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APAC Edition
6th March 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Textile giant's closure leaves 10,000 jobless
The closure of Sritex, once Southeast Asia's largest textile manufacturer, has resulted in the loss of over 10,000 jobs in Indonesia. The company, which provided military uniforms for Nato and the German Army, ceased operations on Saturday and is currently in discussions with potential investors. Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan confirmed that 10,965 workers have been laid off, leaving many, like 30-year veteran Suyoto, struggling with financial burdens. “This is a severe blow for me,” Suyoto said. The Indonesian government has promised support for affected workers. Founded in 1966, Sritex was a cornerstone of Central Java's economy, making its downfall particularly poignant for the local community.
LEGAL
Many Korean workers perceive gender disparities in promotions
In South Korea, a recent survey by Gapjil119 and Global Research indicates that 61.1% of workers perceive gender disparities in promotions, with 81% of female irregular workers reporting alleged discrimination. The survey, conducted from February 10-17, highlights a significant gender perception gap, with 76% of female respondents acknowledging such disparities compared to 48.6% of males. The primary cause identified was "male-dominated practices and organisational culture," which was cited by 57.1% of respondents. Kang Eun-hee, head of Gapjil119's Gender Discrimination Committee, said: "Male-centred workplace culture and policies lead to promotion and assignment disparities at work." Despite the Equal Employment Act's existence for 36 years, workplace inequality remains a pressing issue, necessitating stronger action from the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
WORKPLACE
A bad meeting can lead to a 'productivity hangover'
New research from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte suggests that over 90% of employees experience "meeting hangovers" - lingering frustrations and distractions that follow unproductive meetings. Steven Rogelberg, a management professor and author of "The Surprising Science of Meetings," explains: "A meeting hangover is the idea that when we have a bad meeting, we just don't leave it at the door." These negative experiences can spread across teams and lead to decreased productivity. Factors contributing to bad meetings include unclear agendas and poor facilitation. To improve meetings, Rogelberg suggests keeping attendee lists small and framing agendas as questions to be answered. He also says that, if no questions arise, a meeting may not be necessary. Engaging in problem-focused conversations can also help mitigate the effects of a bad meeting.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Heat exposure may age seniors faster
Exposure to extreme heat may significantly accelerate biological aging in older adults, according to a study published in Science Advances. Lead researcher Eunyoung Choi from the University of Southern California noted that “participants living in areas where heat days occur half the year experienced up to 14 months of additional biological aging.” The study examined over 3,600 individuals aged 56 and older, analysing blood samples for epigenetic changes to estimate biological age. Findings revealed that those in hotter climates exhibited greater biological aging, even when accounting for factors like physical activity and smoking. Senior researcher Jennifer Ailshire emphasised the importance of humidity, observing: “Older adults don't sweat the same way,” which exacerbates the effects of heat. The researchers aim to explore further factors influencing heat-related biological aging and suggest urban planning strategies to mitigate heat impacts on seniors.
Australian retail workers embrace four-day work week
The four-day work week is gaining traction in Australia's retail sector, with companies like Ikea and Bunnings leading the way. Ruth Tan, a retail worker, shared her positive experience, saying: "It's great — it allows me to plan my 'me time' and lots of activities outside of work." The Australian Retailers' Association (ARA) has proposed a flexible four-day work week for all retail workers, but concerns have been raised about the lack of overtime pay for longer shifts. Chris Wright from Sydney University's business school cautioned that the ARA's proposal could erode worker conditions, saying: "This is a misrepresentation of the four-day work week."
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Cultural diversity in South Korea is lacking
According to the 2024 Cultural Diversity Survey by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, only 16.8% of South Koreans have had meaningful interactions with foreign nationals. The survey of 5,000 respondents revealed that 70% have little understanding of cultural diversity, with 38.1% admitting they have no idea what it means. The study defines cultural diversity as respecting differences in race, religion, values, lifestyles, gender, and age. Media consumption patterns also reflect this disconnect, with over 85% of respondents saying they prefer Korean entertainment, and only 60% engaging with international content.
