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APAC Edition
3rd September 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

China urges Pakistan to boost security

President Xi Jinping has urged Pakistan to better protect Chinese nationals and projects following repeated militant attacks. Despite Pakistan deploying security forces, Xi said: “China supports Pakistan’s fight against terrorism” but expects more effective measures. Chinese workers have been targeted in deadly incidents, especially in Balochistan and near key infrastructure sites. Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif met Xi during a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit but did not mention security. Beijing has slowed Belt and Road investments—once estimated at $60bn—amid escalating threats. Xi’s warning reflects ongoing concerns about stalled progress and safety risks.
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WORKFORCE

Australia's migration numbers stay steady

The Australian government will maintain the permanent residency visa cap at 185,000 for 2025-26, focusing on skilled workers and family reunifications. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended migration amid recent anti-immigration protests, stating it is vital for Australia. The family visa program will remain limited, leaving a backlog of around 100,000 applications unresolved. Former senior immigration official Abul Rizvi warned that the government is "kicking the problem down the road." He added that a class action lawsuit could succeed for spouses awaiting visa approval.

Data reveal job ads hold steady in Australia

Australian job advertisements remained stable in August, with a slight increase of 0.1% from July, indicating a resilient labour market despite lower interest rates. The data suggests that sectors such as retail and education are experiencing growth, with expectations for further hiring as the holiday season approaches, supporting the view that the unemployment rate will remain steady.

Record number of youth dropouts revealed

The number of "resting youth" in South Korea has surged to between 400,000 and 500,000 monthly, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labour. A report from Statistics Korea indicates that 73.6% of these individuals had prior work experience. Key reasons for leaving jobs include dissatisfaction with pay (33.7%) and work-life balance (28.4%). Many young people expressed a desire for growth and better working conditions. The report highlighted a significant income gap between large and small firms, contributing to low motivation. The ministry aims to improve conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises to retain young workers.

Solidarity surge: Southeast Asia unites

Following deadly riots in Indonesia, Southeast Asians are sending food and essentials to gig workers via delivery apps. The unrest began after the death of motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan during clashes with police. Netizens shared instructions for sending aid through apps like Grab and Gojek, inspiring support from Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Analysts note this reflects regional empathy and highlights the vulnerabilities of gig work in Indonesia, fostering a spirit of cooperation across borders.

Employees eye job changes in Malaysia

Aon's 2025 Malaysia Employee Benefits and Wellbeing Report reveals significant job change intentions among employees. Forty percent of workers under 29 and 53% of those aged 30-34 are considering new employment within a year. Additionally, 51% of employees with three to five years of experience are also contemplating job changes. The report highlights that 57% of employees value work flexibility, while 50% prioritise work-life balance. Surendran Ramanathan, head of Wealth Solutions in Malaysia at Aon, stated: "Prioritising benefits and wellbeing are not merely a strategic choice; it is necessary for organisations to thrive."
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HIRING

Queensland Labor demands probe into hiring scandal

The Queensland Labor Opposition has requested the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) to investigate alleged political interference in the hiring of Dr Krispin Hajkowicz as chief health officer. Allegations suggest that the premier and health minister improperly influenced the decision to rescind his appointment after a thorough recruitment process. Opposition Leader Steven Miles stated: "The Queensland Labor Opposition asserts that the premier, the minister for health and ambulance services... inappropriately intervened." The government denies any wrongdoing, while Dr Hajkowicz is seeking legal advice regarding the rescinded offer.

Hyundai Engineering seeks fresh talent

Hyundai Engineering and Construction is recruiting entry-level employees and international students until September 29. The company seeks graduates in civil engineering, architecture, and various engineering disciplines. Applicants must have a four-year university degree or expect to graduate by February.
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TECHNOLOGY

Secretaries face AI and outsourcing threat

The traditional role of the secretary is in steep decline due to outsourcing and AI adoption. Firms like Grant Thornton and Deloitte have significantly cut secretarial roles, aiming to reduce costs. Critics, including Lucy Brazier of Executive Support Magazine, argue these cuts undervalue administrative staff. “This is short-term cost-cutting dressed up as progress,” she said, emphasising assistants’ impact in saving executives’ time and driving productivity. Experts note the role is evolving rather than vanishing, with future assistants expected to handle more skilled, high-level tasks as AI handles basic functions.

