THE HOT STORY

China's tech giants ramp up hiring

Major Chinese tech companies are launching extensive hiring initiatives, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. Xiaomi recently announced plans to recruit students for 16 job types, focusing on software and hardware roles. Other firms like Alibaba and ByteDance are also ramping up recruitment, with AI positions making up a significant portion of openings. According to Citic Securities, competition for talent has intensified, surpassing previous internet-era levels. Despite a slight dip in youth unemployment, a record number of graduates is expected to enter the local employment market, creating challenges for job seekers.

South China Morning Post

HIRING

Taiwan investigates Chinese firms for poaching talent

Taiwan is investigating 16 Chinese companies for allegedly poaching high-tech talent, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The Taiwan Investigation Bureau conducted coordinated raids from July 15 to August 6, searching 70 locations and questioning 120 individuals. Chinese firms, including Goertek and NOVOSENSE Microelectronics, are accused of operating without regulatory approval and using shell companies to recruit engineers. Ya-Chun Ku, an investigator, said: "These companies operated in Taiwan without approval from our authorities." The investigation aims to protect Taiwan's high-tech industry from unlawful recruitment efforts.

Yahoo News Australia

Thai drivers help tackle Japan's labour crisis

Two Thai men, Nontawat Sunawapong and Theeraphong Siripattathorn, have been hired as truck drivers by Tomita Transport in Japan's Tohoku region. This marks the first recruitment of foreign workers in the local logistics sector amid a domestic labour shortage. Both men will receive training to obtain large truck driving licences, with costs covered by the company. Shinya Tomita, president of Tomita Transport, acknowledged the challenges of training foreign workers amid ongoing labour shortages.

The Nation

LEGAL

Korea's zero-tolerance for worker discrimination

On the 21st anniversary of the Employment Permit System (EPS), Labour Minister Kim Young-hoon announced a "zero-tolerance" policy against discrimination towards foreign workers. Speaking at a conference in Seoul, he emphasised the need for respect and inclusivity, saying: "Ensuring that foreign workers are guaranteed their rights . . . is the most important principle we must uphold." The event gathered over 100 participants, including diplomats and business leaders, to discuss improvements to the EPS. Kim also promised to enhance support services for migrant workers, including housing and counselling.

The Korea Times

TECHNOLOGY

OpenAI unveils GPT-5 model

OpenAI on Thursday launched GPT-5, an upgraded version of the AI model behind ChatGPT that the company claims is significantly faster and more capable than its predecessor. OpenAI said that the technology “feels more human” than previous models and that it allowed even novices to build simple software apps from short text prompts. As part of the launch, OpenAI is introducing four pre-set personalities that ChatGPT users can choose from to better tailor their interactions with the chatbot. The options, which are initially available as a “research preview,” include Cynic, Robot, Listener and Nerd.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Genetic breakthrough in chronic fatigue syndrome

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have identified genetic differences in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Their study, part of the DecodeME project, analysed DNA from 15,579 people with chronic fatigue and 259,909 healthy volunteers. They found eight genetic regions linked to the immune and nervous systems, suggesting a biological basis for the condition. Researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke said: "These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they will lead to a greater understanding." The study has not yet been peer-reviewed.

U.S. News

ECONOMY

Philippines may halt rice imports to help farming industry

The Philippines may temporarily suspend rice imports to support local farmers in the world’s biggest buyer, potentially increasing the risk of expanding a global surplus. The Department of Agriculture has recommended the plan and also pushed for higher tariffs on imported rice. The plan comes at a time when improving global supply prospects for the grain have pushed benchmark Asian prices to an eight-year low.

Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL

FEMA staff diverted to ICE hiring during hurricane season

The Trump administration is reallocating Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff to expedite the hiring of 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The move, which involves transferring over 100 employees from FEMA's human resources and security teams, has raised concerns about FEMA's ability to respond effectively during the critical hurricane season. Former FEMA officials worry that the transfers could exacerbate staffing shortages, especially as the agency has already faced resignations and departures. Deanne Criswell, a former FEMA head, expressed concern about the non-voluntary nature of the reassignments, observing: "They're already short staffed because they've lost so many."

U.S. News

Nissan's European restructuring may include job cuts

Nissan Motor has initiated discussions with the union representing its European regional office staff regarding potential job cuts as part of a broader restructuring effort. The office, located in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France, employs around 560 people, and negotiations are expected to conclude by October 20, with details to be shared in November. Vice Chairperson Massimiliano Messina emphasised the company's commitment to conducting the process "with care, transparency and in full compliance with legal requirements," as Nissan aims to reduce its workforce by approximately 15% and cut global production capacity significantly.

Reuters

Brazil chemical companies fear effects of US tariffs

Brazil's chemical industry is expressing "deep concern" over a recent US executive order that raises tariffs on Brazilian exports to 50%, which could significantly impact supply chains, jobs, and investments. The Brazilian Chemical Industry Association (Abiquim) highlighted that the move affects approximately $1.7bn in annual exports and has already led to contract cancellations within the sector.

Reuters

OTHER

The troubling decline in conscientiousness

The FT's John Burn-Murdoch considers data which suggests the trait of conscientiousness (the quality of being dependable and disciplined) is fading out - and especially quickly among young adults.

Financial Times

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