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APAC Edition
28th March 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Chinese firms target laid-off US workers
Investigations indicate that a network of companies linked to a secretive Chinese tech firm is attempting to recruit recently laid-off US government workers. Max Lesser, a senior analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that such firms are "part of a broader network of fake consulting and headhunting firms targeting former government employees and AI researchers." The companies involved share digital links and have been difficult to trace, with many contact details leading to dead ends. Lesser said that the campaign exploits the financial vulnerabilities of former federal workers affected by mass layoffs. A White House spokesperson warned that China is continuously trying to exploit the US system through espionage. The FBI has also cautioned that Chinese intelligence may pose as consulting firms to target current and former US government employees.
HIRING
Taiwan probes talent poaching
Taiwan's authorities are investigating China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) for allegedly luring Taiwanese tech workers through a shell company posing as a Samoan firm. The probe by the investigation bureau of Taiwan's justice ministry follows concerns over illegal activities by Chinese companies aimed at stealing expertise and attracting talent in the semiconductor sector. This month, 180 officials raided 11 companies suspected of such practices, including SMIC, as part of a broader effort to protect Taiwan's vital high-tech industry. Since 2020, over 100 cases have been investigated, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding semiconductor technology in the region.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Mayor's comments spark outrage over wildfires
Kim Doo-gyeom, the mayor of Ulsan in South Korea, has faced significant backlash for his comments during a local wildfire briefing, where he attributed difficulties in firefighting to the presence of female employees. Implying that it was challenging to send women into rugged mountain areas, he said: “There are limitations on the number of public officials we can mobilise when a wildfire breaks out.” His remarks sparked outrage on social media. The wildfires, which began on March 21, have resulted in 28 fatalities and forced 37,800 evacuations, with significant destruction reported.
WORKFORCE
International students rethink higher education in the US
As the Trump administration looks to implement a range of education policy directives, concerns have arisen regarding the future of international student enrollment in the US. Following a rebound post-COVID-19, educators fear that political pressures may deter foreign students. Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC, a membership organisation focused on recruiting and enrolling international students, noted that the perception of the US as unwelcoming is growing, with many students from India, for example,  showing decreased interest in American colleges. The 2023-2024 academic year saw 1.1m international students contribute $43.8bn to the US economy.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
A white-collar world without juniors?
The FT's Sarah O'Connor wonders whether the traditional transfer of skills between experts and learners can survive the age of artificial intelligence, and says professional business models may need to change.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
US to stop funding Gavi vaccine alliance
The Trump administration plans to significantly reduce funding for Gavi, the global vaccine partnership that has saved 19m children's lives since its inception. The decision, revealed in a USAID document, will see over 5,300 programmes cut, including support for malaria initiatives. Dr Ayoade Alakija, a former chief humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, expressed her dismay, saying: “Millions of children are going to die unless somebody fills the gap.” The US has historically contributed around 13% of Gavi's budget. The terminated grant worth $2.6bn was intended to last until 2030. Gavi warned that the loss of US support could leave 75m children without routine vaccinations over the next five years, potentially leading to over 1.2m deaths. Gavi emphasised that US support is crucial for maintaining global health security.
STRATEGY
Jeanswest to close 90 stores
Jeanswest, an Australian clothing retailer, has announced the closure of over 90 stores, resulting in significant job losses for hundreds of employees. The decision follows years of challenging trading conditions in the Australian retail sector. Administrator Lindsay Bainbridge said: "The owners have done everything they can to keep Jeanswest going, but market conditions mean sustaining bricks-and-mortar stores is not viable". The brand, which was previously rescued by Harbour Guidance in January 2020, is now promoting a mid-season sale as it prepares for the closures.
REMUNERATION
PwC delays payouts for departing partners in Hong Kong and China
PwC has delayed payouts to recently retired partners in Hong Kong and mainland China as it navigates the financial fallout from its role auditing failed Chinese property developer Evergrande.
INTERNATIONAL
KPN lets staff decide themselves how much holiday to take
KPN has become the first major Dutch company to allow its nearly 10,000 employees to choose their own holiday days, reports Financieele Dagblad. The telecommunications company's new pay and conditions agreement states that from January, the number of days staff take off will no longer be registered. “Our workers can decide for themselves how to deal with holiday days,” Bart Webers, the “director of rewards” at the company, told the newspaper. The company wants to give employees more room to figure out their work-life balance, he said. “Keeping track of whether you still have enough vacation days on your counter does not fit with that.” Any leave still has to be approved, however. “Of course, you always take time off in consultation with your manager,” Webers said.
Many US employees are unsure what is expected of them
Just under half of US employees who took part in a Gallup survey in November “strongly agreed” that they know what is expected of them at work. In January 2020, the figure was 56%, and the latest survey indicated that new employees, younger employees, workers in white-collar sectors including technology, insurance and finance, and those in hybrid work arrangements, were particularly likely to report that expectations for their roles weren’t clear. “With all the rounds of layoffs, people’s scope and responsibilities are shifting constantly,” observes Jeremy Guttenplan, an executive leadership trainer and coach based in New York, who adds: “You think about the ones left behind and the work is just getting piled on them.”
Former Citibank employee in UK settles sex discrimination case
Maeve Bradley, a former assistant vice president at Citibank UK, has settled her sex discrimination case for £215,000 after alleging she was denied a promotion while on maternity leave. Supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Bradley claimed that the individual covering her role was promoted during her absence, which she deemed unlawful. Despite raising a grievance, it was not upheld, leading her to pursue legal action. She said: “I felt compelled to challenge this decision, not just for myself, but to ensure that no other woman is penalised for taking time off to have a child.” Citibank has committed to reviewing its equal opportunities policies to prevent similar issues in the future. Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner at the Equality Commission, emphasised that “issues around pregnancy and maternity in the workplace continue to be the most common complaints of sex discrimination.”
Swiss government agrees wage protection package
The Swiss government says it has agreed a package of measures to protect workers' pay, in a move which potentially removes an obstacle to the approval of a new agreement aimed at deepening ties between the country and the European Union. Employers' associations and trades unions and the country's cantons agreed to 13 steps to protect high wages in Switzerland from being undercut by EU workers, and the Swiss government announced the proposal of an additional measure to give improved protection against dismissal for elected employee representatives. The package of measures is aimed mainly at EU-based firms which establish operations in Switzerland.
OTHER
Age is just a number for trekking tailor
Vasanthi Cheruveettil, a 59-year-old tailor from Kannur, has achieved an extraordinary feat by trekking to the Everest Base Camp, despite initial objections from family and friends. She dedicated over four months to prepare, training through YouTube videos and following a rigorous schedule of daily walks and endurance training. Vasanthi began her trek from Surke, Nepal, on February 15, and reached the South Base Camp on February 23, proudly waving the Indian flag in her traditional Kerala 'kasavu' saree. Financing her journey through her tailoring business, she aims to conquer the Great Wall of China next.
 


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