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APAC Edition
12th September 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Most large firms in Korea have no recruitment plans in H2

More than 60% of large firms in South Korea have no recruitment plans for the second half of the year, according to a survey by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI). Specifically, 38% of the top 500 companies have not finalised their hiring strategies, while 24.8% have no plans at all. This marks an increase from 57.5% last year. Among those with plans, 37.8% intend to reduce hiring. An FKI official said: "The job market is expected to contract significantly in the second half." Companies cite economic uncertainties and rising costs as key factors.
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TALENT STRATEGY

10 Engagement Lessons From a NYT Bestseller

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These are not passing trends or leadership clichés. They are evidence-based practices proven to keep employees motivated, loyal, and productive. For HR leaders shaping the future of work, this is essential reading.

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REMOTE WORKING

Deloitte US tightens office attendance rules for staff in India

Deloitte US has instructed its staff in India to work in the office at least two days a week, effective from October 1. The change follows the company's shift from flexible work policies established during the pandemic. Non-compliance will be monitored and will potentially impact performance reviews. A spokesperson for Deloitte said: "We are committed to fostering collaboration and productivity through in-person interactions."
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WORKFORCE

Donald Trump halted deportation of Korean workers to encourage them to train Americans

President Donald Trump halted the deportation of hundreds of South Korean workers arrested during an immigration enforcement raid and proposed they stay to train Americans, South Korean officials say.
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TECHNOLOGY

AI adoption slashes costs in Asia

Morningstar analysts predict that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence will significantly reduce long-term operating costs across various sectors in Asia. Kathy Chan and Kai Wang highlighted that companies like Trip.com have improved margins through AI-driven marketing efficiency. However, they noted potential job security concerns for employees, as AI may lead to fewer workers needed. Chan stated: "GenAI is analysing demand data and suggesting how best to spend company marketing budgets." The report identifies five sectors likely to benefit from AI, including consumer, technology, and healthcare.
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ECONOMY

Indonesia's new finance minister faces tough challenges

Indonesia's new Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa acknowledged the challenges ahead as he took office on Monday. His predecessor, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, was known for her cautious economic management. Following her abrupt removal, markets reacted negatively, with the rupiah falling over 1% against the US dollar and the stock index dropping more than 1.5%. Purbaya aims for economic growth of 6% to 7% in the short term, despite concerns about fiscal credibility. He said: "The task isn't easy."

Thai retailers demand revival of co-payment scheme

Thailand's provincial retailers are urging the government to revive the "Khon La Khrueng" co-payment scheme to boost consumer spending. Showsiri Treechairasmee, business development director at CS Park, highlighted sluggish trading in Sing Buri due to low consumer confidence. She said: "We hope the government reintroduces the programme now." Ekkapong Chokchaiwitut, chief executive of Mother Marketing, echoed this sentiment, noting that businesses in tourist areas like Krabi are struggling. Both suggested extending the campaign period and using the existing application to prevent confusion and enhance economic circulation.
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WORKPLACE

Rents lowered to attract commercial tenants in China

Chinese commercial property developers are offering incentives such as lower rents and subsidies for electric vehicle charging to attract tenants amid record-high vacancy rates in major cities. Shenzhen's office vacancy rate has reached 30.6%, while Shanghai's stands at 22.6%, as sluggish demand persists due to corporate cost-cutting and a reduction in multinational presence. Savills Research Senior Director James MacDonald said: "We expect conditions to remain challenging in the near term."
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INTERNATIONAL

BYD announces European EV production plans

BYD plans to produce all of its electric vehicles for the European market locally by 2028, which will help the company avoid EU tariffs imposed on Chinese-made EVs. Executive Vice President Stella Li said: "We are training ourselves to be more European in production." The company is building a factory in Hungary and preparing to start production in Turkey by 2026. In the short term, BYD expects plug-in hybrids to dominate its sales in Europe, with plans to launch its luxury Yangwang brand in the region by 2027.

Labour pledges to push on with UK workers’ rights bill

The UK government has said it will overturn opposition-backed amendments to its employment rights bill when it returns to the House of Commons next week. But the comments have failed to reassure trade union leaders, who have warned of a “massive backlash” if the prime minister attempts to water down the bill following last week's cabinet reshuffle. Sir Keir Starmer told the Parliamentary Labour party on Tuesday evening that the bill “will continue with the same substance and timetable as before.”

UAE government launches AI-powered HR assistant

The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has introduced an AI-powered Human Resources Assistant in a bid to enhance HR services for over 50,000 federal employees. The initiative will automate 80% of HR procedures and provide 108 services, significantly improving workplace efficiency. The assistant uses data from FAHR's HR information management system, Bayanati, to deliver personalised responses in Arabic and English. FAHR's leadership said the initiative supports the UAE's vision towards zero bureaucracy and positions the country as a global leader in AI-driven government services.

Finland's government pushes for easier dismissals

Finland's government has reportedly made progress on a bill that aims to make it easier for companies to fire workers. However, a controversial section which would have allowed employers to dismiss workers for "underperformance" is understood to have been removed from the draft proposal since it was sent out for consultation in the spring. Government sources have told Yle that the Finns Party in particular was against the inclusion of the clause on underperformance. "Only grounds for dismissal that can be proven without dispute must be included in the law," Finns Party finance minister Riikka Purra said in June. Yle has been told by a source that a ministerial working group has now approved the draft bill, but is not able to confirm whether the section on underperformance will be adjusted, or removed entirely.
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OTHER

Unicef: more children are obese than underweight

For the first time, there are more children in the world who are obese than underweight, according to a major study by Unicef, which warns that ultra-processed food is overwhelming childhood diets. The United Nations agency said there are 188m teenagers and school-age children with obesity, affecting health and development, and bringing a risk of life-threatening diseases. While 9.2% of five to 19-year-olds worldwide are underweight, 9.4% are considered obese, the report found. In 2000, nearly 13% were underweight and just 3% were obese. Obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The highest rates of obesity among children and young people are found in some of the Pacific Island states, including Niue (38%), the Cook Islands (37%), and Nauru (33%). But many high-income countries also face a serious obesity problem. Among 5-19 year olds, 27% are obese in Chile, 21% in the United States, and 21% in the UAE. UNICEF is urging governments to take binding measures, including advertising restrictions, taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods, and policies that encourage production of fresh produce.
 
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