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APAC Edition
28th November 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Singapore is top for talent

Singapore has secured the top position in the 2025 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), surpassing Switzerland in second place. The index highlights Singapore's strength in generalist adaptive skills, supported by a workforce proficient in soft skills and digital literacy. The US fell from 3rd to 9th place. Professor Felipe Monteiro of INSEAD noted that Singapore's robust talent ecosystem fosters adaptability and growth. He observed: "No country, however strong, is immune to disruption in the race for talent." The GTCI assessed 135 economies across various indicators.
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WORKFORCE

China promotes development in human resources services

China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has hosted the third national human resources services industry development conference in Wuhan. Zhang Wenmiao, director of the ministry's human resources flow management department, said human resources is the first and most important resource for China's socioeconomic development. "The nation's human resources services industry has experienced fast but healthy growth in recent years. So far, there are over 70,000 human resources agencies with more than 1m people working in the industry," he said.
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WORKPLACE

Daiso incident ignites debate about bullying

An incident at a Daiso store in Suncheon, South Jeolla province, has sparked public outrage about customer power abuse and workplace bullying. A video surfaced online showing a staff member kneeling and apologising to a customer after the employee warned a child about running in the store. Witnesses reported that the child's guardian reacted aggressively to the admonishment, demanding an apology. The employee, visibly distressed, followed the customer on her knees, repeatedly saying, “I'm sorry.”
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ECONOMY

Japan launches DOGE-inspired office

Japan has introduced its own version of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to address concerns over a $135bn stimulus package. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasised the need for fiscal sustainability, while Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama noted the public's interest in reducing waste. Unlike the US DOGE, Japan's initiative will consist of around 30 government officials and will focus on reviewing low-impact programmes rather than overhauling the civil service. The office is expected to be operational by 2026, influencing the budget for the fiscal year starting April 2027. “Given the times we live in, fiscal sustainability is paramount . . . it is vital that the public can see we are consistently working towards it,” Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama told a press briefing.
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RISK

Australia's Optus suffers call outage

Australian telecom company Optus reported an emergency call outage near Melbourne affecting around 14,000 users on Wednesday. The outage came two months after a broader network disruption allegedly contributed to four deaths by delaying emergency responses. Optus, owned by Singapore Telecommunications, said customers could only reach emergency services if connected to another mobile network or via WiFi. The company says it is investigating the cause of the latest incident as scrutiny of its network reliability intensifies.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Tai chi can help to combat insomnia, experts say

People with chronic insomnia could benefit from practicing the ancient art of tai chi as an alternative to talking therapies, according to a study in the British Medical Journal. The Hong Kong researchers said their study “supports the use of tai chi as an alternative approach for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults.”
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CORPORATE

HD Hyundai sails past 5,000 ships

HD Hyundai has marked a significant achievement by delivering its 5,000th ship, making it the most prolific shipbuilder in history within just 50 years. The milestone vessel, a patrol ship named Diego Silang for the Philippine Navy, boasts a range of 4,500 nautical miles. Chung Kisun, the company's chair, said: "Our 5,000-vessel milestone represents the pride of Korea’s shipbuilding industry." To maintain its momentum, HD Hyundai is investing in advanced technologies, including AI integration for shipbuilding, aiming to enhance efficiency and design processes.
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INTERNATIONAL

UK government reverses day-one dismissal protection plan

The UK government has reversed its manifesto pledge to give workers protection from unfair dismissal from their first day in a job. Instead, the right will apply after six months, following pressure from business groups and opposition in the House of Lords. Ministers said the change was necessary to prevent delays to the wider Employment Rights Bill. While the Trades Union Congress welcomed the news, Unite questioned the decision, saying the Bill was now a "shell of its former self." In a joint statement, business groups including the British Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, and the Federation of Small Businesses said the agreement "keeps a qualifying period that is simple, meaningful, and understood within existing legislation." Ministers, meanwhile, have announced that the Fair Work Agency, which will be tasked with overseeing the new rights, will be set up in 2026.

China warns citizens of mining dangers in CAR

China's embassy in the Central African Republic (CAR) has issued a warning to its citizens about the dangers of illegal gold mining. The embassy stated: "Chinese citizens engaged in gold mining operations in the Central African Republic face significant security risks." Reports indicate that Chinese nationals have been victims of violence, kidnapping, and scams. The warning comes as many seek work in CAR due to job shortages in China. The country has been in civil conflict for over a decade, making it one of the poorest yet resource-rich nations in the world.

Saudi Arabia proposes workplace dress code

Saudi Arabia is introducing a new "Code of Appearance and Conduct" that mandates specific attire for employees across all sectors. Saudi men must wear the national dress, while non-Saudi men are required to don formal suits. Women, both Saudi and non-Saudi, must dress modestly, avoiding tight or transparent clothing. Employers are to be responsible for enforcing these rules and will face penalties for non-compliance. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) said it aims to promote a unified professional image and uphold public morals in the workplace. The draft is currently open for public consultation.

Netherlands advised to hire workers from emerging countries

The Netherlands must recruit workers from emerging countries such as Indonesia and Nigeria to avert an economic downturn, according to the government advisory body WRR. With over 50% of the Dutch population aged 50 or older, many sectors are struggling to find staff. “Our prosperity depends on having sufficient workers from other countries,” WRR researcher Gijsbert Werner said. “We need people. Who else is going to build the 100,000 homes a year that we need? The goods we buy also largely come from other countries, and manufacturers here use semi-finished goods from abroad.”
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OTHER

Labubu toys drive retail growth in Kabul

Labubu toys have become a surprising success in Kabul's marketplace, reflecting a shift in Afghanistan's retail landscape. Mostafa Seerat, a local shop owner, reported selling around 400 units daily since introducing the toy six months ago. Tamim Behzad, a businessman, recognised Labubu's potential and took a risk by bringing it to Afghanistan. The toy's popularity signifies a broader cultural change, with Afghans increasingly embracing global brands. Erfan, an online retailer, highlighted how Labubu has created job opportunities, especially for women, observing: "It's about giving women an opportunity to work and grow professionally."
 
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