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APAC Edition
30th April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Beijing court steps up efforts to resolve gig workers' insurance disputes
The Beijing Financial Court is intensifying efforts to resolve insurance disputes affecting gig workers. Song Yi, vice-president of the court, highlighted that there are approximately 200m gig workers in China, making up 27% of the workforce. However, they face significant insurance challenges, with 16% of the nearly 1,800 insurance appeal cases handled by the court involving this employment group. Key issues include unclear insurance requirements from platforms and a lack of awareness among workers due to lower educational levels. To tackle these problems, the court has formed a specialised panel for gig worker disputes and is collaborating with industry stakeholders to improve insurance policies. Song emphasised the importance of workers understanding insurance terms and collecting evidence in the case of accidents.
LEGAL
Workers in Singapore have made 'real progress', Tan says
Singaporean Manpower Minister Tan See Leng has said workers in Singapore have made "real progress" through close partnership between the government, labour unions and employers.  “We are making real progress for workers – especially those with lower incomes,” Tan said in his May Day message on April 29, observing that workers' real wages at the 20th percentile grew by 5.8% – more rapidly than the median worker's (3.56%). “This reflects years of steady effort through the Progressive Wage Model, Workfare and joint efforts with unions and employers to raise standards in a sustainable way,” Tan said, adding that Singapore is “among the first in the world” to provide protection for cab drivers, ride-hailing drivers and freelance delivery workers under the Platform Workers Act.
HIRING
Women and freshers fuel Indian job surge
According to Apna's "India at Work – Q1 2025" report, job applications in India surged to 1.81 crore, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to women's workforce participation, which saw over 62 lakh applications, a 23% rise year-on-year. The report highlights that Tier II and III cities, such as Chandigarh and Indore, are driving this trend, with flexible work options and inclusive hiring practices. Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO of Apna, said: "From Delhi to Dehradun, Surat to Samastipur, we saw hiring become truly decentralised." Freshers contributed significantly, with over 66 lakh applications, a 46% increase. The report also noted a 65.4% rise in job postings for Software/Web Developer roles, indicating a shift towards decentralised tech talent hubs in India.
Kia revamps recruitment with new site
Kia has introduced a new global recruitment website, the Kia Talent Lounge, which is designed to enhance its hiring capabilities and highlight the Korean automotive company's workplace culture. The platform consolidates all global job postings and offers insights into Kia's organisational values, employee experiences, and career development programmes, and is available in both Korean and English. Kia has emphasised the significance of workplace culture and employee engagement in attracting top talent, saying: "Our goal is to offer candidates a deeper understanding of Kia's workplace and career journey." The company plans to regularly share content that showcases employee experiences and growth journeys.
HEALTH & SAFETY
High levels of PFAS found in blood of Osaka factory workers
A recent survey revealed alarming levels of PFAS, specifically PFOA, in the blood of current and former workers at Daikin Industries' Yodogawa plant in Osaka Prefecture. Conducted by a team from Kyoto University, the study involved around 1,200 participants, including plant workers and local residents. The findings indicated that PFOA levels in seven employees were approximately 38 times higher than those in nearby residents, with three workers exhibiting signs of interstitial lung disease. Akio Koizumi, professor emeritus at Kyoto University, said: "This is believed to be the first survey showing PFAS' relationship with lung disease."
STRATEGY
Vietnam decides on site for new financial centre
Vietnam is on the verge of establishing its international financial centre (IFC), with Parliament expected to approve special regulatory mechanisms soon. The development has heightened investor interest in real estate projects in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, the two designated locations for the IFC. Authorities are actively seeking to attract billion-dollar investments and have looked to Singapore for inspiration. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, chairman of Imex Pan Pacific Group, is collaborating with American investors to propose an integrated resort similar to Singapore's Marina Bay Sands. Govinda Singh from Colliers International observed that "Vietnam still lacks the presence of multinational corporations and regional headquarters that underpin Singapore's success.”
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Konyang University launches International College for overseas students
Korea's Konyang University, which has campuses in Nonsan and Daejeon, has established a new International College to consolidate its international student-exclusive undergraduate programmes. Effective from April 9, it involves the integration of three departments: the Department of K-Culture Industry, the Department of International Medical Tourism, and the Department of International Military Science and Art. The university aims to enhance management and support for international students. Dean Lee Geul-jae said: "With the new International College and our specialised departments, we will offer the best learning environment for international students and offer them opportunities to grow into the best talent in each field." The college will provide both Korean-taught and English-taught programmes, catering to diverse educational needs.
CORPORATE
Seven & i's new chief targets savvy shoppers
Stephen Hayes Dacus, the first foreigner appointed to lead Japan's Seven & i Holdings, has expressed optimism about the chain's ability to attract cost-conscious customers despite an economic slowdown. Dacus, who is fluent in Japanese and English, emphasised the importance of humility and aggression in retail, commenting: “If you're not humble, you're not listening to your customers”. He noted that while 7-Eleven is expanding globally, the stores must adapt to local markets rather than simply replicating the Japanese model. Dacus highlighted the need for innovation and a better supply chain to reduce costs without compromising quality. His appointment as chief executive is pending shareholder approval in May, and he says he is committed to understanding the demanding nature of Japanese customers, drawing from his personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL
AI fears loom over job security
More than a quarter of UK workers are concerned that artificial intelligence (AI) may lead to job losses, according to a survey by Acas, which advises on workplace relations. The poll revealed that 26% of employees fear job cuts due to AI, while 17% worry about potential errors and 15% are anxious about weak regulation. Acas stressed the need for employers to establish clear policies regarding AI use and to engage in open discussions with staff. Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said: "AI will transform the job market, but history shows technology creates new opportunities even as it disrupts existing roles." He highlighted the importance of Skills England in addressing skills gaps as technology evolves.
Intel employees instructed to return to the office four days a week
New Intel chief executive Lip-Bu Tan has told employees that they must be on site four days a week beginning September 1. “When we spend time together in person, it fosters more engaging and productive discussion and debate,” Malaysian-born Tan wrote on Intel's website. “It drives better and faster decision-making. And it strengthens our connection with colleagues.” The chipmaker adopted a “hybrid-first” approach in 2021, which allowed most staff the flexibility to work from home much of the time, but more recently, the company has sought to have workers on site about three days a week. “Adherence to this policy has been uneven at best,” Tan said. “I strongly believe that our sites need to be vibrant hubs of collaboration that reflect our culture in action.”
Iran thwarts major cyber attack
Iran successfully repelled a significant cyber attack on its infrastructure on Sunday, according to Behzad Akbari, the head of the country's Infrastructure Communications Company. He said: "One of the most widespread and complex cyber attacks against the country's infrastructure was identified and preventive measures were taken." This incident occurred shortly after a powerful explosion at Iran's key container port, Bandar Abbas, which remains under investigation. Iran has previously accused Israel of orchestrating cyber attacks, with recent incidents disrupting petrol stations across the country.
 


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