, such as dermatologists, are among the safest. Other resilient professions include dentists, veterinarians, and various blue-collar jobs like plumbers and carpenters. The International Monetary Fund has projected that AI could impact nearly 40% of all jobs over time, but this research suggests that certain careers will remain in demand despite technological advancements.
INTERNATIONAL
UK's ‘sandwich carers’ suffer poorer mental and physical health, research suggests
So-called “sandwich carers” in the UK with responsibility for both children and ageing relatives suffer years of poor mental and physical health, according to a new study which looked at a group of 2,000 such carers over almost a decade. Lead author Dr Baowen Xue said: “Our study highlights the significant mental and physical health challenges faced by sandwich carers. These individuals, who balance the demands of caring for both their children and ageing parents, often experience a decline in their well-being. It’s crucial that we recognise and support the unique needs of this growing group to ensure their health and resilience. The study underscores the need for society to recognise and support the unique challenges faced by sandwich carers. Providing targeted support and resources, such as access to respite care and workplace flexibility, is crucial to help maintain their health and wellbeing, particularly for those offering intensive care.” The research, published in Public Health, used data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study between 2009 and 2020.
McDonald's shifts diversity strategy
McDonald's has announced a significant shift in its diversity practices following the US Supreme Court's 2023 ruling against affirmative action in college admissions. The fast-food giant plans to retire specific diversity goals for senior leadership and will discontinue a program aimed at enhancing diversity training among its suppliers. In an open letter, McDonald's senior leadership said: "We remain committed to inclusion and believe our diversity is a competitive advantage," observing that 30% of its US leaders come from underrepresented groups. However, the company acknowledged that the "shifting legal landscape" had prompted a reassessment of its policies. Despite these changes, McDonald's said it will continue to support efforts to maintain a diverse workforce and report demographic information.
Germany’s biggest companies top 25% female leadership for first time
Women now occupy more than 25% of senior management positions in Germany’s 40 largest listed companies, an increase of two percentage points over 2023, according to a study by Russell Reynolds.
 


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