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APAC Edition
23rd May 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Thai Labour Department pushes for menstrual leave
Thailand's Labour Department is advocating for paid menstrual leave and free sanitary pads for female workers, as highlighted by women's rights advocates. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) called for employers to grant up to three days of paid leave per month for menstruation, separate from sick leave. The initiative follows recommendations from a network of migrant workers, urging the government to address the challenges faced by female employees. DLPW deputy director-general Phongthep Phetsom noted that while the recommendation is not legally binding, the agency is exploring its implementation. Patsarin Ramwong, a member of the People's Party, praised the initiative as a positive development, indicating that grassroots voices are shaping national policy.
WORKFORCE
Australian tunnel workers threaten strike again
Workers on the Snowy 2.0 project are poised to strike again next week, as the Australian Workers Union (AWU) threatens legal action over alleged mistreatment by contractors. Over 1,000 workers walked off the job, seeking pay comparable to that of WeBuild's workers on the North East Link Tunnels in Melbourne. Darren Cameron, AWU organiser, said: "To add insult to injury, the project put out a directive that nobody could leave the project or enter the project." He highlighted that workers were physically locked down in camps, which the union claims is illegal. The pay dispute will be presented to the Fair Work Commission, with hopes for a resolution before further industrial action. Mark Cross from the CFMEU noted that safety and pay disputes are affecting workers' mental health, exacerbated by isolation in remote camps.
Singapore's job seekers flock to new scheme
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme, launched on April 15, has seen over 1,000 applicants approved, according to Workforce Singapore (WSG). The resident unemployment rate rose slightly to 2.9% in the first quarter. Successful applicants can receive payouts of up to $1,500 in the first month, decreasing to $750 in the final three months, capped at their previous average gross monthly income. To remain eligible, applicants must earn points through various activities, such as attending career coaching sessions or networking events. WSG emphasised the need for proper documentation to prove involuntary unemployment, adding: “This could be in the form of formal termination letters or email exchanges.” Ms Dyana Nusantry Jumadi, a successful applicant, secured a job after participating in the scheme and attending coaching sessions.
Outsourcing pressure: Indian IT workers speak out
An Indian IT professional's Reddit post highlights the intense pressure faced by software developers from international clients. The post, titled "Hey folks, if you're outsourcing work to India...", urges clients to reconsider their approach, stating: “If you're outsourcing work to India and feel like breathing down our necks every minute — take a breath. Please.” The author points out the economic strain, noting that the average new IT graduate earns ₹7 LPA (~$8,000/year) while being expected to deliver Google-level performance. The post calls for “mutual respect and realistic expectations,” emphasising that developers care about their work but often feel dehumanised. Community reactions reveal a shared struggle, with many agreeing that empathy is lacking in the current outsourcing model.
PRODUCTIVITY
Meta raises performance review stakes
Meta is instructing managers to rate a higher percentage of employees as "below expectations" in the upcoming midyear performance reviews, increasing the target from 12%-15% to 15%-20%. This change follows chief executive Mark Zuckerberg's directive to "raise the bar on performance management", and aims to facilitate performance-based cuts after nearly 4,000 workers were laid off earlier this year. The internal memo indicates that the review process, starting on June 16, is an "opportunity to make exit decisions," although it clarifies that there will be no company-wide terminations like those seen previously. The new criteria for performance cuts include ratings of "below expectations," formal discipline, or employee relations cases.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
CEOs face job loss over AI
According to the 2025 Dataiku/Harris Poll, 74% of chief executives fear losing their jobs within two years if they fail to demonstrate measurable artificial intelligence (AI) business gains. The pressure is mounting, with 63% of CEOs reporting that their boards demand tangible AI results, and 96% of executives agreeing these expectations are justified. Many CEOs admit that over a third of their AI initiatives are merely "AI washing," lacking real substance. Additionally, 87% acknowledge falling into the "AI commodity trap," mistakenly believing that off-the-shelf solutions will suffice. Governance gaps are also a concern, with 94% of CEOs suspecting employees use unauthorised AI tools. As AI reshapes executive responsibilities, 94% of CEOs believe AI could provide strategic counsel equal to human board members, prompting a shift in leadership structures. 
AI transforms the future of work
As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves, the concept of "digital labour" is rapidly expanding, with Salesforce chief executive Marc Benioff suggesting that the total addressable market could reach trillions of dollars. Research from Harvard Business School indicates that AI agents are becoming integral teammates rather than mere assistants. To harness this potential, HR and procurement leaders must develop strategies for integrating AI into hybrid teams. Deloitte reports that AI is being applied across all enterprise processes, enhancing efficiency and collaboration. However, organisations that delay in adopting AI risk losing top talent and facing compliance challenges. A framework for integrating AI into workforce strategies includes mapping tasks, assessing AI capabilities, and establishing clear roles. As AI continues to evolve, companies must remain human-centric, focusing on high-value tasks that require human insight and creativity. The future of work will depend on how organisations navigate these changes and the ethical implications of AI integration.
