The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
7th April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Trump tariffs threaten jobs across Asia
Concerns are mounting across Asia regarding the impact of US President Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs on jobs and industries. Vietnam, for example, was hit with a huge tariff of 46%. Cao Thi Dieu, a shoe factory worker in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her anxiety, saying: "I can't eat or sleep well because I keep worrying about losing my job . . . How will I manage if I lose my job? How will I continue earning money each month to take care of my two children's education?" Meanwhile, Trump announced a 32% levy on Taiwanese imports, and although the island's important semiconductor shipments were excluded, Taipei described the move as "unfair." Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at investment managers Natixis in Hong Kong, said of the situation: "The largest loser is the US, because everybody's being taxed so there's no escape for higher inflation."
RISK
North Korean IT 'warriors' push to infiltrate European firms
North Korean IT workers are increasingly masquerading as remote freelancers to infiltrate European companies, posing significant risks of espionage and data theft. According to research by the Google Threat Intelligence Group, these so-called "warriors" have shifted their focus from the US to countries like Germany, the UK, and Portugal following an increased awareness of the threat, along with sanctions and indictments from the US Department of Justice. They falsely claim to be from various countries to secure jobs on platforms such as Upwork and Freelancer, often receiving payments in cryptocurrency. Dr Jamie Collier, lead adviser for Europe at Google, noted that the pressure from the US is driving these workers to adopt "more aggressive measures to maintain their revenue stream." The FBI has warned businesses to enhance their identity verification processes to combat the growing threat.
WORKFORCE
Samsung employees threaten strike action
The Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, has issued a 14-day strike notice at Samsung's Chennai plant, demanding the reinstatement of 23 suspended employees and an end to alleged discriminatory practices. The union claims that Samsung has engaged in unfair wage agreements with a separate worker group, which undermines the registered trade union. They also allege that the company imposes excessive workloads on disabled workers and denies them monetary benefits. The latest development follows a month-long protest that ended on March 7, after similar protests last year. Samsung has yet to respond to these allegations.
ACTU pushes for 4.5% lift in minimum wage
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is advocating for a 4.5% increase in the minimum wage during the upcoming annual wage review by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). This proposed rise would elevate the minimum wage to $25.18 per hour, translating to an annual salary of $49,770 for full-time workers. ACTU secretary Sally McManus emphasised the necessity of the increase, saying: “We are not America and no one should be left without a liveable wage after working full-time hours.” The FWC's review affects approximately 2.6m workers reliant on award rates, although it does not directly influence those on enterprise agreements. The decision is expected in June, with the new rates effective from July 1. McManus highlighted that the wage increase is essential to combat inflation driven by global supply issues and corporate price gouging.
HIRING
Job-hoppers in China are interested in AI
The artificial intelligence (AI) sector is rapidly becoming a prime target for job-hoppers in China, with over 57% of surveyed workers expressing a desire to transition into AI-related roles, according to a report by Zhaopin. The report, which surveyed 37,980 workers, revealed that 49.2% are keen to enter the AI field, drawn by better career prospects and higher salaries. The demand for AI talent is escalating, with McKinsey & Company predicting a need for 6m AI professionals in China by 2030, potentially leaving a talent gap of 4m. Li Qiang, executive vice-president of Zhaopin, observed: "As demand for AI talent surges, companies are increasing recruitment salaries." Despite the growing interest, a significant gap remains between market demand and the availability of qualified candidates, particularly those with advanced degrees. Universities are responding by expanding AI programmes to cultivate a diverse range of AI talent.
TECHNOLOGY
SoftBank teams up with OpenAI
SoftBank has announced a partnership with OpenAI, aiming to develop artificial super intelligence (ASI) that surpasses human intelligence. The Japanese investment group plans to invest $10bn initially, with an additional $30bn contingent on certain conditions by the end of 2025. OpenAI recently raised $40bn, valuing the company at $300bn, marking the largest funding round for a start-up.
ECONOMY
South Korea's consumer prices rise 2.1%
In March, South Korea's consumer prices increased by 2.1% compared to the previous year, slightly surpassing the 2.0% rise in February and the median forecast of 2.0% from a Reuters poll. The cost of living index, which tracks changes in the prices of 144 frequently purchased consumer goods and services, rose 2.4%, a deceleration from the previous month’s 2.6%. The Bank of Korea, which aims for a medium-term inflation target of 2.0%, recently reduced interest rates by 25 basis points to bolster economic growth and indicated further cuts may occur this year.
INTERNATIONAL
Fired HHS staff may be asked to keep working
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has said that thousands of employees who have been dismissed from the department and the public health agencies it oversees, including the FDA, CDC and National Institutes of Health, may be asked to temporarily continue working for two months. The department last week began mass layoffs, with the aim of firing 10,000 employees in accordance with a broader plan by the White House to shrink the federal government. Staffers said they were given "reduction in force" notices that said they were being placed on administrative leave effective April 1 and until June 2.  "All employees affected by the reduction in force may be asked to temporarily work until their government service ends on June 2," said HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon. "This decision is focused on ensuring that the transition is as seamless as possible, minimizing any disruption to the agency's mission and operations. HHS fully supports this approach, which aims to maintain public health services while managing the reorganization process effectively."
Minister cracks down on Shabbat work
Israeli labour minister Yoav Ben-Tzur has launched an operation enforcing working hours and rest laws at businesses which employ Jewish workers on their weekly rest day. "Labour laws in the State of Israel are not a recommendation; they are a civic duty to preserve workers' rights," Ben-Tzur posted on social media. The Labor Ministry's Regulation and Enforcement Administration investigated a number of businesses at the BIG Fashion Glilot mall, and found that 21 workers had experienced rights violations, including 13 Jewish workers who were found to be employed on their weekly rest day. "The Working Hours and Rest Law in the State of Israel clearly state that it is strictly forbidden to employ Jewish workers on Shabbat without special permission,” Ben-Tzur said. Opposition politicians have challenged the crackdown as unnecessary.
UK return-to-office mandates put talent off
According to a poll by Hays, nearly half of professionals in the UK would consider resigning if required to return to the office full-time; 58% of female workers expressed this sentiment compared to 42% of men. The survey revealed that 77% of the workforce prefers a hybrid working model, with three days in the office being the most common arrangement. Pam Lindsay-Dunn, chief operating officer of Hays UK and Ireland, said: "Employers need to realise they are at serious risk of losing top talent if they make a full-time return-to-office compulsory." The cost of commuting emerged as a significant concern, affecting 73% of professionals' decisions regarding office attendance. Despite some companies pushing for more in-office time, only 8% of employers plan to enforce a return to the office in the next six months.
OTHER
Myanmar rebels disrupt China rare earth trade
In October, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) armed rebel group seized control of northern Myanmar's rare earths mining belt. The KIA is fighting for the autonomy of the Kachin minority, a mostly Christian group which has long held grievances against the Bamar Buddhist majority. Its actions have disrupted the production of heavy rare earths, which are essential for wind turbines and electric vehicles, and led to a spike in prices. "They want to use rare earth reserves as a leverage in their negotiation with China," said Dan Seng Lawn, executive director of the non-profit Kachinland Research Centre, which studies Kachin socio-political issues. The group has imposed a hefty tax on the mostly Chinese-operated rare-earth miners working around Panwa and Chipwe towns in Kachin, he said.
 


The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe