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APAC Edition
24th June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
South Korea's domestic worker programme in limbo
South Korea's pilot programme for overseas domestic workers is facing significant challenges, with no clear direction after months of delays and labour disputes. The Ministry of Employment and Labour had aimed to establish a long-term version by mid-2025, but Vice-Labour Minister Kim Min-seok has said that expanding beyond the pilot “won't be easy.” Launched in September 2024, the initiative sought to alleviate pressure on working parents by hiring 100 trained domestic workers from the Philippines. However, it has encountered criticism regarding high service fees, which limit access to wealthier households, and issues such as delayed wages and unclear job descriptions. Labour groups have called for a comprehensive review, citing “serious issues with delayed wages, unclear job descriptions, and a lack of proper oversight.” Despite these challenges, current domestic workers are expected to remain in Korea as their employment permits have been extended through early 2026.
CYBERSECURITY
Cyberattacks top list of global business concerns
The threat of cyberattacks represents the most serious challenge for businesses in the coming year, according to a report published by advisory firm Kroll. Seventy-four per cent of organizations report increased cybersecurity and data privacy concerns, with the most common threats including malware (44%) and AI-powered exploits (28%). “When it comes to addressing the patchwork of global data privacy laws and the impact on their businesses, just 12% of respondents globally ranked their organizations as ‘extremely prepared,’” Kroll said in its report. The average business gave itself a 7.4 score out of 10. Globally, one in three respondents ranked geopolitical tensions among their top business challenges for the year ahead, with companies in the United States, UK and Europe most likely to see it as a major concern. Tariffs, technology controls and cybercrime, supply chain disruption, regulatory shifts, and sanctions were cited as the highest areas of geopolitical concern. U.S. companies indexed higher than global peers on concerns regarding inflation and domestic political tensions, while evolving data privacy regulations worry European companies more than other regions.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
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 govt is unwilling to recognise workers as human beings who require personal time."
Six long weekends for Singaporeans
In 2026, Singaporeans will enjoy six long weekends, as announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on June 16. The year will feature 11 public holidays, beginning with New Year's Day on a Thursday. Notably, Good Friday, Labour Day, and Christmas Day will fall on Fridays, while Vesak Day, National Day, and Deepavali will be observed on the following Mondays due to their occurrence on Sundays. MOM confirmed that under the Employment Act, employees are entitled to pay during these public holidays. Additionally, those required to work on a public holiday will receive an extra day's salary at their basic pay rate. Employers may also offer time-off-in-lieu for such work, applicable to certain salary brackets.
LEGAL
New law seeks to empower Muslim women in Philippines
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has enacted a law recognizing the hijab as part of the nation's traditional attire, establishing February 1 as the National Day of Awareness on the Hijab and Other Traditional Garments. The initiative aims to foster diversity and tolerance regarding various cultural beliefs. Dr. Potre Dunampatan-Diampuan, a Muslim scholar, said: “It's really promoting inclusiveness in society, and it is honouring the Muslim women.” The National Day will align with World Hijab Day, promoting understanding of Muslim practices. Princess Habibah Sarip-Paudac, the first news anchor in the Philippines to wear a hijab, celebrated the law's passage, saying: “It . . . means that the government is acknowledging the concerns of its people and it is after inclusivity.”
Japan's FTC warns publishers for violating freelance law
Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has issued its first warning under the freelance law, which came into effect in November 2024, to two major publishers. The regulator alleged that they failed to specify transaction conditions to writers and photographers. Shogakukan and Kobunsha, both based in Tokyo, were reprimanded for failing to pay freelance magazine writers and photographers on time and failing to specify the terms and conditions of transactions, and urged to take preventive measures under the law.
REGULATION
India's online pharmacies could face stricter check-ups
India's government is currently working on tightening regulation and scrutiny on online pharmacy platforms delivering medicines within 10-60 minutes amid increasing complaints over unverified prescriptions. At present, there are no specific regulations that exclusively govern e-pharmacies. The latest move by the government on e-pharmacies is over and above the Drugs Technical Advisory Board planning to set up a sub-committee to examine withdrawal of doorstep delivery of drugs.
INTERNATIONAL
Companies evacuate employees amid intensifying conflict
A growing number of organisations are rushing to evacuate local staff as the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies, according to security risk services company International SOS. “Since June 13 when the conflict began, we have evacuated over 200 people from different locations,” said Gulnaz Ukassova, the regional Security Director for Information & Analysis at International SOS, which is actively supporting organisations across the region with real-time intelligence, risk assessments, and response planning. “There are people who are already moving, not just from those two countries, but also from neighbouring countries - and others that are in the process of planning. We help them with not just evacuating from the country, but also securing transport and support with all of the logistical arrangements afterwards.”
UK tribunal rules on national security jobs
A UK tribunal has determined that refusing employment to individuals from nations deemed security threats, such as China and Russia, does not constitute discrimination. The case arose when Tianlin Xu, a Chinese scientist, sued Binary AI Ltd after being denied a £220,000 lead AI position due to security concerns. Employment Judge Richard Baty said: "It is paramount that the security and operational capability of the software that drives our everyday lives should remain intact." The tribunal concluded that the rejection was based on national security requirements rather than racial discrimination, and emphasised the necessity of stringent security measures in sensitive roles.
California's ‘No Robo Bosses Act' targets AI in the workplace
In California, a new bill, the “No Robo Bosses Act” (Senate Bill 7), aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in hiring and employee management. Introduced by state Sen. Jerry McNerney, the bill seeks to ensure human oversight in automated decision-making processes. “When it comes to people's lives and their careers, you don't want these automated decision-making systems to operate without any oversight,” McNerney said. If passed, it would prevent employers from relying primarily on AI for promotions, discipline, or terminations. The bill has faced opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce, which argues that its requirements are impractical. The legislation is part of a broader discussion on the need for accountability in AI technologies, especially as they become more prevalent in the workplace.
OTHER
Eyeshadow safety under scrutiny
Recent tests by Hong Kong's Consumer Council revealed that over 80% of 25 cream and liquid eyeshadows contained heavy metals, including lead, although at levels deemed safe. Nine products failed to list expiry dates or periods after opening, raising concerns about consumer safety. Jack Poon Sik-ching, chair of the committee on digital economy and information technology, said: “The industry is urged to clearly list all ingredients and expiry dates on the product package”. The tests examined various models for metals that could cause skin irritation, with cobalt found in 80% of samples and chromium levels peaking at 5.4mm/kg in one product.
 


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