Human Times
The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
Human Times Logo
APAC Edition
2nd September 2025
 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

THE HOT STORY

AI revolutionises Australian industries

Artificial intelligence is transforming various sectors in Australia, enhancing productivity significantly. The Productivity Commission estimates AI could contribute A$116bn to the economy over the next decade, though it warns of a challenging transition for workers. Companies like Atlassian and Commonwealth Bank are leveraging AI for customer service and fraud detection, respectively. Mo Gawdat, a former Google executive, cautions that the world may face a dystopian future due to AI's impact on jobs and crime. "We're building on the results from the initial stage," said Professor Lynley Wallis from Griffith University, highlighting ongoing AI projects.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TECHNOLOGY

Victoria urged to adopt AI-first strategy

The Australian Information Industry Association has proposed that the Victorian public service adopt an AI-first strategy to enhance productivity and reduce costs. This policy would require public servants to use AI as their primary tool, justifying any decision to avoid it. Elizabeth Whitelock, the association's chief executive, emphasised the need for a shift in mindset to improve citizen services. The Productivity Commission predicts a 4.3% increase in labour productivity over the next decade due to AI, potentially adding $116 bn to GDP. However, concerns about public trust and job losses remain.

India's AI boom faces talent crisis

India's AI sector is expanding rapidly, but a significant skills shortage threatens its growth. TeamLease Digital's “Digital Skills and Salary Primer Report for FY2025-26” reveals that for every 10 Generative AI job openings, only one qualified engineer is available. Salaries for senior roles have surged to ₹58–60 lakh, while cybersecurity experts earn up to ₹55 LPA. Neeti Sharma, President of TeamLease Digital, stated: "Without massive investment in upskilling, India's digital economy could falter." The report highlights the urgent need for government-industry partnerships to address this talent gap.

Big Four firm develops AI agent capable of completing taxes

The Australian branch of KPMG is claiming that a 100-page prompt for AI it has written can autonomously create tax advice for clients “​​far faster than humans.” The branch developed its own bots, using models from such firms as OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and Meta; it then fed them as much historical tax advice as it could, along with the Australian tax code. “It is very efficient. It does what our team used to do in about two weeks, in a day," said KPMG chief digital officer John Munnelly. "It will strip through our documents and the legislation and produce a 25-page document for a client as a first draft.”

Deloitte report faces AI scrutiny

Deloitte's recent report for the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has come under fire for inaccuracies, including references to non-existent academic works. Chris Rudge, a welfare academic, discovered fabricated quotes and incorrect citations, leading him to suspect the involvement of artificial intelligence. He said: "It is one thing to [incorrectly] cite academics . . . it is another to [incorrectly] cite judges." Deloitte has acknowledged errors and is correcting references but has not confirmed AI usage. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is investigating the claims and seeking urgent advice from Deloitte.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

WORKFORCE

Korea's labour law shake-up ahead

Korea plans to implement a simulated version of labour management councils with major unions to prepare for the upcoming “yellow envelope law.” This legislation, effective in six months, broadens the definition of “employer” to include parent companies and contractors, allowing subcontracted workers to negotiate directly with management. Labour Minister Kim Young-hoon stated: “The government will calmly lay out the path over the next six months.” The ministry also aims to streamline occupational disease claims, reducing processing times from 227.7 days to 120 days by 2027.

KBank's early retirement scheme sparks debate

KBank has launched a pioneering early retirement programme allowing employees to retire at 45, a first in Thailand. Experts warn this could set a precedent amid rapid technological changes. Tanit Sorat, Vice President of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, noted that many workers in banking experience burnout. He stated: "Those who apply for ER programmes often suffer from burnout." Concerns arise over the impact on younger workers' financial security and the potential for increased pressure on the Social Security Fund. The Social Security Office is yet to assess the implications of the new scheme.

Multi-employer bargaining faces major collapse

The multi-employer bargaining regime in Australia faces significant challenges as negotiations collapse. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union's first agreement with air-conditioning manufacturers is falling apart, with nearly all employers seeking to exit. Rival unions have lured them into single-enterprise agreements. In the mining sector, the Collieries' Staff and Officials Association has also withdrawn from negotiations after a year, opting for site-based agreements instead. Tania Constable, chief executive of the Minerals Council of Australia, stated: "It was always unrealistic to think they could ever agree to uniform working arrangements."

India's job market flooded by gaming layoffs

India's recent ban on online money games has left over 2,000 employees in the gaming sector seeking new job opportunities. Aditya Narayan Mishra, managing director and chief executive of CIEL HR, noted that while there have been no widespread layoffs, uncertainty has prompted many to look for more stable positions. Neelabh Shukla, chief business officer at Careernet, stated: "There's a sense of uncertainty among employees." The job market remains challenging, especially for those in non-tech roles, while tech talent continues to be in demand as companies pivot their business models.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

HIRING

Korean firms favour rehiring retirees

Korean businesses are increasingly opting to rehire retired employees rather than extend the retirement age, according to a survey by the Korea Enterprises Association. The survey, which included 1,136 companies, revealed that 61% prefer reemployment for workers aged 60 and above, compared to 32.7% who support raising the retirement age. The association noted that high wages linked to seniority and rigid employment structures hinder the hiring of senior workers. They stated: "There need to be effective measures, such as easing paycheck burdens, to help businesses use senior workers more readily."

