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APAC Edition
10th April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
China is 'trying to recruit US government employees'
The US has issued a warning regarding deceptive recruitment tactics employed by Chinese intelligence targeting current and former US government employees. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center said: "Foreign intelligence entities, particularly those in China, are targeting current and former US government employees for recruitment by posing as consulting firms, corporate headhunters, think tanks, and other entities." The warning comes amid significant federal layoffs. The centre emphasised that individuals with security clearances must continue to protect classified information even after leaving federal employment.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
7-Eleven tragedy highlights overwork issue
The suicide of a 38-year-old 7-Eleven manager in Oita Prefecture has reignited concerns over Japan's "karoshi" or "death from overwork" culture. The man worked for six consecutive months without a day off before his death in July 2022. His family is urging the convenience store chain to enhance labour management practices for franchise employees. Despite government regulations introduced in 2018 to limit overtime, companies have found ways to bypass these rules.
WORKFORCE
New Chinese guidelines aim to boost graduate employment
China has introduced new guidelines aimed at enhancing employment services for university graduates, as outlined in a policy document from the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council. The strategy focuses on six key areas, including optimising higher education training, strengthening career guidance, and improving recruitment systems. The goal is to establish a reliable nationwide employment services network within three to five years, providing a solid foundation for graduates to secure jobs. Official data indicates that the number of college graduates in China is expected to reach 12.22m by 2025, an increase of 430,000 from the previous year.
TECHNOLOGY
Shopify CEO issues AI hiring diktat
Shopify chief executive Tobi Lütke has circulated a staff memo stating that the company will not be making any new hires unless managers can prove that artificial intelligence (AI) isn't capable of performing the tasks. Teams at the e-commerce company need to integrate AI into their workflows, and doing so will be expected of all employees going forward, according to the memo, which Lütke shared on social media. “What would this area look like if autonomous AI agents were already part of the team?” he wrote, adding: “This question can lead to really fun discussions and projects." The directive comes as tech companies have collectively earmarked hundreds of billions of dollars for investing in AI development this year. Shopify has rolled out AI tools for its merchants, including a chatbot called Sidekick and a suite of automation tools, which it dubs “Shopify Magic".
LEGAL
US blocks sea salt imports from South Korean salt farm
The United States has imposed a ban on sea salt imports from Taepyung, South Korea's largest salt farm, due to allegations of forced labour. US Customs and Border Protection issued a withhold release order, stating that evidence “reasonably indicates” the use of forced labour at the farm located in Sinan. This marks the first time a foreign government has taken such action against a South Korean company for labour violations. The South Korean Foreign Ministry has been addressing labour practices at Taepyung since 2021, asserting that current production does not involve forced labour. Lawyer Choi Jung Kyu, who advocated for the ban, expressed hope that it would pressure South Korea to enhance measures against slavery. The issue of slavery on salt farms has persisted despite previous investigations and legal actions.
STRATEGY
McDermott closes Singapore office
Law firm McDermott Will & Emery has officially closed its Singapore office, marking the end of its physical presence in Asia. The firm had previously expressed commitment to its Singapore team, but altered its policy following the departure of key partners, including Siddhartha Sivaramakrishnan. A spokesperson for McDermott said: "We no longer have a physical office in Singapore but continue to provide the highest level of service to our valued clients with legal needs in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region." The firm initially established its Singapore office in 2021.
WORKPLACE
Hong Kong office market 'poised for recovery'
According to Praveen Choudhary, head of Hong Kong and India real estate research at Morgan Stanley, the Hong Kong office market is likely to recover faster than the retail sector. Choudhary said: “We think the Hong Kong office market is not structurally impaired,” as he highlighted that improved trading performance at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is expected to drive demand for office space.
CYBERSECURITY
Australia's superannuation sector in crosshairs after cyberattacks
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has stepped up its examination of the A$4.2tn superannuation sector following a significant cyber attack that targeted major funds, including Australian Retirement Trust and AustralianSuper. Hackers used “credential stuffing” techniques to exploit common email and password reuse among users. The affected funds collectively manage over A$1tn in assets and serve approximately 12.6m members. The regulator has previously warned about cybersecurity weaknesses across the sector.
ECONOMY
China retaliates with 84% tariffs on U.S. goods
China has retaliated with an 84% tariff on U.S. imports, to take effect on Thursday, after accusing the White House of "bullying practices." Beijing raises its levy on U.S. imports from 34%, after Donald Trump's 104% tariff on China kicked in today. Meanwhile, steeper tariffs on 60 countries - which Trump has said are the "worst offenders" on trade - have also taken effect.  Speaking at a Republican Party dinner last night, Trump said affected countries "are calling us up, kissing my ass . . . They are dying to make a deal."
INTERNATIONAL
Judge shuts down use of AI avatar to argue case
A New York judge has shut down an attempt to use an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video to present an argument in a lawsuit. Jerome Dewald, a plaintiff in an employment dispute, told the Associated Press that he had applied to the court for permission to play a pre-recorded video, and had used a product created by a San Francisco tech company to create the avatar. “I don’t appreciate being misled,” Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels said to Dewald after putting a hold on proceedings and before allowing him to make his argument himself.
Ericsson ditches diversity language
Swedish telecom giant Ericsson has removed all mentions of "diversity and inclusion" from its latest annual report, in stark contrast to the previous report where these terms appeared 12 times. The change comes amid President Donald Trump's efforts to abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes across business sectors, although Ericsson's head of press said "The language in this area was updated in the 2024 annual report for more clarity," and denied any direct link to Trump's policies. The company had previously donated 5.5m kronor to Trump's inauguration. "We have a very large share of the US market and we need to be able to work with whoever is sitting in the White House," Ericsson chief executive Börje Ekholm said at the time.
OTHER
Seoul cracks down on feeding of wild animals
From July, Seoul will enforce fines for feeding wild animals in designated areas, including major parks and Gwanghwamun Square. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has identified 38 locations as “No-Feeding Zones for Harmful Wild Animals,” targeting species like pigeons and sparrows that can cause damage to crops and public spaces. Under the amended Wildlife Protection and Management Act, violators will face fines of 200,000 won for the first offence, escalating to 1m won for repeat offences. The city aims to “prevent and minimise hygiene issues caused by animal droppings and shedding.”
 


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