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APAC Edition
23rd May 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Baidu's bold plan for AI experts
Baidu, led by co-founder and chief executive Robin Li, is set to enhance its efforts to train an additional 10m artificial intelligence (AI) experts over the next five years. The initiative, announced during Baidu Create 2025 in Wuhan, aims to benefit society and generate more employment opportunities. The company plans to offer 21,000 internships for outstanding campus candidates in the next three years, focusing on improving the intern-to-full-time conversion rate. Baidu's commitment saw 87% of over 3,000 summer internships centred around AI fields. Lu Jian, head of Baidu's corporate social responsibility department, highlighted the collaboration with local labour unions to launch a learning platform for skill development. The company also aims to cultivate 5m experts in large language models and 1m in autonomous driving, reinforcing its role in expanding employment and driving economic growth.
WORKFORCE
China's migrant workers face new challenges
China's migrant worker population is experiencing significant structural changes, with the average age rising to 43.2 years. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 31.6% of these workers are now over 50, a trend attributed to longer schooling in rural areas and an ageing workforce. Wu Shuai, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Personnel Science, noted that demand is shifting from labour-intensive industries to service-oriented sectors due to industrial upgrades and the rise of artificial intelligence. Currently, 54.6% of migrant workers are employed in services, reflecting the growing importance of this sector in China's economy. Wu emphasised the need for upskilling to meet the demands of emerging industries, particularly in advanced manufacturing and modern services. Average monthly incomes for migrant workers have risen to 4,961 yuan, with urban-dwelling workers enjoying improved living conditions. The report also highlights increased access to education for migrant workers' children, with preschool enrolment rates reaching 94.5%.
Job growth slows in South Korea
Korea's job market added 153,000 wage jobs in the final three months of 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Statistics Korea. However, job growth has slowed significantly, with the latest figures down from 246,000 jobs added in the previous quarter. The increase was primarily driven by growth in the health and social welfare sectors, while youth employment saw a decline, with 148,000 fewer jobs for those in their 20s, a drop of 4.7%. Notably, older workers benefited from the job market, with those aged 60 and above gaining 248,000 positions. The health and social welfare sector recorded the largest increase, adding 140,000 jobs, while the construction sector lost 51,000 jobs, reflecting ongoing industry challenges.
Labour shortage hits Seoul restaurants
Small restaurant owners in South Korea are grappling with persistent staffing shortages, despite raising wages and offering incentives. Government data shows the food and beverage sector had a labour shortfall of over 49,000 workers last year, with a 4.4% vacancy rate—well above the all-industry average. In response, 61.8% of businesses have increased hiring costs or broadened recruitment, and 32.7% improved working conditions. Yet demand for jobs remains tepid. Hansung University’s Kim Sang-bong attributes this to job seekers prioritising personal time and career development. Some owners are even deploying service robots. Meanwhile, the government’s E-9 visa policy expansion allows foreign workers to serve food, not just assist in kitchens, but uptake has been low—only 180 hires so far. Critics say requirements like full-time contracts and housing provisions are unworkable for most small businesses.
Accenture boosts morale with promotions
Accenture has announced promotions for nearly 50,000 employees globally in June, aiming to enhance staff morale after a 2.5-year hiatus on raises. The company is implementing pay increases ranging from 3% to 13% for staff at Associate Manager level and above. Ajay Vij, senior country managing director of Accenture in India, said that most employees will receive base pay increases before the end of financial 2025, either through promotions or adjustments. The organisation plans to promote over 43,000 employees in India during financial 2025, despite facing challenges such as decreased client spending and scrutiny of US government contracts. The promotions will impact approximately 6% of Accenture's total workforce of around 801,000 employees.
Telugu workers urged to return home
The Malaysian government has initiated the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, which is running from now to April 30, 2026, to assist undocumented workers, particularly from the Telugu community. Many Indian workers, especially from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are in Malaysia illegally, often lured by agents with promises of well-paying jobs. The programme allows illegal workers to return by paying a fine of RM 500, compared to RM 10,000 for those caught without using the programme, which could lead to imprisonment. Telugu associations are actively sharing information to ensure workers are aware of their options.
