The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
11th March 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
China considers legal protection for online overtime workers
China will consider legal protection for employees who have to stay online after office hours, a form of "invisible overtime" that the country's Supreme Court says warrants compensation. Lyu Guoquan, head of the general office of China's trade union federation, proposed to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) that the country create a legal definition and compensation framework for "working overtime online." The proposal has been accepted by the country's top political advisory body, and various government agencies will begin discussing the idea. Chief justice Zhang Jun told the National People's Congress that Chinese courts came up with the standard for "invisible overtime" last year. China's courts have weighed a number of cases involving online overtime payments in recent years. It will take at least two years to formulate a ministry-level regulation and "even longer" for a law under the State Council.
WORKFORCE
India's booming youth population turns to foreign universities for its higher education
As India's youth population outpaces its education system, a growing number of students are seeking higher education opportunities abroad. India estimates that 1.5 million students are studying at foreign universities, with the U.S. being the most popular destination. The trend represents a loss for India, because many students see universities abroad as stepping stones for careers overseas. However, it is a boon for American schools, which are benefiting from the increase in full-price tuition payments. India's own higher education system is struggling to meet the demands of its surging population, leading to fierce competition for admission to top universities. The majority of Indian students studying abroad are pursuing graduate programs, particularly in science, math, and engineering, and the chance to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation is a significant draw.
South Korea deploys military and public health doctors to help strike-hit hospitals
South Korea will deploy military physicians and public health doctors to assist hospitals affected by the strike of nearly 12,000 trainee doctors. The government denies a full-blown health crisis but some hospitals have had to turn away patients. The striking doctors are protesting against a government plan to increase medical school admissions, arguing that the move will not address pay and work conditions. South Korean authorities have warned doctors that their medical licenses could be suspended if they do not return to work. The government has the power to order doctors back to work if there is a serious risk to lives and public health. The plan to increase medical school admissions is seen as vital to address the shortage of doctors in the country. A survey shows that the majority of respondents support adding more doctors and believe that striking physicians should be punished.
Thailand to send 100,000 labourers overseas
Thailand plans to send 100,000 labourers to work overseas by the end of this year, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. The new markets for Thai workers will be Australia, Italy, and Portugal. Over 29,000 labourers have already been deployed this year.
LEGAL
Hong Kong fast-tracks new security legislation
Hong Kong is fast-tracking new security legislation that would impose life sentences for crimes such as treason and give police expanded powers amid increased pressure from Chinese leaders to get the process wrapped up quickly. The 212-page bill was published by the government and debated in hastily arranged sessions in the city's legislature. Approval of the legislation isn't in doubt after authorities previously took steps to ensure only "patriots” could stand for elections. The proposed definition of state secrets would bring the city more in line with mainland China's vague laws around such information and espionage. However, several pro-government politicians have raised questions over the ambiguous wording of the hastily introduced bill. The new law will create concern about where the red line is, said Patrick Poon, visiting researcher at the University of Tokyo. A spokesperson for the European Union said the legislation "risks exacerbating the erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong brought about” by the 2020 national security law.
China to introduce wide-ranging security laws in 2024
China will adopt wide-ranging security laws in 2024 to "resolutely safeguard" its sovereignty, according to top lawmaker Zhao Leji. The laws will cover areas such as emergency management, energy, atomic energy, hazardous chemicals safety, national defence education, and cybersecurity. The National People's Congress (NPC) will also introduce and amend laws related to financial stability, preschool education, and disease control. Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a Chinese politics expert, stated that military education and cybersecurity are clear priorities for China's legislators. Last year, China approved a revised anti-espionage law and a state secrets law that expanded its power to punish threats to national security. The new laws aim to strengthen China's legal framework in these areas and align with President Xi Jinping's priorities. The NPC's legislative agenda reflects the government's strategy to eliminate perceived threats to its rule and safeguard its sovereignty and security.
MANAGEMENT
Alibaba's Lingxi Games leadership team to step down for younger management
Lingxi Games, Alibaba Group's video games unit, is undergoing a leadership change as its current team steps down to make way for younger management. The move is part of Alibaba's strategy to promote younger individuals born after 1985 to its management teams, ensuring a startup mindset and preventing stagnation. Zhan Zhonghui, the head of Lingxi Games, along with two other executives, will step down by the end of March, with experienced game producer Zhou Bingshu taking over. Lingxi Games is known for its successful mobile game "Three Kingdom Tactics," which generated over $1bn in revenue within its first two years.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Can a chief happiness officer improve workplace morale?
Research on positive psychology and employee performance, purpose, recognition, fulfilment and belonging shows a hard-nosed rationale behind boosting corporate cheer with a designated chief happiness officer, the FT reports.
STRATEGY
Asset manager closes Shanghai office
Asset manager Matthews International Capital Management is closing its Shanghai office and centralising its regional research business in Hong Kong. The company had fewer than 10 people in the Shanghai office, focusing on research about the mainland stock market. Matthews joins Vanguard Group and Van Eck Associates in pulling back from mainland China. Regulators are tightening scrutiny of the private fund management industry and cutting fees for mutual funds, posing challenges for money managers. Despite the challenges, JPMorgan says it believes that China remains an irreplaceable growth market.
CORPORATE
Foreign multinationals may freeze investment plans in Vietnam without subsidies
Large foreign multinationals may freeze new investment plans in Vietnam due to the absence of subsidies to offset the cost of a new top-up tax, according to a person involved in talks between investors and the government. Vietnam, a manufacturing hub benefiting from companies relocating from China, faces challenges to its competitiveness due to the tax hike, power supply problems, regulatory hurdles, and wage increases. The country introduced the 15% Global Minimum Tax on large multinationals, eliminating incentives that lowered tax rates to as little as 5%. Some US multinationals have called on the government to honour low-tax commitments to attract investment. The government has pledged new subsidies but has been slow to introduce them. Concerns have been raised about the size, scope, and accessibility of the planned incentives. The tax burden is estimated to generate additional annual tax revenue of 14.6 trillion dong ($591m) from 122 foreign companies. However, the new subsidies would not directly compensate for the increased tax burden, in line with the Global Minimum Tax initiative.
REMUNERATION
Big Japanese companies set to offer hefty pay hikes in annual wage talks
Big Japanese companies are expected to offer significant pay increases in annual wage talks with unions, potentially leading to the Bank of Japan phasing out its monetary easing. Economists predict an average increase of around 3.9% in annual pay for union workers at major firms, the largest rise in 31 years. The wage negotiations are seen as crucial for the central bank to end negative interest rates and stimulate wage growth. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made pay increases a priority to address years of meager wage growth. The talks will set the tone for the rest of the economy and are closely watched by other industries.
ECONOMY
Bengaluru's water shortage impacts garment factories and restaurants
Bengaluru's acute water shortage is causing problems for garment factories, restaurants, and global firms in the city. The shortage, caused by weak monsoon rains, has led to rationing and increased water prices. Restaurants are considering using disposable plates and training staff to operate with less water. Larger companies like Microsoft and Walmart are implementing water conservation measures. The crisis has also affected garment factories, slowing down production. The situation worsened when water tank providers went on strike. The government has allocated funds to address the water shortage, but some industry leaders are not optimistic.
INTERNATIONAL
UK lawmakers call for ban on NDAs in sexual harassment cases
Lawmakers in the UK have called for a ban on the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in sexual harassment cases in an effort to end an "era of impunity" over sexism in the City, having found a "shocking" prevalence of misconduct in the financial services sector. The report by the Commons Treasury Select Committee found "widespread misuse" of NDAs by businesses to silence victims of harassment and force them out of companies. The report said: “It is shocking to hear how prevalent sexual harassment and bullying - up to and including serious sexual assault and rape - still are in financial services and how poorly firms handle allegations of such behaviours.” The committee has called for stronger protections for whistleblowers and a zero-tolerance approach toward sexual harassment and abuse. Harriett Baldwin, chairwoman of the committee, said: “Firms must take responsibility for improving their culture. There have been several high-profile cases that show the existential risk to firms who don't tackle sexual misconduct."
Huawei and University of Jeddah partner to enhance digital skills in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's University of Jeddah and Huawei have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance local digital skills in the kingdom. The agreement aims to provide advanced technologies to nurture and empower university students. Developing ICT skills is crucial for Saudi Vision 2030, and the collaboration with Huawei reflects the commitment to preparing the future generation for the country's transformation journey. Dr. Monagi Alkinani, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Development of the University of Jeddah, stated that the appetite for advanced technologies among young talents in Saudi Arabia is high. Mr. Liam Zhang, Chairman of Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia, expressed pride in partnering with Jeddah University to support the cultivation of ICT talent that meets industry requirements.
 


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 TwitterFollow us on Linkedin

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

Click hereto unsubscribe