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APAC Edition
25th February 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Law firm's HR boss breaks her silence
Mail Online reports that the HR boss who was falsely identified as the sender of an all-staff email which detailed supposed salaries, performance ratings and criticisms of key senior executives at top Australian law firm Slater + Gordon has spoken out about the "distress" it has caused her as she pursues legal action. Mari Ruiz-Matthyssen issued a statement via her lawyers which clarified that she had no involvement with the email using her name. "Since Friday morning, I have been wrongfully accused of sending a highly inappropriate email to Slater + Gordon staff and publicly vilified since that time . . . The manner in which this matter has been handled over the past four days has caused immeasurable damage and distress to me personally and professionally, as well as to my family," Ruiz-Matthyssen said in the statement, adding "'I did not send the email. A cursory examination of the email and its attachment gave a clear indication as to the likely identity of the sender . . . I have engaged lawyers and I am in the process of taking legal action."
WORKFORCE
Urban unemployment dips in India
India's urban unemployment rate has shown a slight decline, standing at 6.4% for individuals aged 15 and above in the October-December 2024 quarter, down from 6.5% a year earlier. The report by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) revealed that the unemployment rate for men is 5.8% and for women is 8.1%, compared to 5.8% and 8.6% respectively in the previous year. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) increased to 50.4%, with male LFPR rising to 75.4% and female LFPR to 25.2%.
LEGAL
Whistleblower sparks probe at Super Retail
A whistleblower at Australian retailer Super Retail Group has raised concerns regarding the handling of complaints about an alleged affair between chief executive Anthony Heraghty and head of human resources Jane Kelly. The employee made an emergency disclosure to the federal Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones, urging an investigation into potential cover-up efforts by the company. This prompted the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to take action, demanding that Super Retail staff attend compulsory sessions to clarify how the allegations were managed. The situation has raised significant questions about corporate governance and transparency within the organisation.
Samsung and union agree 5.1% wage increase for South Korean workers
Samsung Electronics has reached an agreement with its South Korean labour union under which workers will receive a 5.1% wage increase. The approximately 36,000 members of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) comprise some 30% of the firm's staff in the country.
TECHNOLOGY
Toyota's Woven City takes shape
Toyota has unveiled the first phase of its Woven City in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, designed to test advanced mobility technologies. Covering 47,000 square metres, the area features dedicated roads for automated mobility and logistics streets for delivery robots. "From this place, I hope that future mobility will emerge," said Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda during the launch. The city will eventually expand to 700,000 square metres, accommodating around 2,000 residents, with 100 Toyota employees expected to move in this autumn. Toyoda described Woven City as an "eternally unfinished city" and a "test course for future mobility," emphasising a commitment to innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of transportation.
Ant Group expands into robotics
Ant Group is taking steps into the humanoid robotics sector, according to recent job postings and a company statement. The firm has established Shanghai Mayi Lingbo Technology, with a registered capital of 100m yuan, to focus on embodied intelligence (EI), the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in physical systems such as robots. Founder Jack Ma emphasised the importance of AI, saying that developments in the next 20 years "will go beyond everyone's imagination.” Ant is actively recruiting for various EI roles, offering competitive salaries, including up to 70,000 yuan monthly for specific positions. The humanoid robotics market in China is projected to reach 12bn yuan by 2030, with 1.5m units expected to be shipped, according to Morgan Stanley.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Who's afraid of the big, bad sabbatical?
The FT's Pilita Clark says sabbatical leave is a deeply misunderstood corporate benefit, "an all too rare experience and anyone working for an employer offering it is fortunate indeed." 
CORPORATE
IPhone parts maker Murata to shift supply chain toward India
iPhone components maker Murata Manufacturing is considering whether to shift some of its production capacity to India, and is running simulations for what it would take to dial up its pace of investment there. The Kyoto-based firm makes almost 60% of its multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) in Japan, but that proportion will likely fall closer to 50% in the years ahead, according to Murata President Norio Nakajima. Many Chinese manufacturers of mid-range smartphones are also expected to open more factories in India, drawn by the country’s abundant workforce and surging consumer spending.
ECONOMY
Indonesia revamps mining law for growth
The Indonesian parliament has approved a significant amendment to Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining (Minerba) to enhance domestic mineral processing industries. This legislative change aims to secure ore supply and provide regulated access to mining for small businesses and religious groups. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said: “This amendment is in line with the government's aspiration to reform governance of mineral and coal mining.” The revised law prioritises mining concessions for companies establishing processing facilities, extending this privilege to religious groups and small to medium-sized enterprises for the first time.
INTERNATIONAL
Federal workers were fired 'based on your performance'
Interviews and documents seen by Reuters suggest that workers who were fired from federal agencies for alleged poor performance as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's government overhaul received excellent performance reviews before being let go. A dozen workers who were fired from seven government agencies have told Reuters that they received letters that cited their performance as a reason for their dismissal. All twelve said they had received high performance reviews in recent weeks or months. "The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest," one of the letters said. Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, said: "President Trump and his administration are delivering on the American people’s mandate to eliminate wasteful spending and make federal agencies more efficient, which includes removing probationary employees who are not mission critical."
OTHER
Coca-Cola swings against Pepsi for cricket glory
Coca-Cola is leveraging Pakistan's hosting of the Champions Trophy, the country's largest cricket event in nearly 30 years, to outshine its rival Pepsi, the official team sponsor of the host team. The company has launched a limited edition bottle campaign centred around the popular street game of tape-ball cricket. The advertisement features a young man asking for a tennis ball and tape, leading to a nostalgic moment as he prepares to play. Muhammad Shoaib, a 20-year-old engineering student, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "I love tape-ball cricket . . . it's a cool campaign." Coca-Cola aims to evoke fond memories of street cricket, with bottles available in major cities. Despite facing consumer boycotts in the region, Coca-Cola and Pepsi dominate over 80% of Pakistan's carbonated drink market, according to an industry report.
 


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