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APAC Edition
23rd June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
India's derivatives market attracts global giants
India's derivatives market is experiencing a significant surge, accounting for nearly 60% of global equity derivative trading volumes, totalling 7.3bn, in April. As such, major global trading firms, including Citadel Securities and IMC Trading, are expanding their presence in India, precipitating a hiring spree. "We have seen competition increasing both on the trading front, where you see more players going for the same opportunities, and on the job market as well," said Jocelyn Dentand of global high-speed trader IMC. The influx of foreign investment has prompted local exchanges to enhance their technology infrastructure, and growth is expected to continue.
WORKPLACE
Korean language textbook for migrants focuses on workplace phrases
A new textbook titled "Jang Young Sil Basic Korean" aims to assist migrant workers and international students in navigating Korea's manufacturing workplaces. Released by the Institute for Special Purpose Korean at Seojeong University, the book focuses on practical phrases and vocabulary relevant to the factory environment, such as “Do we have work gloves in this workshop?” and “When is payday?” Son Hye-jin, head of the university's Korean language institute, highlighted that existing textbooks often lack real-life context, leading to disengagement among learners. The initiative addresses the communication challenges faced by many migrant workers, with the goal of helping them integrate into Korean society. “Effective communication impacts not only productivity but also workplace safety,” Son said. The university is also developing additional resources for other sectors, aiming to support learners in becoming valued members of society.
LEGAL
Karnataka's 10-hour workday proposal sparks concern
The Karnataka labour department's draft amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, proposing a 10-hour workday, has raised concerns among trade unions and employees. The amendment increases the daily work limit from nine to 10 hours, with a maximum of 12 hours including overtime, while maintaining a weekly cap of 48 hours. Trade unions, particularly the Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU), warn of potential job losses of between 450,000 and 680,000 in sectors including retail and hospitality, predicting a rise in youth unemployment from 23.7% to 38.2%. Suhas Adiga, general secretary of the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), said: "This amendment shows that the governmentt is unwilling to recognise workers as human beings who require personal time." Labour minister Santosh Lad mentioned that the state government is still evaluating the proposal and will consult stakeholders before making a final decision.
HIRING
China's robotics hiring boom
China's humanoid robotics sector is experiencing a hiring boom, with companies offering salaries that are over three times the urban average to attract skilled engineers and artificial intelligence talent. According to a recent report by Zhaopin, the average monthly salary for humanoid robot algorithm engineers is now 31,512 yuan, rising to 38,489 yuan for those with over five years of experience. This surge in pay highlights a talent crunch in the industry, as the job market faces challenges from slowing economic growth and rising youth unemployment, which stood at 15.8% as of April.
WORKFORCE
Malaysia seeks to draw back talent to power Johor-Singapore economic zone
Malaysia aims to attract back its citizens working in Singapore by promoting the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Idzham Mohd Hashim, chief executive of Iskandar Investment Bhd, emphasised the importance of a “symbiotic relationship” between the two nations. The SEZ, covering over 3,500 sq km, offers lower living costs and industry-relevant training to entice locals. “We do have talents, because 300,000 of them go to Singapore every day,” Idzham observed. Plans include tax incentives and a minimum starting salary of RM4,000 for graduates. Despite challenges in luring back high-earning Johoreans, the region's cost advantages and strategic location make it an attractive base for businesses.
Filipinos flee conflict in Israel
The Philippines is set to repatriate at least 178 Filipinos from Israel amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Secretary Hans Cacdac said that the DMW is also aiding 14 workers in Iran, three in Jordan, and one in Iraq, along with 58 stranded at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. The Department of Foreign Affairs reports approximately 1,180 Filipinos in Iran and 30,742 in Israel.
TECHNOLOGY
Study warns AI chatbots hinder learning
Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggests that reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may hinder the development of critical thinking, memory, and language skills. The study monitored 54 participants who wrote essays using different methods, finding that those who used ChatGPT exhibited lower brain activity and performed worse in tests compared to those who relied solely on their cognitive abilities. "Reliance on AI systems can lead to a passive approach and diminished activation of critical thinking skills," the study observed, also noting that 83% of chatbot users failed to recall correct quotes from their essays, indicating a lack of engagement with the material.
STRATEGY
Microsoft plans major layoffs amid AI push
Microsoft is preparing to cut thousands of jobs, especially in sales, as it refocuses on artificial intelligence (AI), Bloomberg reports. The cuts come after a May round that affected 6,000 workers. While final decisions may shift, layoffs are expected after the company’s fiscal year ends next month. Microsoft, with 228,000 employees as of last June, is investing $80bn in capital expenditures this year- primarily for expanding data centres to support AI. The move aligns with broader industry trends. Microsoft declined to comment on the planned cuts.
Amazon announces Australian data centre investment
Amazon has announced an investment of A$20bn (approximately $13bn) in Australia's data centre infrastructure from 2025 to 2029, aimed at enhancing the country's artificial intelligence capabilities. The commitment, described by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a "huge vote of confidence in the Australian economy," will also include the development of three new solar farms to support sustainable energy initiatives.
INTERNATIONAL
Judge says Trump cuts to NIH grants focused on minority groups are illegal
A federal judge has ruled that some of the Trump administration’s cuts to National Institutes of Health grants focused on minority groups are “void and illegal.” Judge William G. Young of the Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts accused the government of racial discrimination and prejudice, and condemned its motives in targeting hundreds of grants that focused on health minority groups including Black communities and LGBTQ individuals. He ordered the government to restore much of that funding for now, pending an appeal. “This represents racial discrimination and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community,” Young said. “That’s what this is.” He said that over the course of a 40-year career, he had “never seen government racial discrimination like this . . . [and] I would be blind not to call it out.”
New heat rules protect outdoor workers in France
Starting July 1st, new regulations in France aim to safeguard outdoor workers during extreme heat. The decree mandates that employers enhance protective measures against heat-related risks such as heat stroke and dehydration. Employers must adapt work processes, modify workplace layouts, and ensure access to fresh drinking water. The decree is particularly crucial as heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, with vulnerable workers, especially in construction and agriculture, facing heightened risks.
Napping at work not a sackable offence
UK Employment Judge Richard Conley has ruled that falling asleep at work does not automatically justify dismissal. The case involved Chukwuma Okoro, a CCTV controller who was unfairly dismissed after dozing off for 15 minutes during his sixth consecutive night shift. Judge Conley said: "The seriousness of falling asleep on the job is something that very much depends upon its context." He concluded that Okoro's actions were involuntary and did not warrant termination, especially given his 16 years of unblemished service. The tribunal awarded Okoro £20,521 ($27,700) in compensation, while he was ordered to pay £4,030 in legal costs to his former employer, Bidvest Noonan.
OTHER
Congolese customs worker is beatified by the Vatican
The Vatican has beatified Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese customs worker killed in 2007 for resisting corruption. Kositi's refusal to allow spoiled rice to be distributed among the poor has made him a symbol of integrity in a country plagued by corruption. “On that day, those mafiosi found themselves in front of a young man who, in the name of the Gospel, said ‘No,'” said his friend Aline Manani. The beatification has brought hope to many in Congo, where corruption is rampant.
 


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