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APAC Edition
20th June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Air India crash spotlights pilot training
Last week's crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner during take-off from Ahmedabad has raised concerns regarding aviation safety in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested training records for the pilots and dispatcher involved in the incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least 271 lives. Sumeet Sabharwal, the commanding pilot with 8,200 flying hours, was among those who perished. The DGCA's investigation aims to ensure compliance with safety protocols, saying that it "will be assessed during audits/surveillance." In light of the crash, Air India's Chairman N. Chandrasekaran emphasised the need for the incident to serve as a catalyst for enhancing airline safety. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the investigation, while the DGCA has mandated flying schools to adhere to stricter safety measures.
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HIRING
Wealth managers in demand in Hong Kong as investors' risk appetite grows
DBS Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Singapore's largest bank, is set to hire 100 bankers over the next three years and launch a new wealth management centre next year. Ajay Mathur, head of consumer banking and wealth management at DBS Hong Kong, said: “The trade war and geopolitical tensions [may] have created volatility, [but] when there is volatility, it is a great time to trade currencies, bonds and equities.” Despite market fluctuations, the bank has observed a surge in investments from affluent clients, particularly those with at least HK$1m to invest. The Hang Seng Index has rebounded, gaining 24% this year after a significant drop earlier, indicating a robust recovery in the market.
TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft: AI could redefine the workday
Technology is changing the shape of the working day, according to Microsoft’s latest work trend index, with advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and connectivity meaning the traditional 9 to 5 may soon be a thing of the past. The study suggests that working hours are extending into early mornings, late nights, and weekends, creating the “infinite workday.” The analysis found that 40% of workers are checking emails before 6am, while almost a third remain online at 10pm. It was also shown that typical users of Microsoft 365 receive 117 emails and 153 chat messages each day, up 6% on a year ago.
STRATEGY
Amazon India to infuse over Rs 2,000 crore in pan-Indian operations
Amazon has announced plans to invest more than ₹2,000 crore (c.$233m) in India in 2025, focussing on upgrading infrastructure, supporting employee welfare, and deploying new technologies to enhance the company’s fulfilment capabilities across the nation. Amazon further said it continues to enhance on-road safety by using the latest technologies to alert delivery associates and partners about unsafe speeds and to encourage rest breaks.
Monopoly maker Hasbro lays off 3% of workforce
Hasbro, the toy seller and maker of Monopoly, has laid off 3% of its global workforce, or about 150 employees, in an attempt to cut costs amid higher U.S. tariffs on toys from China. "We are aligning our structure with our long-term goals," Hasbro spokesperson Abby Hodes said. The toymaker sources about half of its toys and games sold in the US from China, and has been accelerating efforts to diversify sourcing. According to the company's fiscal 2024 annual filing, it had roughly 4,985 employees globally.
ECONOMY
Vietnam urged to distance itself from Chinese technology
The United States is urging Vietnam to reduce its reliance on Chinese technology in manufacturing, particularly as it prepares for potential tariffs that could significantly impact Vietnam's exports to the US. Vietnam is open to adapting its supply chains but is cautious about making rapid changes, as local firms express concerns that abrupt shifts could harm their businesses. As negotiations continue, the US aims to enhance Vietnam's industrial capacity while simultaneously decoupling from Chinese tech dependencies, with a focus on ensuring that products labeled as "Made in Vietnam" do not contain misleading Chinese components.
LEGAL
India 'will soon become the hub of arbitration'
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal told the inaugural session of the conference on Institutional Arbitration: An Effective Framework for Dispute Resolution’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi last week that India needs a strong ecosystem of alternative dispute resolution that will reduce the burden on courts and also strengthen the environment of economic confidence in the country. “India will soon emerge as the new hub of international arbitration,” he predicted.
INTERNATIONAL
Amazon instructs employees to relocate to Seattle, other hubs
Bloomberg reports that Amazon has ordered some workers to relocate to such cities as Seattle, Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Sources told the agency that the online retailer is mostly rolling out the mandate in one-on-one meetings and town halls rather than sending out a mass email. One employee said their manager informed the team of the need to relocate and told them they had 30 days to make a decision, and 60 days thereafter to either resign or begin their relocation process. A company spokesperson said: “we hear from the majority of our teammates that they love the energy from being located together, and whenever someone chooses to or is asked to relocate, we work with them to offer support based on their individual circumstances.”
One million sick and burned out UK workers set to quit by 2026
Over 1m workers in the UK are expected to resign by 2026 due to burnout and health issues, according to a report by the Work Foundation. The analysis highlights that 6% of the workforce plans to leave their jobs by June 2026, with younger workers aged 16 to 24 being particularly affected. The report calls for a redesign of jobs, advocating for flexible working arrangements and improved health benefits to address the declining mental health of employees. Ben Harrison, director of the foundation, warned that without additional support, "we could see a new generation scarred by unemployment and economic inactivity." A government spokesman said: "We are determined to create a welfare system that supports people into work and out of poverty – backed by £1bn to help sick or disabled people find good, secure jobs."
Latin American AI model scheduled to launch later in year
A coalition of 12 Latin American countries is set to launch Latam-GPT in September, the first large artificial intelligence (AI) language model tailored to the region's cultural and linguistic diversity. Spearheaded by Chile's National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and supported by over 30 regional institutions, this open-source project aims to enhance AI accessibility and preserve Indigenous languages, with initial applications planned for education and public services. Chilean Science Minister Aisen Etcheverry described the initiative as a potential "democratising element for AI," emphasising its role in addressing the limitations of existing global AI models.
OTHER
Japan footballer still going strong at 58
Kazuyoshi Miura, at 58 years and 109 days, has set a new record as the oldest player in the Japan Football League, marking his 40th professional season with Atletico Suzuka. Coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute, Miura contributed to a 2-1 victory over YSCC Yokohama. Despite not scoring, he expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thanks to help from my teammates and trainers, I've been able to make it this far." Miura, who returned to Japan after a stint in Portugal, aims to elevate his performance further, saying: "I'm looking to step up a gear from here." He made his debut in 1986 and has played a significant role in popularising football in Japan.
 


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