Human Times

APAC Edition

26th November 2025

THE HOT STORY

Trade deal with Taiwan could help train US workers

The Trump administration is negotiating a trade deal with Taiwan that aims to enhance US semiconductor manufacturing through investment and workforce training, according to sources. Taiwanese companies, including TSMC, are expected to contribute capital and skilled workers to expand their US operations. Currently, Taiwan's exports to the US face a 20% tariff, which the companies hope to reduce through the agreement. The deal's specifics remain uncertain, but could involve building science park infrastructure in the US. Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai said that the two sides are at the stage of exchanging documents to finalize details. "Until announced by President Trump, reporting about potential trade deals is speculation," said White House spokesman Kush Desai.

U.S. News

WORKFORCE

Campbell's exec said Indian employees were 'idiots'

US food giant Campbell's has placed Martin Bally, its vice president of information technology, on leave, after a recording emerged of him saying the company made "highly processed food" for "poor people." Former Campbell’s cybersecurity analyst Robert Garza filed a lawsuit against the company and accused Bally of making racist comments and disparaging Campbell’s products in a secretly recorded meeting. He is also reported to have said that the company's Indian employees were “idiots” whom he disliked working with. “If the comments heard on the audio recording were in fact made by Mr. Bally, they are unacceptable,” the company said. “Such language does not reflect our values and the culture of our company.” It also noted: “Campbell’s soups are made with real chicken. Period."

WORKPLACE

Singapore office workers seek flexible work hours

According to JLL's 2025 Workforce Preference Barometer, Singapore office workers are increasingly prioritising flexibility and wellbeing as they adapt to return-to-office (RTO) policies. The survey of 500 employees revealed that 69% are subject to structured RTO mandates, with 26% working full-time in the office. While 63% expressed positive sentiments about RTO, 49% reported feelings of burnout. A significant gap exists between the desire for flexible hours (64%) and availability (41%). Kamya Miglani, head of work dynamics research at JLL Asia Pacific, said: "To attract and retain top talent, organisations must invest in meaningful flexibility."

Business Times SG

Edge Prop

Straits Times

HEALTH & SAFETY

Pangdonglai praised for 'moral-damage' pay

Pangdonglai, a leading supermarket chain in Henan, China, has publicly detailed compensation for employees whose personal dignity was breached at work, highlighting its commitment to workplace respect. The company disclosed 33 cases from January 1 to October 31, 2025, totalling 359,000 yuan ($50,495) in compensation. The chain's founder, Yu Donglai, said that personal dignity is a fundamental right, with compensation standards established for various workplace violations. Notably, an employee was compensated 30,000 yuan after being assaulted by a customer with known mental health issues.

China Daily

STRATEGY

HP to cut up to 6,000 jobs by 2028

Computer and printer maker HP expects to cut between 4,000 and 6,000 jobs - up to 10% of its total globally - by fiscal 2028 as part of a plan to streamline operations and adopt artificial intelligence to speed up product development, improve customer satisfaction and boost productivity. “We really think this is a unique opportunity we cannot miss to really continue to transform the company and continue to be competitive for the next 10, 20 years,” chief executive Enrique Lores said. HP said it also expects to increase investment in some areas to integrate AI further into its product portfolio. “I think any work is going to be impacted by AI, and we need to take advantage of it as a company,” Lores observed.

LEGAL

Illegal Korean moneylending ring is busted

Busan police have dismantled an illegal loan operation run by a father-son duo. The pair lent 16.2bn won ($10.9m) to over 9,000 foreign workers at exorbitant interest rates of up to 154% annually. The 60-year-old father, who is currently in Thailand, used his son to manage the operation in Korea. They have profited by approximately 5.5bn won since February 2022, targeting financially vulnerable migrants unfamiliar with the country's banking system. Police have referred six members of the ring for prosecution and are working to apprehend the father, who is wanted internationally.

Straits Times

TECHNOLOGY

Alibaba's AI chatbot reports over 10m downloads

Alibaba has reported over 10m downloads for its new artificial intelligence app Qwen within the first week of public beta, outpacing the early uptake of ChatGPT and DeepSeek. Powered by Alibaba Cloud’s open-source AI model family, the multipurpose app aims to serve as a global “everything app” with productivity and lifestyle integrations, ahead of a planned international launch.

South China Morning Post

ECONOMY

Korean consumer confidence hits eight-year high amid strong economic growth

Consumer confidence in South Korea has rebounded to an eight-year high, with the Composite Consumer Sentiment Index rising 2.6 points to 112.4 in November, boosted by resolution of Korea-U.S. tariff talks and stronger-than-expected GDP growth. According to the Bank of Korea's latest monthly consumer survey, subindexes for current and future economic conditions also improved, while inflation expectations remained steady; additionally, housing price expectations eased slightly but stayed well above the long-term average.

Korea JoongAng Daily

Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL

Bank of England warns on micro-aggressions

The Bank of England has warned that micro-aggressions in the workplace can lead to serious health issues for ethnic minorities, including heart disease and diabetes. A presentation obtained by The Telegraph highlights research linking racism and discrimination to chronic illnesses. The training materials encourage employees to report micro-aggressions, such as inappropriate comments about race. A Bank spokesman said: "This optional training . . . is one of several ways we look to support our staff." The initiative aims to foster an inclusive work environment and address reported disparities in treatment.

The Sunday Telegraph

Saudi Arabia loosens alcohol restrictions

Saudi Arabia is set to open two new alcohol stores, including one for non-Muslim staff at Aramco, as part of ongoing reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These outlets, located in Dhahran and Jeddah, mark a significant shift in the Kingdom's approach to alcohol, which has been heavily restricted for decades. The Dhahran store will cater to non-Muslims working for Aramco, while the Jeddah store will serve non-Muslim diplomats. "We do understand that some of the international travellers want to enjoy alcohol when they visit the Saudi destinations but nothing has changed yet", said Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb. The new stores are expected to open in 2026, furthering the Kingdom's efforts to attract tourists and diversify its economy.

Reuters

ABN Amro to axe 5,200 jobs

Dutch lender ABN Amro plans to reduce its workforce by 5,200 full-time positions by 2028 as part of a new financial strategy aimed at improving profitability. Chief executive Marguerite Bérard said: "I understand that changes to our cost base, especially reducing FTEs, bring uncertainty for our colleagues. We are fully committed to supporting everyone affected." The bank aims to achieve half of the cuts through attrition, with the remainder being layoffs. ABN Amro has already eliminated over 1,000 jobs this year.

NL Times

OTHER

Thai woman found alive in coffin

A woman in Thailand astonished temple staff when she was discovered alive in her coffin, just before her scheduled cremation. Pairat Soodthoop, the temple's general and financial affairs manager, recounted: “I was a bit surprised, so I asked them to open the coffin, and everyone was startled.” The 65-year-old woman had been bedridden for two years and was believed to have stopped breathing two days prior. Her brother transported her 300 miles to the temple for cremation, but heard a faint knock from the coffin, prompting an investigation. The temple manager confirmed it would cover the woman's medical expenses after she was sent to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The Baltimore Sun

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