New initiative connects job seekers locally

A new initiative, Jobs Nearby @ CDC, has launched in South West District, Singapore, to enhance job matching for local residents. Job ambassadors will assist job seekers at community clubs, providing tailored support and connecting them with employers. South West District Mayor Low Yen Ling stated: "The jobs ambassadors will provide customised assistance." The initiative targets various groups, including caregivers and those with mobility issues. Employers like Lonza Biologics and GKE participated in a recent job fair, offering numerous positions. 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

LEGAL

Gupta's phone seized in ASIC probe

Sanjeev Gupta, the metals tycoon, is under investigation by the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC). The regulator has seized Gupta's mobile phone as part of its inquiry into his operations. This follows an order from the Supreme Court of New South Wales for three of his companies to submit overdue annual reports. The news comes as Mr Gupta’s companies remain under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office in the UK. Gupta aims to regain control of Speciality Steels UK, which employs nearly 1,500 people, after the Official Receiver took control of the unit following a winding-up petition from creditors.

Queensland firm fined for pay docking

McCrystal Agricultural Services, a Queensland company, has been fined A$21,000 for unlawfully docking pay from 29 seasonal workers. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) found that the company deducted A$14,500 from employees for breaching its alcohol and drugs policy. Russell McCrystal, the sole director, admitted to the breach, stating the policy was introduced to address community safety concerns. Judge Salvatore Vasta noted that the company lacked authority under the Fair Work Act to impose such deductions. Additional penalties of A$22,000 were imposed for other contraventions related to overtime and health insurance.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

ECONOMY

US tariffs weigh on Asia factory activity

Factory activity across Asia has contracted due to the impact of U.S. tariffs, with Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan all reporting declines, while China's manufacturing unexpectedly showed growth in August. Analysts warn that the ongoing tariff pressures, combined with competition from cheaper Chinese exports, could further hinder the region's economic recovery, particularly for countries heavily reliant on U.S. shipments.

Auckland CBD faces 13% retail vacancy crisis

According to Bayley's latest New Zealand Retail Market Update, Auckland's central business district (CBD) has a 13% retail vacancy rate, the highest in the country. Factors contributing to this situation include City Rail Link construction, COVID-19, remote work, and rising interest rates. Chris Beasleigh, Bayley's national director for retail sales and leasing, remarked that Auckland appears to have "gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson". Despite the challenges, he noted improvements are expected with new developments and the CRL opening in 2026. Other cities like Wellington and Tauranga have significantly lower vacancy rates.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

CULTURE

Toxic productivity: the hidden danger

The Times of India looks at how toxic productivity is a growing concern in today's always-connected work culture. It pressures employees to equate their worth with constant output, leading to burnout and neglect of basic needs. Laura Giurge, a professor at the London School of Economics, highlights that working during weekends decreases intrinsic motivation. Leaders must normalise healthy work habits, such as taking vacations and addressing exhaustion. Mental health professionals recommend redefining success, setting work-life boundaries, and embracing self-care to combat this issue. "Rest fuels productivity," experts assert, emphasising the need for balance.

Westpac CEO's Christmas work habits questioned

Westpac chief executive Anthony Miller's work habits have come under scrutiny after he claimed to work on Christmas Day. During an internal leadership forum, he addressed concerns about his commitment, stating he spent the day discussing business with his father. Miller described his Christmas work as a "slight exaggeration." Following employee discussions with the media about his work-life balance, Westpac's corporate affairs chief Emily Gatt sent an email prohibiting staff from engaging with journalists. Gatt emphasised the importance of a consistent external voice for the bank's reputation.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

INTERNATIONAL

Labor Day: Immigration policies impact workforce

As Labor Day celebrations highlight the contributions of workers in the US, experts warn that President Donald Trump's immigration policies are significantly affecting the labour force. According to preliminary Census Bureau data analyzed by the Pew Research Center, over 1.2m immigrants have left the labour market from January to July 2025. Immigrants constitute nearly 20% of the US workforce, with 45% of agricultural workers being immigrants. Pew senior researcher Stephanie Kramer noted: “The influx across the border from what we can tell is essentially stopped,” impacting job creation. The construction sector has also seen job losses, with many contractors unable to find qualified workers due to immigration enforcement. The potential repercussions extend to healthcare, where immigrants make up about 43% of home health aides. 
 
Industry SLice Logo

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.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

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

Click here to unsubscribe