India's chip design dominance grows

India is emerging as a significant player in the global semiconductor design sector, hosting 20% of the world's chip design engineers, according to the Bastion Research report. Major tech companies like Qualcomm and Intel have established R&D centres in India, focusing on critical tasks such as logic translation and performance optimisation. The Indian government is also supporting this growth through initiatives like the Semicon India Programme.
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CYBERSECURITY

Hackers exploit Zoom and Teams invites

Hackers are using fake Zoom and Microsoft Teams invites to gain admin-level access to corporate networks, affecting over 900 organisations globally. Researchers at Abnormal Security report that the phishing campaign tricks employees into installing ConnectWise ScreenConnect, a legitimate remote access tool. This method allows hackers to bypass traditional security measures. The campaign primarily targets education, healthcare, and financial sectors.
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REMUNERATION

TCS announces modest salary hikes

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has implemented salary increases for most employees, ranging from 4.5% to 7%, effective September 1, 2025. This follows a five-month delay and is among the lowest increments in recent years. TCS plans to reduce its workforce by about 2%, affecting over 12,000 personnel. "We are pleased to announce a compensation revision for all eligible associates in grades up to C3A," said Milind Lakkad, TCS's chief human resources officer. The current salary hikes reflect the challenging climate in the IT sector, with subdued revenue growth and client hesitance.
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CULTURE

Amazon's new phone policy sparks outrage

Amazon now requires employees to report the percentage of work-related usage on company phones. This change adjusts their $50 monthly reimbursements based on personal use. The policy is part of chief executive Andy Jassy's "hardcore culture reset," which has led to employee frustration and anxiety. Amazon Web Services employees must detail their mobile usage, with reimbursements reduced dollar-for-dollar for non-work use. An Amazon spokesperson stated that these measures aim to reinforce the company's performance-driven culture, despite employees feeling micromanaged.

Reimagining the office: A new approach

Despina Katsikakis, head of workplace consulting at Cushman & Wakefield, argues that mandating office returns is ineffective. She states that many workers find offices uninspiring and prefer the flexibility of remote work. Katsikakis emphasises the need for a blend of work, life, and play in office design to foster collaboration and wellbeing. She noted that only 12% of employees feel good about work when mandated to return. “Mandating is not necessarily the answer,” she said, highlighting the importance of reimagining the relationship between employees and their workspace.
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LEGAL

Chair of whisky maker Suntory steps down after police probe

Takeshi Niinami, one of Japan’s most high-profile executives, has resigned as chair and chief executive of the global drinks group Suntory. The group said he is stepping down after a search of his home as part of an ongoing police investigation related to suspected illegal supplements. He has denied any involvement in illegal activity, adding that his lack of knowledge about the supplements disqualified him from leading the company.
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ECONOMY

TAT boosts community income by 20%

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported a 20% increase in community income within two months through its “Village to the World #SustainableAgenda” project. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that the initiative promotes community-based tourism, aligning local development with corporate sustainability goals. The project has already attracted over 30,000 tourist visits, leading to new products and services tailored for corporate markets. Patiwat Dankaew, a community adviser, noted that the project helps communities understand corporate needs better. TAT aims to create a sustainable ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration and hands-on partnerships.
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INTERNATIONAL

Protesters unite against Trump on Labor Day

On Labor Day, protesters across the United States rallied against President Donald Trump's policies, focusing on immigrant rights and low wages. Organised by labour groups and activists, demonstrations occurred in cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. In New York, crowds gathered outside Trump Tower, chanting “Trump must go now.” Chicago protests included concerns over potential National Guard deployments, with Evanston mayor Daniel Biss stating: “We're here because our core values and our democracy are under attack.” Similar events took place in San Francisco and other cities, highlighting ongoing discontent with the administration.
 
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