TECHNOLOGY
Falling behind is ‘biggest security risk' in AI
As China prepares for its annual parliamentary meetings, members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are voicing concerns about the potential overregulation of artificial intelligence (AI). Zhou Hongyi, co-founder of Qihoo 360, emphasized that “falling behind in [AI] development is the biggest security risk,” and urged a balanced approach to governance. Zhang Yi, a senior partner at King & Wood Mallesons, echoed this sentiment, advocating for “inclusiveness and prudence” in AI regulation. The Ministry of Science and Technology has indicated that AI legislation will be introduced in an “orderly” manner, reflecting a cautious stance amid global competition. Angela Zhang, a law professor, noted that regulators are likely to be careful not to stifle innovation, while Gu Yu, a Beijing-based lawyer, cautioned against creating specific laws at this exploratory stage of AI development.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Unlocking meaning for Gen Z workers
Kelly Kennedy and Cathleen Swody from the University of Connecticut write in the Straits Times that managers can significantly enhance job satisfaction for early-career professionals, particularly Gen Z, by helping them find meaning in their work. The authors highlight three essential factors: self-knowledge, adding value, and fostering relationships. They emphasise that “helping younger employees find meaning on the job isn't just good for them – it's a smart business strategy.” The pair add that encouraging self-reflection can help Gen Z professionals identify their strengths and interests, while recognising their contributions fosters a sense of value. Additionally, cultivating positive relationships within the workplace is crucial, because Gen Z thrives in inclusive environments.
CORPORATE
Mixue has become the world's biggest fast-food chain
Mixue Ice Cream and Tea, a Chinese fast-food chain founded in 1997, has surpassed McDonald's and Starbucks to become the world's largest food-and-beverage chain by number of locations. As of late 2024, Mixue operated approximately 45,000 stores, with about 90% located in China. The Wall Street Journal's Stu Woo writes that Mixue's rapid expansion is attributed to its simple store designs, catchy jingles, and a mascot named Snow King. The company has just raised over $400m in a Hong Kong IPO, valuing the company at over $10bn. Mixue added that it plans to continue expanding, although has acknowledged that its existing stores could be cannibalised by new ones. The company added that although it intended to become more global, it has not outlined any plans to enter the US market.
ECONOMY
China's plan to unlock consumer power in 2025
In a significant shift, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has prioritised boosting consumer spending in 2025, as outlined in his report to the National People's Congress. The report emphasises a "special action plan" aimed at stimulating domestic demand, with a growth target of approximately 5%. Notably, the term "consumption" was mentioned 31 times, reflecting its newfound importance. Measures to enhance consumption include expanding the trade-in scheme for electric vehicles and consumer electronics, supported by the issuance of ultra-long treasury bonds worth 300bn yuan ($41.26bn). Additionally, the government plans to improve healthcare and support for families, aiming to create a safety net that encourages spending. Despite this focus on consumption, technology remains a key area, with plans to bolster artificial intelligence and other advanced sectors.
INTERNATIONAL
UK government moves to extend protections for workers
The UK government has announced a series of changes to the Employment Rights Bill, which Labour says will provide “the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation.” Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds revealed that the bill will include around 250 amendments following extensive consultations. Key changes include entitlement to sick pay from the first day of illness, protections against unfair dismissal from day one, and new regulations for zero-hours contracts, which will also apply to agency staff. Unison general secretary, Christina McAnea, said that huge improvements had been made to the bill, saying it was “what working people and decent employers have been waiting for.” However, concerns have been raised by Martin McTague, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, who noted that 92% of members are "very concerned" about the bill's implications for hiring.
Nurses in US face alarming workplace violence
Eight in 10 nurses in the US have experienced workplace violence, making them over four times more likely to be injured than workers in other industries. The American Nurses Association estimates that only 20% to 60% of violent incidents are reported. Factors contributing to this underreporting include a lack of clarity in definitions and fear of reprisal. The consequences of such violence extend beyond physical injuries, leading to anxiety, depression, and job dissatisfaction among nurses. With the US projected to have 193,100 nursing job openings annually until 2032, the ongoing violence poses a serious threat to both nurse retention and patient care.
 


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