THE HOT STORY

Microsoft issues alert on server software attack

Microsoft has issued an alert about attacks on SharePoint server software used by government agencies and businesses to share documents within organisations, and has recommended security updates that customers should apply forthwith. US state officials and private researchers say hackers have compromised US federal and state agencies, universities, energy companies and an Asian telecommunications company. Users are being urged to take the servers offline or make changes to the SharePoint programs to protect themselves. "Microsoft has provided security updates and encourages customers to install them," a spokesperson said. "We’ve been coordinating closely with CISA, DOD Cyber Defense Command, and key cybersecurity partners around the world throughout our response."

Reuters

Washington Post

LEGAL

Wells Fargo banker under exit ban 'is involved in a criminal case'

The Wells Fargo banker who has been blocked from leaving China was involved in a criminal case and obliged to cooperate with the investigation, according to China's foreign ministry. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the ministry, said Chinese law enforcement authorities have restricted Chenyue Mao's exit in accordance with the law. "Everyone in China, whether they are Chinese or foreigners, must abide by Chinese laws," Guo said.

Reuters

CYBERSECURITY

Qantas takes legal action on stolen data access

Qantas Airways has secured an interim injunction from the New South Wales Supreme Court to prevent third parties from accessing or publishing stolen customer data following a cyber breach. The airline reported that while personal information of approximately 5.7m customers was compromised, there is no evidence that any data has been released, and sensitive information such as credit card details and passport information was not stored in the affected system. Qantas is collaborating with various authorities, including the Australian Federal Police, to investigate the breach thoroughly. The airline has already informed the impacted customers about the specific data fields that were compromised.

Reuters

HIRING

China's hedge funds target US talent

China's quantitative hedge funds are intensifying their recruitment efforts in the US, particularly targeting STEM students affected by visa restrictions and funding cuts. According to a Bloomberg report, Mingshi Investment Management has launched a hiring programme for Chinese students in the US whose PhD plans were disrupted. AI-focused firms like Shanghai Goku Technologies are also actively seeking displaced talent, with one fund hiring three AI researchers this year. The recruitment surge is driven by increased US visa scrutiny, especially for Chinese nationals, which has created a strategic opportunity for Chinese hedge funds. Salaries are rising, with some researchers earning over 10m yuan annually.

Hedgeweek

WORKFORCE

Filipino-Americans warn about Trump's remittance tax

Filipino-American leaders are alarmed about a new 3.5% tax on international remittances introduced under President Donald Trump's economic reform bill. James Zarsadiaz, director of the Yuchengco Philippine Studies Programme, said: “For decades, Filipinos in the US have often been in the top five countries for remittances...the fact that those [remittances] will be taxed now is going to have an impact on how much they receive on their end and their livelihoods in the Philippines.” In 2024, Filipinos in the U.S. sent over $14bn to the Philippines. Community leaders argue that the bill, which also allocates $100bn to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will exacerbate the struggles of working-class migrants. They warn that the long-term effects could diminish access to essential services and increase financial burdens on families. Activists are calling for the Philippine government to advocate for the rights of Filipino workers abroad.

South China Morning Post

RISK

Top AI companies have ‘unacceptable' risk management

New studies by nonprofits SaferAI and the Future of Life Institute (FLI) say that leading AI companies exhibit “unacceptable” risk management and a “striking lack of commitment to many areas of safety.” The assessments indicate that no company scored above “weak” in risk management maturity. Each report was the second of its kind. The two groups hope they will be a running series that incentivizes top AI companies to improve their practices. “We want to make it really easy for people to see who is not just talking the talk, but who is also walking the walk,” said Max Tegmark, president of the FLI.

Time.com

WORKPLACE

Shanghai's office market defies downturn

Shanghai's overall office vacancy rate increased to 22.4% in June, up from 22.1% at the end of 2024, as reported by CBRE. However, the West Bund area is thriving, attracting companies and retail brands despite the broader property downturn. This 11km waterfront zone is becoming a new central business district, featuring premium office buildings and retail spaces like Hongkong Land's Westbund Central. Jimmy Chu, a senior director at CBRE, said: “West Bund is well planned as each section in the West Bund has its own theme and industrial goal.” The first phase of office blocks at Westbund Central is expected to achieve a 100% occupancy rate, underscoring the area's appeal to both Chinese and foreign firms.

South China Morning Post

INTERNATIONAL

US CEO resigns after concert embrace goes viral

A US tech company says its chief executive has quit after he was apparently caught on a big screen at a Coldplay concert embracing a female co-worker, in a clip that went viral. Astronomer said in a statement: "Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted." The woman was identified as Kristin Cabot, the firm's chief people officer. A company statement said on Saturday: "As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met." The New York-based firm said its board would begin a search for the next leader and its chief product officer would keep serving as interim CEO.

The Hill

BBC News

CBS News

UK gender pay gap hits decade low

The UK's gender pay gap has reached its lowest point in a decade, decreasing from 11.8% to 11.2% in the past year, according to the latest data from PwC. The median hourly pay gap also fell by 0.5 percentage points to 8.6% in 2024, marking "one of the most significant year-on-year improvements to date." The data is based on disclosures from over 10,000 companies with more than 250 employees. Andrew Curcio from PwC said: "The dial is finally shifting," as he pointed to the importance of sustained efforts from employers to close the gap. The financial services sector reported the largest pay gaps, while sectors with higher female employment, such as hospitality and health, showed smaller disparities. Companies with 5,000 to 19,999 employees experienced the most significant average annual pay-gap decline of 1.1%.

The Times

AI hiring in Israel doubled in first half of 2025, study says

A report from GotFriends, Israel's largest tech‑recruitment firm, says the country's high‑tech job market opened twice as many artificial intelligence positions in the first half of 2025 as it did during all of 2024. The company described demand as “unprecedented,” with incumbent firms “putting AI at the heart of the product.” Venture capital funding for AI plays has further “sent demand for top talent soaring,” the report observed.

The Jerusalem Post

OTHER

NZ schools to move away from open-plan classrooms

New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford says the country's government is moving away from an open-plan classroom model in favour of standard designs that "prioritise flexibility," citing feedback from schools across the nation that open-plan classrooms are not meeting the needs of students. “While open-plan designs were originally intended to foster collaboration, they have often created challenges for schools, particularly around noise and managing student behaviour,” she explained. “For example, the use of glass sliding doors mean spaces can be open when classes collaborate but can also close for focused learning. This approach ensures schools have fit-for-purpose environments that support a range of teaching and learning styles.”

New Zealand Herald

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe