THE HOT STORY

South Korea extends campaign to address migrant workers by name

Straits Times reports that regions in the southern part of South Korea are joining a growing campaign to encourage calling migrant workers by their names, rather than using disrespectful terms such as ya (hey). The campaign was launched by the Jeollanamdo Contingent Workers Centre (JCWC), a human rights group based in South Jeolla Province - which has one of the highest populations of foreign residents in the country - and is part of wider efforts to promote a culture of respect toward residents who have diverse ethnic backgrounds. The JCWC works with local corporations and groups to encourage employers and workers to address their colleagues from other countries by name.

Straits Times

WORKFORCE

Thai Labour Ministry confirms no abuse of Cambodian workers

Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Thailand's Minister of Labour, confirmed on Tuesday that there have been no reports of abuse against Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand. He acknowledged the circulation of alarming images and videos on social media and assured that the ministry is taking the matter seriously. “We confirm that no cases of physical abuse against Cambodian workers have been found in Thailand,” he said. The ministry has instructed various departments to investigate thoroughly and has deployed officers to ensure compliance with labour laws. Furthermore, the ministry is working with employers to foster understanding and prevent tensions between Thai and Cambodian workers. Pongkawin emphasised that Cambodian workers can continue their employment without fear of deportation as they are protected under Thai law. He urged foreign workers to avoid activities that could threaten national security and to report any incidents of violence immediately.

The Nation

South Australian doctors' strike suspended after pay deal

A planned full-day doctors' strike in South Australia has been suspended following an "in principle" agreement between the South Australian Salaried Medical Officers Association (SASMOA) and the state government. The deal includes a 13% wage increase over four years, with the government saying it will provide a wage rise "over and above inflation." SA Premier Peter Malinauskas noted that junior doctors will move from the bottom to the top half of the pay scale nationally. SASMOA president Laura Willington described the agreement as an "attractive package" for junior doctors that is crucial for retaining future medical staff. The proposed salary increase will be phased in, with additional professional development payments rising from $8,500 to $10,000. Meanwhile, 200 hospital workers are on strike due to ongoing negotiations over wages and working conditions, with the United Workers Union calling for a 20% pay rise.

ABC Online

Singapore's employment growth accelerates in Q2

In the second quarter of 2025, total employment in Singapore increased by 8,400, reflecting a resilient labour market, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This growth was driven by both resident and non-resident employment, particularly in the health and social services and financial sectors. However, the pace of growth remains slower than the previous year, with MOM noting signs of softening in outward-oriented sectors. Unemployment rates fluctuated but remained stable, with resident unemployment at 2.9% and citizen unemployment at 3%. Retrenchments held steady at 3,500, with business reorganisation cited as the main reason. MOM said: “Looking ahead, employment is expected to continue to grow, though at a more moderate pace than in 2024.” Despite a stable business sentiment, hiring and wage expectations for Q3 have dipped slightly.

Business Times SG

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Japan opens doors to overseas students

To attract international student talent, Japan's education ministry will ease university enrolment caps starting in the 2026 academic year. Large departments with an admission quota of 300 or more can now exceed their fixed capacity by up to 110%. Previously, the cap was set at less than 105% to maintain educational quality. Universities must meet specific criteria, including a 90% overall enrolment capacity and sound financial conditions, to qualify for this measure. The ministry will review plans submitted by universities, focusing on dropout rates and financial viability for international students. The initiative aims to promote diversity, particularly from the Group of Seven nations, India, and Southeast Asia. A survey by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development revealed that international students comprised only 3% of Japan's student population in 2021, compared to 16% in Britain and 14% in Canada. The government's Council for the Creation of Future Education has recommended raising the cap on international students to 400,000 by 2033.

Straits Times

STRATEGY

Luckin Coffee pushes against Starbucks in US

Luckin Coffee, China’s largest coffee chain, has opened its first two US stores in Manhattan, directly challenging Starbucks on its home turf. Known for its mobile app ordering system and steep discounts, Luckin is seeking to replicate its rapid growth in China, where it overtook Starbucks by sales in 2023. The chain, which now has over 24,000 stores in Asia, offers smaller, grab-and-go style shops and focuses on speed and convenience. Analysts suggest Luckin could reach profitability in the US within 12 to 18 months. Starbucks, which has 17,000 US locations, is countering by improving service speed and maintaining its premium café experience.

The Wall Street Journal

CYBERSECURITY

Microsoft in security breach probe

Microsoft is currently investigating a potential security breach involving its early alert system for cybersecurity firms, which may have inadvertently exposed unpatched vulnerabilities in its SharePoint service to Chinese hackers. Sources indicate that this programme, intended to allow cybersecurity experts to address issues before they become public, might have facilitated the global exploitation of these flaws in recent days. The company is examining the implications of this leak and its impact on the security of its software.

Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL

US companies move to tighten security after fatal shooting in New York

US companies are rethinking how to keep employees safe after a second killing of an executive in Manhattan in less than a year, the Financial Times reports. Wesley LePatner, a senior executive at Blackstone, was among those killed in the shooting on Monday at an office tower. In December, Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealth's insurance unit, was fatally shot ahead of an investor event. Blackstone chief executive Stephen Schwarzman and President Jon Gray held a 30-minute all-hands Zoom call on Tuesday to inform employees that the firm is offering support services to staff in need.

Financial Times

New York Times

Reuters

UK disability discrimination claims on the increase

UK disability discrimination cases have risen sharply, with Acas data showing a 41% increase in referrals from employment tribunals, up from 8,496 in 2023-24 to 11,958 in 2024-25. Researchers link the surge to a rise in disputes over mental health conditions such as depression, stress, and the menopause. The research found that 16% of workplace disputes in the past year involved disability discrimination, compared with 9% two years ago.

The Times

Saudi Arabia pledges to invest billions of dollars in Syria

Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $6bn of private and public sector investments in Syria, in sectors spanning infrastructure and energy to real estate, agriculture and telecommunications and information technology. “We expect Syria to need hundreds of billions [of dollars] to rebuild, and tens of billions for productive projects targeting regional and international markets,” Saudi investment minister Khalid al-Falih said. “These large amounts of capital will need financing from companies, partners, banks and multinational institutions like the IFC and the Islamic Development Bank.”

Financial Times

Reuters

Bain & Co shuts South Africa consulting business after corruption scandal

Bain & Co is shutting its consultancy business in South Africa after suffering reputational damage from its involvement in a “state capture” scandal under the presidency of Jacob Zuma.

Financial Times

OTHER

Xiaomi's AI glasses fly off shelves

Xiaomi's new artificial intelligence glasses have sold approximately 50,000 units since their launch on June 26th, with expectations to exceed annual sales of 5m units. Li Chuangqi, the executive overseeing the product, noted that consumer response was “enthusiastic and unanticipated”, with sales significantly surpassing initial “pessimistic” estimates. The glasses, priced at 1,999 yuan ($278), feature a Qualcomm chip and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, offering AI functions including simultaneous translation and control of Xiaomi smart devices.

South China Morning Post

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