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APAC Edition
4th September 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Work-from-home debate shifts in Australia

Australia's work-from-home landscape is evolving, with over 6m people working remotely at least part-time. Employers are navigating tensions between returning to the office and maintaining flexibility. The Australian Services Union has proposed "presumed" work-from-home arrangements. Meanwhile, companies like WOTSO and IWG are expanding co-working spaces, catering to both SMEs and larger firms. Jessie Glew, CEO of WOTSO, noted a surge in suburban hubs. Tim Halpin from Block stated: "Our employees have the flexibility to decide where they're most productive." However, productivity remains a complex issue, as highlighted by Professor David Bissell.
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TECHNOLOGY

RBA embraces AI for better forecasting

RBA Governor Michele Bullock has announced the bank's new AI initiatives to enhance economic forecasting and analysis. The RBA is testing an AI-powered chatbot, RBA PubChat, to access its extensive database and improve staff efficiency. Bullock stated: "This tool does not replace expert human judgment, rather it enhances it." The chatbot will help analysts understand inflation trends and labour market changes. Bullock also noted that AI will reshape the Australian economy, potentially redefining jobs and creating new roles, while urging government support for affected individuals.

NAB CEO urges AI-driven adaptation

Andrew Irvine, NAB's chief executive, emphasised the transformative potential of AI during a recent event in Melbourne. He described the rollout of agentic AI as a significant technological shift, comparable to the last 200 years. Irvine expressed frustration over Australia's bureaucratic hurdles, which he believes hinder productivity and economic growth. He noted that only 5,000 of the 700,000 migrants last year were skilled tradespeople, exacerbating the housing shortage. Irvine stated: "AI is not going to take your jobs. People using AI are going to take the jobs of people not using AI," highlighting the need for adaptation in the workforce.

AI revolutionising business operations now

According to Capgemini's AI in Action Report, companies integrating AI have reduced costs by 26% to 31%. In 2025, 21% of organisations used AI agents, up from 10% in 2024. The Executive Programme in AI for Business at IIMA aims to equip professionals with essential AI skills. Prof. Adrija Majumdar stated: "Leaders need to understand AI's capabilities, limitations, and its effects on the workforce." The programme covers technical and business aspects, focusing on driving growth and innovation.

Women lead the tech revolution in Singapore

The SG 100 Women in Tech list highlights 100 female leaders in Singapore's technology sector. Unveiled at the Tech3 Forum by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, the list received 635 nominations this year. The honourees include leaders in AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation across various sectors. Notable figures include Audrey Ong from Keppel, Rachel Teo from Google, and Veronica Tan from the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. Ong stated: "We are committed to fostering an inclusive tech environment." The initiative aims to inspire future generations of women in technology.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

UTS redundancy plan halted over mental health

SafeWork NSW has intervened to halt the University of Technology Sydney's (UTS) redundancy process, citing risks to staff mental health. The regulator issued a prohibition notice, stating that the job cuts posed a “serious and imminent risk of psychological harm.” UTS plans to cut at least 400 jobs as part of its $100m budget reduction strategy. SafeWork's notice requires UTS to pause consultations and manage psychosocial risks effectively. National Tertiary Education Union president Alison Barnes highlighted the need for governance reform, stating: "The fact that a workplace safety regulator had to step in... speaks volumes about how disconnected university management has become."
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WORKFORCE

Uttar Pradesh to streamline outsourcing

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved the establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation Limited to enhance transparency in outsourcing practices. This not-for-profit entity will select agencies to provide workforce across departments, ensuring outsourced employees receive fair compensation and benefits. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna stated that the new system guarantees monthly salaries between Rs 16,000 and Rs 20,000, along with EPF and ESI contributions. The reforms also include social security and training for workers.
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PRODUCTIVITY

Employees embrace AI, companies scramble

Employees are increasingly adopting AI tools independently, creating challenges for companies. According to Microsoft's Work Trend Index, 75% of employees use AI at work, with 80% of users in small and medium-sized firms bringing their own tools. This trend, known as Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI), raises significant risks, including data privacy issues. Nearly 60% of employees reported making mistakes due to AI errors. Allison Spagnolo, chief privacy officer at Guidepost Solution, stated: "When employees use external AI services without the knowledge of their employers... we tend to think about risks like data loss." Companies must adapt by empowering employees with clear guidelines and training.

AI coaches: The silent disruptors

AI coaches are increasingly integrated into various business functions, providing feedback and guidance. However, their deployment lacks a central strategy, raising concerns about their effectiveness and potential risks. Joseph Freed, chief product officer at Perceptyx, emphasises the need for Learning and Development (L&D) leaders to take ownership of these tools. He states: "Managing AI coaches gives L&D career resiliency in the future of work." Without proper management, these AI systems could lead to inconsistent advice and disengagement among employees. L&D must act swiftly to ensure these tools align with company values and objectives.
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CYBERSECURITY

AI agents revolutionise cybersecurity operations

Perry Carpenter, chief human risk management strategist at KnowBe4, discusses the transformative role of AI agents in cybersecurity. These agents function like a virtual security team, monitoring networks and responding to threats with unprecedented speed. However, they raise concerns about autonomy and control. Carpenter emphasises the need for a balance between agent autonomy and human oversight to prevent errors. He states: "If AI systems are developed through the integration of transparency, monitoring and ethical safeguards, they can accelerate innovation." The future of cybersecurity relies on this collaboration between AI and human professionals.
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INTERNATIONAL

UN employees detained in Yemen

The United Nations reported that at least 19 of its employees were detained by Iranian-backed Houthis during recent raids on UN offices in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that 18 detainees are Yemeni staffers, while one is an international employee, urging for their immediate release. The raids followed the killing of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi by Israel, escalating tensions in the region. Dujarric emphasized that these actions jeopardize the UN's ability to provide essential aid to Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, stating, "The Houthi action seriously endangers the UN's ability to deliver aid." The Houthis have a history of detaining UN personnel, with previous incidents involving 23 employees since 2021.

US firms boost profits via efficiency

American companies are beating earnings forecasts by cutting costs, raising prices, and relying on automation rather than consumer spending. C.H. Robinson finance chief Damon Lee said: “The outcome of those transformations means less head count, more productivity,” after reporting 35% productivity gains since 2022. Monster Beverage and Estée Lauder also cut jobs to lift profits, while Spectrum Brands cited tariffs and weak demand. Despite S&P 500 earnings per share rising 13% in the second quarter, worker surveys show falling morale, with many asked to do more with less. Analysts warn prolonged strain could trigger a downturn, erode long-term resilience, and weaken consumer confidence.
 
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