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APAC Edition
17th April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
DEI continues to thrive in Australia
Australian companies are largely uninfluenced by the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the US. Cilla Robinson, a workplace diversity expert at law firm King & Wood Mallesons, said: “Most Australian employers know that creating inclusive workplaces benefits the bottom line.” Australian firms are guided by laws such as the Workplace Gender Equality Act, which mandates reporting on gender composition, and the Sex Discrimination Act, which imposes a positive duty to eliminate harassment. Companies like James Hardie Australia, part of the world's number one producer and marketer of fibre cement products, exemplify this commitment, having implemented various programmes that promote equity and inclusion, resulting in its recognition as one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ by the Australian Financial Review. Robinson warns that neglecting DEI could expose organisations to legal risks, and says that “abandoning DEI shouldn't be something that organisations are even considering.”
CULTURE
Theborn Korea vows to change
Theborn Korea, the food service company led by celebrity chef Paik Jong-won, has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its corporate culture and operational systems following recent controversies. The company said it will make a "bone-deep overhaul" to regain customer trust, addressing issues such as inappropriate staff conduct and hygiene problems. Key changes include establishing a new audit and risk management division reporting directly to chief executive Paik, enhancing employee accountability, and reorganising food safety management systems. Paik publicly apologised to shareholders for the company's oversight failures, acknowledging the backlash over product quality and labelling issues.
WORKPLACE
Communication breakdowns endanger patients
According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, miscommunication among hospital staff is a significant risk to patient safety, contributing to 25% of incidents. The research, led by Jeremy Howick from the UK's University of Leicester Medical School, revealed that in 10% of cases, miscommunication was the sole cause of patient endangerment. Examples include medication errors and critical medical oversights, such as a patient’s death due to a nurse failing to inform a surgeon about post-operative complications. The study analysed data from 46 previous studies involving over 68,000 patients globally. The team emphasised the need for healthcare professionals to enhance their communication skills.
TECHNOLOGY
‘AI doctors' gain popularity in China
Ant Group has introduced nearly 100 medical artificial intelligence (AI) agents on its Alipay app which are designed to emulate renowned physicians from top Chinese hospitals. These AI agents, which specialise in various fields including tumours and chronic diseases, allow users to interact via text or audio and upload medical reports for analysis. They also assist in scheduling offline consultations with real doctors. An Alipay representative said that these “doctors' authenticated AI agents” aim to provide “authoritative and credible” healthcare advice, enabling patients to seek professional help “promptly”. The initiative reflects Ant Group's increasing commitment to the healthcare sector, as it continues to innovate within the industry.
RISK
PwC exits more than a dozen countries in push to avoid scandals
PwC has ceased operations in more than a dozen countries that its global bosses have deemed too small, risky or unprofitable, as it seeks to avoid a repeat of recent scandals.
WORKFORCE
Australia's Wittner calls in administrators
Australian footwear brand Wittner has entered administration, citing a challenging retail environment. Deloitte restructuring partners Sal Algeri and David Orr have been appointed as administrators. Mr Algeri reassured that trading would continue while they seek a sale or recapitalisation, adding: “We understand the appointment of administrators will be particularly concerning to Wittner's employees, as well as the very loyal customer base it has built over decades”. The brand operates over 20 stores in Australia and New Zealand and has faced challenges from rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Wittner's situation follows the recent administration of denim label Jeanswest, which resulted in over 600 job losses.
CYBERSECURITY
China accuses US of launching 'advanced' cyberattacks
Chinese police in Harbin have accused the US National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting "advanced" cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games in February that targeted critical industries. According to a report from Xinhua, the NSA allegedly aimed to sabotage China's information infrastructure and steal confidential data. The report detailed the involvement of three alleged NSA agents and implicated the University of California and Virginia Tech, although their specific roles were not clarified. The attacks reportedly activated pre-installed backdoors in Microsoft Windows systems. The US Embassy in China has not commented on the allegations.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Special Report: Modern Workplace - Disability
A series of FT reports consider disability in the workplace, including how accessible transport is a route out of worklessness, and how progress on disability employment is at risk under Trump policies.
INTERNATIONAL
US State Department wants staff to report instances of alleged anti-Christian bias
The US State Department is calling on its employees to report instances of alleged anti-Christian bias, including formal or informal actions due to opposition to vaccines or personal pronoun choice, that may have occurred under President Joe Biden. In a cable sent Friday to all US diplomatic missions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio requested that staff report any perceived discriminatory actions taken against Christians or employees advocating on their behalf between January 2021 and January 2025. The cable says that all reported allegations will be investigated by a government-wide task force on anti-Christian bias and if discrimination is identified disciplinary action may ensue. “The task force is soliciting examples of anti-religious bias, particularly from the past four years, where the Department targeted anyone for their religion, including discrimination, harassment, exclusion, disciplinary action, adverse security clearance determinations, or any other adverse action, or in retaliation for exercising their religious rights,” the cable said.
UK Supreme Court rules legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. Judges said the "concept of sex is binary" while cautioning that the landmark ruling should not be seen as a victory for one side over the other. Transgender people still have legal protection from discrimination, the court added. Reacting to the ruling, a UK government spokesperson said: "We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex. This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs. Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government." 
UAE workplaces push for miscarriage leave
Businesses and HR leaders across the UAE are expressing their interest in adopting a miscarriage leave policy to support grieving parents, Khaleej Times reports. Armin Jamula, co-founder of ItsHerWay, said: “Leave of Absence sheds light on a topic often left unspoken in our region. When parents are expected to return to work the day after a miscarriage, it reveals a painful blind spot in corporate empathy. Our pledge is a call to action, to normalise such an important dialogue and encourage actionable change that offers both women and men the space to process their grief after loss.” Myra Bennett, principal consultant, Genie Recruitment, said: “From what I've seen through my work with clients, some businesses do offer compassionate leave for pregnancy loss. It may not be as long as maternity leave, but the gesture itself makes a huge difference. Giving parents time and space to process something so life altering shows genuine care. It also sends a message that employees are valued as people, not just as a number.”
 


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