LEGAL
Lee's push for labour support intensifies
Korea's Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is striving to resolve a 47bn won damage lawsuit filed by Hanwha Ocean against subcontracted workers, aiming for a resolution before the June 3 election. The lawsuit stems from a 51-day strike in 2022, and while Hanwha Ocean's profits have surged, pressure from labour groups and political circles has increased. The social dialogue platform is currently reviewing a cooperation pact to improve working conditions for subcontractors. However, concerns over shareholder interests and legal repercussions have stalled progress. Lee's broader pro-labour agenda includes advocating for the Yellow Envelope Law, which would allow subcontracted workers to negotiate directly with primary contractors. 
Job scams cost Australians dearly
Job scams have emerged as the fastest growing scam type in Australia, costing victims a staggering $13.7m in 2024, with an average loss of $14,470. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) highlights that these scams often target individuals seeking flexible work opportunities, particularly affecting low-income earners and culturally diverse communities. Catriona Lowe, ACCC deputy chair, said: “The impact of job scams can be devastating and is likely significantly underreported by victims.” The National Anti-Scam Centre's Job Scam Fusion Cell has been established to combat this issue, leading to significant actions against scammers, including the removal of thousands of fraudulent accounts and job advertisements.
REMUNERATION
Nomura boosts executive pay to record
Nomura Holdings has raised compensation for its top executives to the highest level in over a decade, following a record annual profit of ¥340.7 bn. The total pay for the seven executive officers reached ¥4.6 bn, marking a 3% increase from the previous year, with an average pay rise of 18%. Chief executive Kentaro Okuda and Christopher Willcox, who oversees investment banking, are among those benefiting from this increase, despite some executives having taken voluntary pay cuts due to scandals. Cash bonuses surged by 88% to ¥2.3bn, while base salaries slightly increased to ¥607m. The upcoming shareholders meeting on June 24 will address proposals, including a suggestion to rename the firm as Nomura Securities Group to reflect its corporate philosophy amidst recent scandals. Nomura is also expanding, having recently acquired Macquarie Group's US and European public asset management business.
LEADERSHIP
New era demands global leadership talent
Amidst significant global challenges, the international community is calling for a new generation of global leadership talent. Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations resident coordinator in China, stated: "Leadership does not emerge in isolation; it is forged through partnerships." The recent symposium at Renmin University of China focused on "Global Governance and Leadership Talent Development for 2050," highlighting the need for collaboration among various sectors. Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond emphasised the importance of cultivating competencies that artificial intelligence cannot easily replace, such as ethics and creativity. The newly released report identifies a critical shortage of strategic talent in conflict prevention and global security governance, as well as a gap in transitional talent for navigating the digital era. It also points to China's potential role in developing global leadership talent in the future.
Leaders lack emotional intelligence, say employees
According to the Leadership and Coaching Report by NTUC LearningHub, a significant disconnect exists between business leaders and employees regarding emotional intelligence. While 83% of leaders believe they demonstrate the skill well, only 50% of employees agree, with 31% identifying emotional intelligence as the top skill lacking in their leaders. The report reveals that while 60% of leaders acknowledge gaps in their abilities, less than half have engaged in leadership training recently. The findings underscore the necessity for leaders to adopt a more human-centric approach to foster engagement and drive organisational success.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
SkillsFuture: a decade of progress
At the SkillsFuture's 10th anniversary event, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the need for improvement in the SkillsFuture movement to better serve Singaporeans. He noted that while “we have come a long way in this past decade,” there is still much to be done to maximise its impact. Wong highlighted three key areas for enhancement: improving access to industry-relevant courses, ensuring courses meet industry needs, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. He acknowledged the challenges faced by mid-career workers and announced a credit top-up of $4,000 and monthly allowances of up to $3,000 for those pursuing courses. Wong also mentioned the redesign of the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit to an online wallet system, aimed at encouraging employers to invest in training.
SUSTAINABILITY
CP Group shines in sustainability rankings
At the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 Distinction Ceremony held in Bangkok, CP Group was recognised for its outstanding sustainability performance, ranking in the top 5% of global industrial conglomerates with a score of 83 points. Chief executive Suphachai Chearavanont highlighted the company's commitment to responsible business practices and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, which include achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and supporting 50m people in quality education. This year, over 7,690 companies were assessed, with only 780 making it into the Sustainability Yearbook, showcasing CP Group's alignment of business growth with social and environmental responsibility.
Fuding White Tea Culture gains global recognition
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has recognised three traditional Chinese farming systems as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), including the Fuding White Tea Culture System in Fujian province. These systems are valued for their historical, cultural, and ecological significance, providing insights for sustainable farming. The system not only sustains biodiversity but also supports local livelihoods, enriching global tea genetic resources. Elsewhere, India's permanent mission to the United Nations hosted a special event on Wednesday to mark International Tea Day , focusing on how tea contributes to economic empowerment, employment, and sustainable development goals. 
 


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