The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
24th April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Korea is losing its top scientists to China
Korea faces losing its top scientific talent to China, Korea JoongAng Daily reports in the wake of two prominent researchers recently accepting positions at Chinese universities. Lee Young-hee, a leading expert in carbon nanotube research, moved to Hubei University of Technology after his research centre in Korea was closed. Lee Ki-myeong, a theoretical physicist, joined the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications. Both were designated as "Star Faculty" in their respective fields. As China continues to aggressively recruit global talent to enhance its R&D capabilities, experts warn that Korea lacks the necessary strategy to retain its top scientists.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Earlier and more sleep linked to better test performance
Researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai and the University of Cambridge in the UK have found that young people who go to sleep earlier, and who sleep for longer, tend to have better brain functions and perform better in cognitive tests. The study, which tracked the sleep patterns of more than 3,000 adolescents, found that the 37% of young people who tended to go to bed and fall asleep earliest performed best in tests involving vocabulary, reading, problem solving and focus. Cambridge professor Barbara Sahakian said: "Even though the differences in the amount of sleep that each group got was relatively small, at just over a quarter-of-an-hour between the best and worst sleepers, we could still see differences in brain structure and activity and in how well they did at tasks."
Pandemic agreement reached by WHO after years of talks
After over three years of negotiations, countries have finalised a draft global pandemic agreement under the World Health Organization which is set for review at the World Health Assembly in May 2025 and aims at enhancing international cooperation and equity in pandemic preparedness. The agreement promotes a “One Health” approach, strengthens national health systems, and establishes a coordinated financial and supply chain network, while explicitly respecting national sovereignty in public health decisions. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the consensus as a historic achievement, saying: “It reflects . . .  resilience, unity and unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of people everywhere.”
WORKFORCE
India's middle class 'at risk'
Saurabh Mukherjea, chief investment officer of Marcellus Investment Managers, has expressed his concerns regarding the future of India's middle class. He predicts a significant decline in traditional white-collar jobs due to the rise of automation and artificial intelligence. Mukherjea told a podcast: "I think the defining flavour of this decade will be effectively the death of salaried employment," as he highlighted the risk to mid-level career options. Despite this, he noted the potential for entrepreneurship, driven by government initiatives like the JAM Trinity, which aims to provide better access to banking for low-income groups. He urged a cultural shift away from valuing stability and salaries, saying: "We should be solving for happiness and impact, not just monthly income."
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Chinese students caught in US visa turmoil
Chinese students in the US are facing significant challenges due to President Donald Trump's stringent immigration policies and China's retaliatory measures. Reports indicate that numerous international students have had their visas revoked without clear reasons, leading to fears of deportation. Yulin, a Shanghai-based study-abroad agent, noted a shift in parental attitudes, with many opting for the International Baccalaureate or A-levels instead of the Advanced Placement curriculum in a choice that reflects a growing preference for studying in Britain.
TECHNOLOGY
Managers must embrace AI or get left behind
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace, particularly for middle managers, who must adapt to remain relevant. Middle managers are encouraged to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to enhance productivity and focus on strategic leadership. Developing AI literacy is seen as essential, as companies seek leaders who can interpret AI-driven insights. But emotional intelligence remains crucial, because AI cannot replace the human touch in building relationships. Arinya Talerngsri, Managing Director of BTS Thailand, nevertheless says: "AI isn't a threat — it's an opportunity." 
Chinese firms 'to lead AI transformation'
Chinese companies are poised to lead in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, according to Edward Tse, founder and chief executive of Gao Feng Advisory Company. At a recent forum in Shanghai, he highlighted that AI will disrupt industries and blur boundaries, necessitating an "AI mindset" among business leaders. This would involve a comprehensive restructuring of business strategies, workflows, and corporate culture. Meanwhile, Li Chengjie, vice-president at Mengniu, noted that efficiency and data optimisation are crucial for success in the AI era, while Wu Zongxun from Fosun International stressed the importance of understanding internal operational data to drive business growth.
CORPORATE
Flipkart board approves domicile shift to India
Flipkart's board has approved proposals to shift the company's domicile from Singapore to India, at a time when the Walmart-owned company is preparing to tap India's capital markets. “This move represents a natural evolution, aligning our holding structure with our core operations, the vast potential of the Indian economy and our technology and innovation-driven capabilities to foster digital transformation in India”, a Flipkart spokesperson said. “As a company born and nurtured in India, this transition will further enhance our focus and agility in serving our customers, sellers, partners, and communities to continue contributing to the nation’s growing digital economy and entrepreneurship”.
INTERNATIONAL
Rome conference trip cancelled by Tesla exec amid security concerns
A senior Tesla executive has cancelled her attendance at a conference in Rome over fears of protests surrounding the carmaker. Tesla cars, infrastructure and offices have recently become targets of vandalism in several countries, including Italy, in response to chief executive Elon Musk's right-wing activism. "Given the recent protests and violence against Tesla, and now in Rome, I've been asked to hold my external presence and travel . . . I won't be able to attend," Samantha Harris, Tesla's Global Sustainability Lead, explained in an email to the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS). She had been due to speak at Regenerative Futures, a conference planned in Rome for May 16-17 by the EIIS.
US consulting firms offer billions in cuts to federal contracts
Some of the biggest US consulting firms have offered billions in additional cuts to their contracts after the Trump administration told them that they needed to come up with deeper price concessions, or face consequences. The Wall Street Journal reports that seven of the 10 largest consulting firms to the government, including Accenture, Booz Allen, Deloitte, and IBM, have now offered up to $20bn in savings by proposing to either terminate existing contracts or reduce the scope of their work within federal agencies. Some are proposing to offer credits toward their work, or artificial intelligence services free of charge. The Trump administration has been cracking down on the consulting industry more broadly, with the Department of Government Efficiency regularly announcing new cancellations of consulting contracts. The Department of Defense earlier this month also said it planned to cut $5.1bn in consulting contracts.
Citi to close Málaga office that promised bankers better work-life balance
Citigroup is closing its beachside office in the southern Spanish city of Málaga less than three years after opening the hub to offer junior investment bankers a better work-life balance. Some of the Malaga-based workers may end up being reassigned to Paris or London. Meanwhile, “our primary Spanish location is Madrid, where we employ more than 220 people who are not impacted by this action,” Citi said. “Citi continues our strategic growth in Spain with a strong presence in our core business lines, which include investment banking, wealth and markets.”
OTHER
JD.com founder delivers food in publicity drive to challenge Meituan
JD.com founder Richard Liu Qiangdong went on delivery duty on Monday, transporting meal orders in Beijing on an electric bike, highlighting the company’s resolve to challenge rival Meituan’s dominance in the delivery services market. The publicity stunt, which also included a hotpot dinner with delivery workers, received widespread media coverage in China. The rivalry between the two companies, marked by mutual accusations of monopolistic practices and inadequate worker protections, reflects fierce competition in the Chinese market as growth stagnates.
 


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