Human Times

APAC Edition

4th July 2025

THE HOT STORY

Microsoft cuts 9,000 jobs globally as it invests in AI

Microsoft has announced a second wave of layoffs, impacting approximately 9,000 employees, or 4% of its workforce, as part of a cost-cutting strategy while investing in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The cuts will affect various teams globally, including sales and the Xbox division. The company aims to streamline processes and reduce management levels to enhance efficiency. Despite pledging $80bn in capital spending for fiscal year 2025, rising AI infrastructure costs are affecting profit margins. Other tech giants including Meta and Google have also announced job cuts to improve efficiency. Meanwhile, Microsoft has asked managers to evaluate employees based on how much they use AI, Business Insider reports. In an email to managers, Julia Liuson, president of the Microsoft division responsible for developer tools including AI coding service GitHub Copilot, wrote: "Just like collaboration, data-driven thinking and effective communication, using AI is no longer optional - it's core to every role and every level." She told managers that AI "should be part of your holistic reflections on an individual's performance and impact."

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STRATEGY

Alibaba Cloud expands AI footprint

Alibaba Cloud, the artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing division of Alibaba Group, is expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. The company has announced the launch of its third data centre in Malaysia and plans to open a second in the Philippines by October. The expansion is part of Alibaba's broader strategy to invest at least $53bn in AI infrastructure over the next three years. The firm aims to assist “customers and business partners harness the power of digital technology, AI and cloud infrastructure to optimise operations, unlock new opportunities and drive innovation”. The move follows the closure of data centres in Sydney and Mumbai last year, highlighting the competitive landscape of US-China AI rivalry in the region.

Bloomberg

South China Morning Post

Barclays announces appointments to APAC investment banking team

Barclays has announced a series of executive appointments within its Asia Pacific investment banking division to enhance its regional presence and drive growth. The restructuring aligns with the bank's ongoing strategy to optimise capital allocation and shift resources towards higher-margin businesses, as part of a broader plan to cut costs by £2bn ($2.73bn). Avinash Thakur, recently appointed as head of the division, emphasized the importance of the Asia Pacific region in Barclays' global growth strategy, saying: "This team will drive the next phase of our ambition."

Reuters

TECHNOLOGY

ABB announces new robot range for China

ABB is launching three new families of factory robots specifically designed for the Chinese market, targeting mid-sized companies in sectors such as electronics and food and beverage. These robots are expected to meet the growing demand for automation. Sales in China's mid-market robotics segment are projected to increase by 8% annually over the next three years.

Reuters

WORKFORCE

Philippines downgrades its alert level in Israel

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has downgraded its alert level in Israel from Level 3 to Level 2, effective immediately. Under Level 2, overseas Filipinos are advised to limit non-essential movements and avoid public places while staying in contact with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. The DFA noted that the change follows "positive developments in Israel's security situation." Approximately 30,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are currently in Israel, primarily employed as caregivers and hotel workers. The Philippine government has previously supported the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, viewing it as a step towards regional stability.

Khaleej Times Online

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Jaspal Group showcases student creativity

Jaspal Group is enhancing its “The Power of Next” initiative by showcasing couture collections from final-year students at four prominent universities in Thailand. The event provides students with invaluable experience in managing a professional fashion show, essential for their future careers. Corporate communications director Nalinee Ruangwittayanukull said: “'The Power of Next' reflects our belief in the potential of the new generation”. The group has also awarded over 3m baht ($92,000) through its Scholarship Programme, supporting aspiring fashion students and fostering long-term career opportunities within its brands. With over 77 years in the industry, Jaspal Group says it remains committed to nurturing the next generation of Thai designers.

Bangkok Post

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Activist investors pull back on campaigns

In the first half of 2025, the number of global activist campaigns fell to 129, a 12% decrease from 147 in the same period last year, as economic and geopolitical uncertainties made investors more cautious. Jim Rossman, global head of shareholder advisory at Barclays, said: "The environment was shaped by mixed economic signals, fears about wars and geopolitical tensions." Despite the decline in campaigns, activist investors secured 86 board seats, a 16% increase, and settlements rose by 32% to 37. Most activity remained focused in the US, with 60 campaigns, while Europe saw 24 launched - a 17% decline. Japan saw 37 campaigns compared to 51 a year ago.

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Gen Z employees 'are treating the office like an extension of their homes'

The San Francisco Standard reports on how Bay Area companies are hiring etiquette coaches for their Gen Z employees as return-to-office policies have brought in the demographic for the first time, and in many cases after years of working and attending school remotely. Local etiquette coach Rosalinda Randall has said enquiries have risen 50% over the last two months, and "are a variation on the same complaint: Gen Z employees are treating the office like an extension of their homes." Jim Rettew, interim chief executive at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, observes of Gen Z: “They’re great at challenging authority and the status quo, but sometimes I just want someone to buckle down and follow orders.”

San Francisco Standard

Straits Times

Bumble chief criticises staff for ‘freaking out’ over London job cuts

Bumble chief executive Whitney Wolfe Herd has criticised staff for “freaking out” after announcing the online dating company would eliminate more than 160 roles in London, warning that drastic cost-cutting measures were needed as “dating apps are feeling like a thing of the past.” Wolfe Herd said the company's “centre of gravity” would move to the US where the “talent pool is right now.” She said that “London’s not the first choice, that’s the frank reality.”

Australian Financial Review

Financial Times

Gold miner accuses rebels of forcing employees to work against their will

Gold miner Twangiza Mining has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of forcing its employees to work under duress and without pay after seizing control of its mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The company reported that its workers are being "held in captivity, forced to work in inhuman conditions, without any security measure, remuneration or medical coverage." The mine's operations have been "paralysed," with Rwandan nationals allegedly exploiting the site for profit. Despite the claims, Rwanda's government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, denied any involvement, saying: "Rwanda is not involved in this situation." A recent peace deal between Rwanda and Congo raises hopes for an end to ongoing violence that has resulted in significant casualties and displacement this year.

U.S. News

ING to cut jobs as it has ‘too many’ managing directors

Dutch banking giant ING is planning job cuts focused on senior staff, saying there are just too many of them. The lender wants to eliminate 230 roles across its wholesale banking division, according to a statement. The cuts “will be focused on directors and managing directors in commercial, front office roles” as ING has “too many senior roles,” the bank said, adding that the cuts will be split proportionally across its locations.

Bloomberg

OTHER

Thai consumers show strong environmental commitment

In 2025, environmental issues remain the foremost concern for Thailand's consumers, according to a nationwide study from the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University. The survey found that 44% of respondents ranked "Environment and Pollution" as their top worry, despite economic pressures like rising prices (42%) and general economic concerns (30%). While 66% of Thais express willingness to support eco-friendly brands, this does not always translate into purchasing decisions unless other product attributes are equal. The research also identified global warming (46%), air pollution (45%), and climate change (29%) as the top environmental concerns, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative action across sectors. Assistant Prof Dr Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit emphasised the importance of systemic support to empower individuals in making sustainable choices.

Bangkok Post

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