PRODUCTIVITY
Ghostworking: the new office trend
A growing trend among India's 9-to-5 employees is "ghostworking", where individuals fake productivity due to burnout and a lack of meaningful work. A survey by Resume Now revealed that 58% of employees admitted to this behaviour, with many using work hours to search for new jobs. The survey highlighted that factors such as micromanagement and unclear expectations contribute to this phenomenon. Many ghostworkers engage in superficial activities like typing gibberish or pretending to be on calls to appear busy. The survey also indicated a significant dissatisfaction with current jobs, as many workers are actively seeking new employment during office hours. Researchers recommend that employers balance accountability with autonomy to foster genuine productivity.
HIRING
Revolutionising recruitment with AI
Bossjob, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven recruitment platform, showcased its recruitment suite at the TEAMZ WEB3/AI Summit 2025 in Tokyo. The platform's new features include an AI resume analysis engine and a Copilot tool for enhanced candidate interactions, aimed at improving hiring efficiency. With Japan's Web3 market growing by 35% in 2023, the country faces a talent shortage of over 20,000 skilled professionals. Bossjob's dedicated Web3 job portal addresses this gap by providing tailored job recommendations and direct communication between employers and candidates. The platform aims to bridge the talent gap and support Japan's Web3 ecosystem.
Fraudulent job schemes exposed in Rajasthan
The Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) has filed FIRs against 31 employees of the education department for allegedly obtaining government jobs through fraudulent means, including the use of dummy candidates and forged documents. The accused, comprising six lab assistants, 11 physical training instructors, seven junior assistants, six teachers, and one librarian, were identified following an internal verification drive initiated by the education department. ADG (SOG) VK Singh stated: "Many submitted fake certificates, while others used impersonators during recruitment exams." The investigation was spurred by a 2024 directive from the Rajasthan government aimed at addressing irregularities in recruitment processes across various departments.
Haryana's prison recruitment drive unveiled
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a significant recruitment initiative in the prison department, aiming to fill approximately 1,300 jail warder positions. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance the state's judicial and correctional system. The Chief Minister inaugurated the Jail Training Academy in Karnal, which will focus on training prison personnel in reform and rehabilitation. Additionally, new jails will be constructed in Panchkula, Dadri, and Fatehabad, with an investment of around Rs 300 crore. The academy will provide modern training, ensuring staff are equipped with the necessary skills for effective inmate reform.
WORKPLACE
Strengthening women's safety at work
The Uttar Pradesh government is enhancing the SHe-Box portal to combat workplace harassment against women. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, all government and private institutions in the state are required to establish internal committees to address complaints. Anu Singh, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department, explained that "SHe-Box is a single-window online platform where any woman—in govt or private job—can file sexual harassment complaints." The initiative mandates that organisations with 10 or more employees form committees with at least 50% women members, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. Complaints must be resolved within 90 days, and non-compliance will lead to legal action. This initiative builds on previous efforts like Mission Shakti aimed at empowering women.
LEGAL
IndusInd Bank faces fraud allegations
IndusInd Bank Ltd is currently embroiled in a significant scandal involving potential fraud by certain employees in its accounting and financial reporting functions. The board has announced plans to take “necessary steps,” including reporting to regulatory authorities and fixing accountability for the lapses. An internal audit revealed that ₹ 172.58 crore was incorrectly recorded as fee income in the microfinance sector over three quarters, with discrepancies in the derivatives portfolio leading to a cumulative adverse accounting impact of ₹ 1,959.98 crore as of 31 March. Following these revelations, the bank has seen a management shake-up, with deputy chief executive Arun Khurana and chief executive Sumant Kathpalia resigning amid the turmoil.
INVESTMENT
China deepens ties with Africa
The third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, taking place in Changsha from June 12 to 15, aims to enhance cooperation between China and Africa. Over 12,000 participants, including representatives from 44 African nations and more than 2,800 companies, are expected to attend. The expo will showcase Africa's resources and technologies, bolstering its development capacity and integration into the global industrial chain.
INTERNATIONAL
UK job vacancies rise despite tax fears
Job vacancies in the UK increased by 729,000, or 0.4%, from March to April, reaching a total of 1.47m, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). This rise occurred despite concerns that increased payroll taxes and the national living wage would negatively impact employment. Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, noted that the job market is showing signs of "resilience" and reflects "underlying demand" from workers. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment has improved, with households feeling more optimistic about their finances, as indicated by the British Retail Consortium's index. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the organisation, highlighted the importance of trade deals with major economies and suggested reintroducing VAT-free shopping for tourists to stimulate economic growth. The sectors with the highest job posting growth included business sales executives and environmental professionals, while demand for delivery drivers and teachers saw declines.
 


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