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APAC Edition
16th May 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Ransomware attacks surge in Southeast Asia
Organisations in Southeast Asia are grappling with a significant increase in ransomware attacks, averaging 400 attempts daily in 2024, according to Kaspersky. Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, said: "With ransomware groups leveraging increasingly sophisticated methods, companies in the region are all feeling the pressure." Last year, businesses in the region thwarted 135,274 ransomware attacks, with Indonesia being the most affected, recording 57,554 incidents. A report from the National Cybersecurity Association revealed that 14.6% of 5,000 surveyed organisations in Vietnam had faced such attacks. Notable incidents include attacks on Petrovietnam Oil Corp and CMC Corporation, which was targeted by the Crypto24 group. Vu Ngoc Son, head of the Technology Department at the National Cybersecurity Association, emphasised the need for heightened cybersecurity awareness and modern defence systems to combat these threats.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
America's appeal among international students is being tested
The appeal of the US among international students is being tested by the Trump administration, which has increased scrutiny on student visas and deported students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Ma Tianyu, a computer science student from China, expressed concerns about the impact of US politics on his plans to study in America, saying: “I need to consider how American politics could affect me.” Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC,  a professional association for international enrollment managers at colleges, said that the administration's actions send a message that “international students are not welcome in the US.” Despite these challenges, the US remains attractive due to its diverse job market and programmes like optional practical training, which allows students to work post-graduation. However, uncertainty surrounding visa statuses will continue to concern prospective students.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
India's novel emission trading scheme to control air pollution
Air pollution poses a significant health threat in India, where 1.4bn people are exposed to harmful particulate matter. The pollution reduces life expectancy by an average of 3.5 years. In response, economists from the University of Chicago, Yale University, and the University of Warwick in the UK collaborated with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board to implement a pioneering emission trading scheme (ETS) in Surat. The pilot, which began in 2019, demonstrated a 20% to 30% reduction in emissions from participating coal-burning plants. Michael Greenstone, a professor at the University of Chicago, said the pilot "delivered a rare win-win-win by reducing pollution, decreasing abatement costs, and raising government enforcement success." However, experts like Swagata Dey caution that such schemes should not allow industries to simply pay fines for pollution. The Surat ETS offers a potential model for better pollution management, though challenges remain in scaling it effectively.
REGULATION
China's regulators summon food delivery giants over competition concerns
A group of five Chinese government agencies, led by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), has summoned food delivery giants JD.com, Meituan and Alibaba’s Ele.me to address intensifying competition in the sector and urge legal compliance and fair practices. The other agencies involved in the meeting oversee social work, the internet, human resources and commerce. Authorities called on the platform operators to adhere to China’s e-commerce, competition and food safety laws, while strengthening internal operations to “effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, [restaurant] operators and delivery riders,” the SAMR said. Last month, JD and Meituan accused each other of unfair practices, wiping $13bn of their combined market capitalisation. 
STRATEGY
Job cuts warning at Australian Securities Exchange
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has initiated a consultation process regarding potential job cuts as part of its cost-reduction strategy amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. Reports indicate that the exchange is looking to eliminate around 100 positions, which would represent approximately 8% of its workforce, following a significant increase in staff since 2020. ASX has faced challenges this year, including a major tech outage and legal actions from regulators, prompting the need for a restructuring and expense management review.
Low-cost India seen as potential regional hub in data centre boom
Growing domestic internet consumption and increasing artificial intelligence adoption are driving unprecedented growth in India's power-hungry data centre sector - but this could out a strain on already struggling state-owned grids.
TECHNOLOGY
Huawei releases first laptop using its proprietary HarmonyOS
Huawei Technologies has unveiled its first laptop running its self-developed operating system, HarmonyOS, following the expiration of its Microsoft Windows licence in March. The laptop, which is not yet named, features Huawei's AI assistant, Celia, capable of performing tasks like creating slides and retrieving information from local documents.
INTERNATIONAL
Assault on DEI threatens US nonprofits trying to fill labour gaps
AP News reports on how the Trump administration’s battle against diversity and inclusion programmes threatens to cripple community-based organisations that are trying to fill critical labour gaps in sectors such as construction. Construction firms are supporting outreach programmes to women out of sheer need: the sector has to recruit more than 400,000 new workers this year to meet projected demand, according to trade group Associated Builders and Contractors. But federal funding to dozens of community groups that implement programmes on the ground, including apprenticeship readiness programs designed for women, anti-harassment training, and child care and transportation support for workers who need them, has been swiftly cut.
One in three UK employers believe AI will boost productivity
According to an Acas survey of over 1,000 UK employers, one in three believe that artificial intelligence will enhance productivity. The survey revealed that approximately one in eight employers anticipate AI will provide a competitive advantage, potentially leading to reduced staffing needs. However, 10% of the respondents expressed scepticism, saying they saw no benefits from AI. Acas chief executive Niall Mackenzie noted: "Our survey shows optimism amongst some employers about the potential for AI to boost their productivity, decrease costs and increase knowledge." He reiterated the significance of businesses engaging in early discussions about AI with staff and trade unions to ensure informed adoption and clear policies that reassure employees of its value.
White South Africans offered refugee status
Forty-nine white South Africans departed for the United States on a private charter plane Sunday after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration. The group is the first to be relocated under a programme initiated by President Donald Trump, who has accused South Africa's Black-led government of racial discrimination against Afrikaners. The South African government denies such claims, saying they are “completely false” and asserting that Afrikaners are among the most economically privileged people in the country. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that the situation faced by Afrikaners “fits the textbook definition of why the refugee programme was created.” 
Dubai Airports CEO urges staff not to be afraid of failure
Dubai Airports' CEO Paul Griffiths has encouraged employees to embrace innovation without fear of failure, saying that no one will get fired for wanting to try something that doesn't quite work out. During a recent discussion at the Dubai Airports' Learning Week, Griffiths said: “The thing is don't be afraid to be a bit crazy. If you look at all the great innovators, like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, the common thread is that these people are different. They dare to be different. They don't care if other people say, 'You're just mad. You're not going to be able to do that.' They do not accept ‘no' for an answer. They are not afraid of failure . . . We need that on a micro level across the entire organisation.”
OTHER
Thailand's souvenir sellers hit by plunge in visitors from China
Thailand's retail and souvenir industries are feeling the widespread impact of a sharp decline in Chinese tourists, traditionally a major driver of spending. Recent safety concerns, including the “Xing Xing’s kidnapping” incident and a subsequent earthquake, have significantly shaken confidence, leading to a steep drop in Chinese visitor numbers. Companies like Central Pattana, Big C, and One Bangkok are diversifying into new markets such as the Middle East and Europe while ramping up sales events to maintain momentum.
 


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