Human Times

APAC Edition

17th September 2025

THE HOT STORY

Australia's Finance Sector Union to file dispute against ANZ

Australia's Finance Sector Union (FSU) is to file a dispute with the Fair Work Commission, Australia’s workplace relations tribunal, following news of banking giant ANZ's plan to cut 3,500 jobs in the next year, citing inadequate consultation with affected workers. The union described ANZ as a bank in crisis that has left thousands of families in the "dark" while executives "protect their bonuses . . . [and] That's why we've taken ANZ to the Fair Work Commission, because workers deserve honesty and certainty about their future."

Reuters

The Australian

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STRATEGY

US outsourcing tax worries Indian IT firms

India's IT sector is facing uncertainty as US lawmakers propose a 25% tax on American companies that outsource jobs overseas, which could lead to delays and renegotiations of contracts. Although the bill is unlikely to pass in its current form, it signals a potential shift in how US firms engage with Indian IT services, prompting concerns about increased costs and competitive disadvantages. Industry experts anticipate significant lobbying efforts against the proposal, as well as possible legal challenges from companies reliant on outsourcing.

Reuters

LEGAL

China accuses Nvidia of violating anti-monopoly laws

China's State Administration for Market Regulation has said US computer chipmaker Nvidia, the most valuable company on the US stock market and a key provider of artificial intelligence chips, had violated anti-monopoly laws. The country's market watchdog did not give details of how Nvidia had breached the rules, but said it would continue to investigate the matter. Nvidia said it complied with the law "in all respects" and will continue to cooperate with "all relevant government agencies." Lester Ross, a partner at the law firm WilmerHale who advises companies on doing business in China, observed: “This is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to use the regulatory weapons at its disposal, and diplomatic negotiations, to increase China’s access to advanced semiconductors as well as to surpass foreign competitors, ultimately reducing their dependence.”

CNN

BBC News

New York Times

South Korea to check on US human rights violations

South Korea will check with employers about whether there were any human rights violations for Korean workers that were detained in the US, a presidential spokesperson has said. More than 300 South Korean workers returned home on Friday after about a week of detention in a US immigration detention facility.

U.S. News

TECHNOLOGY

AI can become a new ‘favourite co-worker’ to HR

The HR and payroll sector is looking to keep pace with advanced technologies, most notably, artificial intelligence. Organisations in the business of human capital management (HCM) are increasingly embracing the power of AI with sophisticated platforms tailored to the unique demands of HR and payroll. One such organisation is UKG, a provider of HR, payroll and workforce management solutions for organisations worldwide. UKG has developed and is offering its clients a conversational AI tool called UKG Bryte AI. “The power of AI is not in replacing people – it’s in augmenting them,” says Julie Develin, senior partner, human insights, at UKG. “It’s about creating the time and space for HR and payroll professionals to focus on building better workplaces.”

The Globe and Mail

AI can’t write good analyst research yet, says analyst

AI tools which sought to mimic the thought processes of an equities analyst make too many mistakes, lack predictive power and tend to miss the big picture, according to Bernstein Research.

Financial Times

ECONOMY

China CPI dips as deflation bites

China's consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.4% year on year in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, worse than the expected 0.2% drop and indicating ongoing deflationary pressures. Weak domestic demand and industrial oversupply continue to suppress prices, while trade uncertainties hinder stock clearance. Additionally, the producer price index decreased by 2.9% year on year, marking the 35th month of contraction. The report highlights the challenges facing China's economy as it grapples with these persistent issues.

South China Morning Post

TAX

Tax cuts era officially over, warns OECD

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has declared the end of the tax cuts era. Rising debts and increased spending on climate change, ageing populations, and defence have prompted the shift. The OECD's report on tax reforms highlights that jurisdictions across all income levels are now seeking to increase revenues. "High levels of debt, coupled with spending needs . . . has meant that jurisdictions . . . have adopted strategies to mobilise more revenues," the OECD said.

The Daily Telegraph

INTERNATIONAL

US workers learn the limits of free speech

In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's fatal shooting, numerous workers in the US have been terminated for their comments regarding his death. Vanessa Matsis-McCready, associate general counsel at Engage PEO, observed: “Most people think they have a right to free speech . . . but that doesn't necessarily apply in the workplace.” The legal landscape varies by state, with many employees lacking protections for speech made outside of work. While some states have laws against punishing workers for political views, exceptions exist for conduct deemed disruptive. Amy Dufrane from the Human Resource Certification Institute observes: “HR has got to really drill down and make sure that they're super clear on their policies.” Employers are increasingly reviewing their policies on political speech to maintain workplace safety and brand reputation.

Los Angeles Times

Number of Russian firms planning to hire halves in nine months

A survey indicates that the proportion of Russian firms intending to hire more staff has dropped to 25%, down from 56% at the end of last year, while the number planning layoffs has increased slightly to 12%. Despite record low unemployment, the economy is facing challenges due to high interest rates, which have led to a slowdown and prompted concerns of a potential recession. Sectors such as construction and finance may see the most significant job cuts, while areas like IT, manufacturing, and logistics are experiencing stable or growing employment opportunities.

Reuters

UAE's offshore industry to recruit thousands

The UAE's offshore industry is projected to create nearly 83,000 skilled jobs over the next five years, according to research by Robert Walters. The sector's economic contribution is expected to rise from $4.79bn to $7bn by 2030. Phill Brown, head of market intelligence at Robert Walters, noted that offshoring is becoming a strategic part of the UAE economy. Key growth factors include the UAE's strategic location, strong English proficiency, and modern infrastructure. David Barr, chief executive of outsourcing at Robert Walters, said: "More companies are viewing offshoring not as a cost-cutting tactic but as a talent access strategy."

Khaleej Times Online

Mexico car tariffs to increase for Asian exporters

Mexico plans to increase tariffs on automobiles from China and other Asian countries to 50%, a move aimed at protecting local jobs and responding to US pressure regarding economic ties with China. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that the tariffs, which will affect $52bn in imports, are necessary to ensure competitiveness in the local market, as Chinese cars are entering at prices below local reference levels. The overhaul of import levies will also impact various sectors, including textiles and steel, and is expected to safeguard approximately 325,000 industrial jobs in Mexico.

Reuters

OTHER

7-Eleven's US expansion plans

Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven, plans to invest over $13bn to enhance its US operations by introducing high-quality Japanese-style fresh food. Chief executive Stephen Dacus, who took the helm three months ago, aims to replicate Japan's successful convenience store model. He said: "We have to lean into how we improve the quality and the experience". The strategy includes adding over 1,000 in-store restaurants and launching popular items like egg sandwiches. However, experts warn that adapting the Japanese model to the US market presents significant challenges, such as the difficulty of transporting fresh food to locations in the United States far from city centres.

The Japan Times Online

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