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APAC Edition
30th July 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Japan to launch new residency system for foreign workers

The Japanese government is set to implement a new residency qualification system for foreign workers in April 2027 in a bid to attract skilled talent. The initiative will replace the existing technical intern training system, which has faced criticism for human rights abuses and exploitation. The new "employment for skill development" system will unify various sectors and allow foreign workers to change jobs under specific conditions. The reforms are a response to increasing international competition for talent. Japan's economic appeal has waned compared to neighbouring countries. The government plans to introduce detailed operational policies by the end of the year, with a focus on addressing labour shortages in rural areas and preventing talent concentration in urban centres.
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WORKPLACE

Posco E&C slammed over workplace deaths

Korean President Lee Jae Myung has slammed the management of Posco Engineering & Construction (Posco E&C), a provider of construction and engineering services, over a string of fatal industrial accidents at its sites. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee noted that a fifth fatal workplace accident has occurred at the firm this year. "The same kind of fatal accident happening over and over again means they're ultimately tolerating death. In legal terms, it would be considered murder by willful negligence," he said, criticising the company's safety practices, and wondering whether "people have become numb to workers dying for their business operations" and whether "human lives are being treated as expendable tools on the job." Lee said that the recurrence of similar fatal accidents in the same locations was entirely foreseeable and could have been prevented. "They didn't take precautions, even though the risk was clear. That makes me feel as if they believed deaths were inevitable. It's truly devastating," Lee said.
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STRATEGY

Chinese AI companies team up to defy US restrictions

Chinese AI companies have formed two new industry alliances to foster a domestic ecosystem and reduce reliance on foreign technology amid US export restrictions on advanced chipsets. The "Model-Chip Ecosystem Innovation Alliance" aims to connect AI developers and chip manufacturers, while the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce AI Committee focuses on integrating AI technology with industrial transformation. Notable products showcased at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference included Huawei's advanced AI computing system and various consumer AI devices, highlighting China's push to innovate independently.
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TECHNOLOGY

‘Global approach' to AI regulation urgently needed, UN tech chief says

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the head of the UN's International Telecommunications Union, has highlighted what she says is an urgent need for a global regulatory framework for artificial intelligence to mitigate risks such as job losses and disinformation. “There's an urgency to try to get . . . the right framework in place,” she said, as she stressed the need for “a global approach.” Her remarks follow President Donald Trump's announcement of a low-regulation strategy aimed at maintaining the US's competitive edge in AI against China, which includes over 90 proposals for deregulation. Bogdan-Martin said she was "still trying to digest" the US plan. "I think there are different approaches . . . We have the EU approach. We have the Chinese approach. Now we're seeing the US approach. I think what's needed is for those approaches to dialogue." At the same time, she observed that "85% of countries don't yet have AI policies or strategies."

New AI coding model announced by Alibaba

Alibaba has launched Qwen3-Coder, an open-source AI model for software development, which it claims is its most advanced coding tool to date. The model is designed for tasks such as code generation and managing complex workflows, and Alibaba asserts that it outperforms domestic competitors while matching the capabilities of leading US models like OpenAI's GPT-4 in certain areas.
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CYBERSECURITY

Some SharePoint server hackers now using ransomware, Microsoft says

Microsoft has said that a hacking campaign centred on vulnerable versions of the company's server software now involves the deployment of ransomware. In a blog post, Microsoft cited "expanded analysis and threat intelligence," and said a group it calls "Storm-2603" is using the vulnerability to seed the ransomware. The campaign has already hit at least 400 victims, according to Netherlands-based cybersecurity firm Eye Security. 
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REGULATION

PCAOB cracks down on auditor

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has permanently revoked the registration of Centurion ZD CPA & Co. and barred its owner, Chan Kam Fuk, due to violations of PCAOB rules and auditing standards. The firm failed to conduct adequate risk assessments and obtain sufficient audit evidence during audits of Chinese companies, including the 2021 audit of Luckin Coffee, which was embroiled in a significant accounting fraud scandal. The firm also violated quality control standards, leading to a $75,000 civil penalty.
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INTERNATIONAL

Outdoor workers in southern Europe demand heat protection

Southern Europe is experiencing periods of extreme heat, leading to tragic consequences for outdoor workers. In Barcelona, a street cleaner, Montse Aguilar, died during a recent heatwave, prompting protests from fellow workers demanding better protections. Antonia Rodríguez, a street sweeper, said: “I have been doing this job for 23 years and each year the heat is worse.” Extreme heat has fuelled more than 1,000 excess deaths in Spain so far in June and July, according to the Carlos III Health Institute. In response, Barcelona's City Hall has implemented new regulations for street cleaners, including mandatory breaks and breathable uniforms. However, workers claim these measures are not being enforced. The International Labour Organization has highlighted the need for increased protections against heat stress, which it describes as an “invisible killer.”

US to allow federal workers to promote religion in workplace

Federal workers are to be allowed to promote their religious beliefs to colleagues, display religious items at work and pray together or individually, according to a memorandum issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The guidance, from OPM Director Scott Kupor, says that federal agencies “should allow personal religious expression by Federal employees to the greatest extent possible unless such expression would impose an undue hardship on business operations.” This means that a federal worker, according to the five-page guidance, “may engage another in polite discussion of why his [sic] faith is correct and why the non-adherent should re-think his religious beliefs,” but “if the nonadherent requests such attempts to stop, the employee should honour the request.”

BCG says some staff circumvented controls in Gaza work

An investigation by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) reveals that some of its US-based staff bypassed risk controls while working on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and "post-war reconstruction" for the Palestinian enclave. BCG acknowledged that its staff's involvement in establishing GHF was "incomplete, inaccurate and/or untruthful." The GHF, which began delivering aid in May, has faced criticism for its operations, with the UN and other groups questioning its neutrality. In a response to a UK parliamentary committee inquiry, BCG said: "We deeply regret that, in connection with the work about which the committee has asked, we did not live up to our standards." The firm has decided not to publish the full findings of the investigation, raising further concerns about its internal processes.

Dutch rail operator wants to arm staff with batons

Dutch rail operator NS wants to equip some of its security staff with batons in response to a growing number of violent incidents, Dutch News reports. The company has asked the justice ministry for permission to carry out a pilot scheme involving 75 out of 680 employees.
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OTHER

New Zealand introduces laws to govern space infrastructure

New Zealand's government has passed the Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill. This legislation aims to regulate ground-based space infrastructure, such as satellite tracking stations, to enhance national security. Space Minister Judith Collins said: "The law supports New Zealand's interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space," addressing concerns about foreign entities potentially misusing such infrastructure. The regulations require operators to confirm appropriate security measures and due diligence systems. The move follows warnings from New Zealand's intelligence service regarding foreign attempts to establish space infrastructure that could threaten national interests. While specific countries were not named, the report highlighted ongoing concerns about China's activities in the region.
 
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