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APAC Edition
9th May 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
More graduates chase fewer roles in Singapore
In Singapore, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive. A report from LinkedIn reveals that the number of job postings per applicant has fallen by 8%, and that the trend has resulted in “stiffer competition, with more graduates chasing fewer roles today,” according to the company. Surveys indicate that less than half of job applications meet the necessary qualifications, with hiring professionals struggling to find candidates with the right soft skills (50%) and technical skills (44%). Additionally, 40% of hiring professionals noted an increase in unsuitable applications.
STRATEGY
Google cuts about 200 staff in global business unit
Google has cut about 200 jobs in its global business unit, which is responsible for sales and partnerships, according to a report in The Information. The company told Reuters that it was making changes across teams "to drive greater collaboration and expand our ability to quickly and effectively serve our customers."
HIRING
Cognizant to hire 20,000 freshers
Cognizant, the US IT firm with a significant workforce in India, has announced plans to hire 20,000 freshers in 2025 to enhance its talent pyramid, particularly for managed services and artificial intelligence (AI)-led software development. The company aims to improve productivity through AI and manage human capital costs effectively. Additionally, 14,000 former employees have rejoined Cognizant, with another 10,000 expected to follow.
WORKFORCE
Singapore's aviation industry soars despite turbulence
Singapore's aviation industry, employing around 36,000 workers, is thriving despite global uncertainties, according to Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat. The workforce has surpassed pre-Covid-19 levels, reaching 100% of its 2019 figure by August 2023, as key players like Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport Group actively hire and expand. Chee emphasised the importance of leveraging technology for productivity and job redesign to accommodate an ageing workforce. The upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5 and the expansion of the air cargo sector are expected to create more job opportunities, particularly benefiting the nation's youth.
MP demands safety for migrants
Samirul Islam, Trinamool MP and chairman of the Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to ensure the safety of Bengali-speaking migrant workers facing attacks in states like Gujarat, Odisha, Delhi, and Maharashtra. In his letter, Islam highlighted numerous complaints of Bengali citizens being assaulted, despite holding valid documents such as Aadhaar cards and passports. Islam called for proper verification of documents and coordination between states and the Bengal government to protect residents in distress.
TECHNOLOGY
IBM CEO makes play for AI market
IBM is positioning itself to enhance sales in the competitive artificial intelligence (AI) sector by offering tools that assist customers in managing various AI agents for their business applications. Indian-born IBM chief executive Arvind Krishna said: "We help our clients integrate. We want to meet them where they are," highlighting the company's commitment to customer needs. IBM's tools, which allow clients to create their own agents in under five minutes, leverage the IBM Granite family of AI models and others from Meta Platforms and Mistral. With a reported $6bn generative AI business, IBM aims to cater to clients seeking diverse AI models for different tasks. Krishna also mentioned a significant investment of $150bn in the U.S. over the next five years, focusing on mainframe, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
LinkedIn to use AI in job hunts
LinkedIn has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that it says will help match users with their ideal roles. The firm says the tech will look beyond job titles and locations and "understands what you’re really looking for in your next role." Rather than using filters, the tool enables users to describe what they are looking for. Zara Easton of LinkedIn said: "AI is changing the way we work, and job search on LinkedIn will completely change the way people find their next opportunity."
SUSTAINABILITY
Japan announces new climate framework to assist Thailand
Japan has launched the AZEC-SAVE initiative to support Thailand in achieving its climate goals. The initiative aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2065. The programme, announced by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and other Japanese agencies, will provide expertise and financial backing for energy efficiency measures across various sectors. Otaka Masato, Japan's Ambassador to Thailand, said: "Actively working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is definitely a prudent strategy," as he highlighted the importance of collaboration. The initiative will focus on enhancing Thailand's energy landscape, particularly in power generation, transmission, and consumption, while promoting energy-saving technologies and practices. Key activities will include business matching events and educational campaigns to raise awareness about carbon neutrality.
INTERNATIONAL
Starbucks baristas reject latest contract offer
Starbucks and its baristas are in a prolonged labour dispute, with negotiations ongoing for over two years. The Starbucks Workers United union, representing workers at more than 550 stores, recently rejected Starbucks' proposal that included annual raises of at least 2%. Cassie Pritchard, a barista in Los Angeles, said: “The reality is the company is just not offering anything that would really provide economic justice to its workers.” The union criticised the proposal for lacking immediate pay raises and healthcare benefits. Starbucks claims it offers competitive pay, with average hourly wages exceeding $19. Despite some progress on non-economic issues, talks have stalled over wage disputes, leading to 90 unfair labour practice complaints filed against the company. Federal mediators have been involved, but union members remain dissatisfied with the negotiation process under new chief executive Brian Niccol, who has a $96m compensation package.
Stellantis to cut up to 500 jobs at Italy's Melfi plant, union says
Stellantis is to cut up to 500 jobs through voluntary exits at its Melfi assembly plant in southern Italy, the Fiom-Cgil union has said. The announcement follows news of a similar voluntary redundancy plan for a total of 350 jobs at two other local facilities, in Pomigliano and Pratola Serra. "It seems that a real plan to divest from Italy is taking shape. For these reasons, Fiom-Cgil has not signed the layoffs," said Samuele Lodi of Fiom-Cgil. The Melfi plant employs around 5,000 people.
Israeli teachers 'must stop taking sick days to protest salary cuts'
The Tel Aviv Labor Court has ordered teachers who have been protesting salary cuts by taking sick days to return to work. In its ruling, the court said individual or non-union groups of teachers cannot legally strike against a Finance Ministry decision to cut public sector salaries by 3.3% amid the war in Gaza, and must stop taking “non-authentic” sick days. The ruling did not comment on a ministry order to withhold pay from teachers who took sick days.
OTHER
Chinese retailer's website goes dark
Pangdonglai, a retail chain with 13 stores in Henan province, has shut down its official website amid a public dispute with online video blogger Chaiduidui. The controversy began when Chaiduidui accused the company of overpricing jade products, claiming they sold items worth a few hundred yuan for thousands. In response, Pangdonglai filed a lawsuit against Chaiduidui for defamation. During a recent inspection, the Xuchang market regulation bureau found that the retailer sold 4,177 jade items, generating sales of 29.59m yuan, with a gross profit margin below 20%. Yu Donglai, the founder, said: "I will voluntarily shut down or leave the enterprise forever [if smear campaigns continue]". The incident has sparked national attention on the rights of private businesses and the tensions between traditional retailers and social media influencers.
 


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