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APAC Edition
28th May 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Australian law firm eliminates gender pay gap
Dentons is the first large law firm in Australia to achieve a 0% median gender gay gap. Dentons Australia Chair Amber Warren credits the firm's steadfast commitment to gender equity, and the effectiveness of its Gender 360 Strategy – Equity from Every Angle, to its progress. “In just three years, Dentons has moved from a 15% median gender pay gap in 2022, 7.1% in 2023, 4.1% in 2024 and now 0% in 2025. It's an extraordinary achievement,” said Warren. “We are committed to creating a workplace where every individual can thrive is valued for their contribution.”
WORKFORCE
Indian employees prioritise benefits over salary
According to a report by Genius Consultants, 74% of employees prefer a slightly lower salary in exchange for stronger long-term benefits, such as health insurance and retirement planning. The report, which surveyed 1,139 employees across India, revealed that only 32% felt their current benefits adequately supported their financial well-being, while over 61% deemed them insufficient. Additionally, 54% of respondents indicated that their companies do not prioritise mental and financial health in wellness programmes. The report highlights that 84% believe flexible work options can help manage finances better, showing a link between workplace flexibility and financial wellness. "Today's workforce is redefining the value of compensation," the report states, emphasising the importance of long-term security and incentives that align with individual life goals.
HIRING
Singapore's logistics sector attracts young talent
Singapore's logistics sector is evolving, becoming increasingly appealing to young professionals due to advancements in digitalisation and automation. Schenker Singapore reported a 150% rise in new employees aged 35 and below from April 2024 to March 2025 compared to two years prior. Similarly, DHL Singapore noted a rise in interest among younger employees, with 24% of new hires in 2024 being under 35. Companies are actively promoting their modern work environments and training programmes to attract talent, with initiatives like Skills Allowance Schemes and cash rewards for artificial intelligence (AI) projects. However, smaller logistics firms are struggling to attract young talent, as they lag in automation and AI deployment.
Indian workers to be welcomed by Greece
Greece is on the verge of signing an intergovernmental agreement to bring in workers from India to address significant labour shortages in various sectors, particularly agriculture and tourism. Angelos Tsavdaris, president of the Hellenic-Indian Chamber of Commerce and Economy, said: “Attracting Indian workers fills critical gaps in the Greek labour market.” The initial phase aims to send approximately 50,000 skilled and unskilled workers annually. The Chamber is collaborating with the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Certification to ensure a smooth transfer process, which includes accommodation and social security arrangements. The “Eutopia” programme has been developed to enhance transparency and protect workers' rights, aiming to create a sustainable framework for labour mobility between Greece and India. The agreement is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations with other countries.
TECHNOLOGY
AI is revolutionising coding culture
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the coding landscape, particularly at companies like Amazon. As AI tools such as Copilot enhance productivity by over 25%, workers are experiencing a shift in job quality. Many software engineers report that their work has become more routine and faster-paced, with increased output goals and less time for reflection. Andy Jassy, Amazon's CEO, noted that generative AI is crucial for maintaining competitiveness, stating that it yields significant returns in “productivity and cost avoidance.” However, this shift has raised concerns among employees about the future of their careers and the quality of their work. Eliza Pan, a former Amazon employee, highlighted that workers are anxious about “what their careers are going to look like” in this new AI-driven environment.
CORPORATE
AXA redomiciles to Hong Kong
AXA, one of Hong Kong's largest insurers, has announced its plan to redomicile from Bermuda to Hong Kong, following a new law that allows companies to maintain their legal identity while returning to the city. Sally Wan, chief executive of AXA Greater China, expressed excitement about the move, explaining: "This move is not merely administrative; it is a significant step forward in deepening our roots in Hong Kong." This initiative aligns with CEO John Lee Ka-chiu's goal to establish Hong Kong as a global insurance hub. The life insurance sector in Hong Kong has seen record sales, driven by local and mainland Chinese demand for policies. Other insurers are expected to follow AXA's lead, with a Manulife spokesperson noting the opportunities presented by the new redomiciliation regime.
STRATEGY
Booz Allen to slash headcount following government cuts
Booz Allen plans to cut roughly 2,500 jobs, or 7% of its workforce, after the management consulting company warned that it is feeling the effects of the Trump administration’s crackdown on federal contracting. “We are seeing agency reorganizations, reductions in government personnel and spending levels, as well as contract reviews,” explained chief executive Horacio Rozanski. "These are especially acute in civilian agencies." The company is forecasting fiscal 2026 revenue of $12bn-$12.5bn, as well as adjusted earnings per share of between $6.20 and $6.55. Analysts polled by FactSet expected $12.82bn in revenue and $6.88 per share in adjusted earnings.
LEGAL
‘Rich and naive’: why Singapore is engulfed in a ‘scamdemic’
The FT reports on how Singapore residents who spend a lot of time online and are naturally compliant with authority are especially vulnerable to fraud, losing S$1.1bn last year.
INTERNATIONAL
Italy's fashion brands sign accord to fight worker exploitation
Italian legal and political authorities, fashion industry bodies and trade unions signed an action plan on Monday to fight worker exploitation in the apparel and accessories supply chain. The plan, which is not legally binding, is an attempt to tackle what Milan prosecutors have described in documents as "a generalised manufacturing method" that puts lives at risk to boost profits. The memorandum of understanding focuses on the creation of a database of brands' suppliers and their workforces. Supply chain firms will voluntarily enter their data on the platform, including information on tax compliance, social security contributions and labour law compliance, with updates at least every six months.
UK firms are ‘rebranding’ diversity initiatives
Senior figures in British business have reported a chilling effect on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which are being "rebranded" to avoid political scrutiny. Paul Sesay, founder of the National Diversity Awards, noted that terms like "wellbeing" and "culture" are replacing DEI. He said: "They're basically embedding diversity and getting rid of the word." The backlash against DEI, particularly in the US, is influencing UK firms, with many scaling back commitments and discouraging open discussions about race. Noreen Biddle Shah, founder of Reboot, highlighted that "DEI has become a politically charged term," leading to a sense of fear among ethnic minority professionals. Despite the challenges, some organisations say they remain committed to diversity, with UK Finance asserting that greater diversity is "a driver for economic success."
 


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