THE HOT STORY

More Japanese are opposed to actively accepting foreign workers

A recent survey by The Yomiuri Shimbun and Waseda University's Institute for Advanced Social Sciences found that 60% of Japanese respondents opposed the active acceptance of foreign workers, a rise from 46% in 2024. Concerns about public safety and cultural differences were prevalent, with 68% fearing safety deterioration. Interestingly, older respondents were more supportive of foreign workers, with 61% acknowledging their role in alleviating labour shortages. Additionally, 70% prioritised national interests over international cooperation, reflecting a growing trend of nationalism, particularly among younger voters.

Straits Times

WORKPLACE

Western Australia to bring in new laws to protect retail workers

Western Australia plans to introduce retail barring orders to protect workers from violence and threatening behaviour. Premier Roger Cook said: "No-one deserves to come to work and to be assaulted, abused, mistreated." The proposed legislation aims to allow employers and unions to apply for bans against offenders, even without a criminal prosecution. Recent data from the Australian Retailers Association shows serious incidents in WA have risen by 36% since July last year, with threatening behaviour increasing by 48%. Violating a barring order could lead to a maximum five years' imprisonment.

West Australian

HIRING

More Singapore employers plan to freeze hiring

According to a survey by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), a growing number of employers are preparing for hiring freezes and wage moderation in 2026. The survey revealed that 72% of respondents anticipate an uncertain business outlook, up from 58% in 2024. Nearly 58% plan to freeze headcount. Additionally, 48% intend to implement wage moderation. SNEF chief executive Hao Shuo noted that despite these challenges, many employers remain committed to investing in lower-wage workers to build a resilient workforce.

Business Times SG

LEGAL

South Korea expands employment insurance coverage

The South Korean government has revised its Employment Insurance Act to include gig and platform workers. The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) approved these amendments, which will take effect on 1 January 2027. Previously, only workers with a minimum of 15 hours per week could enrol. Now, eligibility will be based on monthly pay standards. This change allows delivery drivers, freelancers, and other special-type workers to access employment insurance. The premium collection method will also shift from average monthly pay to actual pay, based on income reported to the National Tax Service, said MOEL.

Asia Insurance Review

Beijing boosts foreign dispute resolution

Beijing is seeking to enhance the quality and efficiency of its handling of foreign-related cases to attract international commercial dispute resolution. Li Yanhong, vice-president of the Beijing High People's Court, reported that the Beijing International Commercial Tribunal has resolved over 6,000 disputes since its establishment in December 2021. The tribunal has engaged mediators with international experience and provided legal support for arbitration. Additionally, the courts are improving services including online case filing to facilitate smoother business operations during disputes.

Chinadaily US Edition

ECONOMY

China aims to boost consumer spending with new school holiday

Chinese local authorities have introduced autumn school breaks in at least 27 cities to stimulate consumer spending, with early data showing strong travel demand. Foshan's pilot scheme led to a 50% surge in local travel, with hotel bookings up 68% in Zhejiang and 92% in Sichuan. If adopted nationwide, the policy could boost annual consumption by up to $50bn.

Bloomberg

TECHNOLOGY

Allowing AI to train itself is 'the biggest decision'

Anthropic chief scientist Jared Kaplan has warned that humanity will face a critical decision by 2030 over whether to allow AI systems to autonomously train themselves. Kaplan is urging governments and society to engage in what he called "the biggest decision," as frontier AI firms race toward artificial general intelligence. While AI could dramatically boost productivity, healthcare, and scientific research, Kaplan stresses the existential risks if machines begin to self-improve beyond human oversight. He also predicts that AI will soon be capable of performing most white-collar work, fundamentally reshaping education and employment.

The Guardian

Alibaba launches Quark AI Glasses

Chinese tech and ecommerce giant Alibaba Group has launched its Quark AI Glasses, with a range of versions of both the flagship S1 model, starting at 3,799 yuan ($537), and the stripped-down G1 model, starting at 1,899 yuan. Alibaba vice-president Wu Jia said AI glasses "are the intelligent devices that truly usher in a revolution in human-computer interaction in the AI era," adding that their "importance is no less than that of mobile phones." The Quark AI Glasses are set to compete with the higher-priced Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, priced from $799.

South China Morning Post

INTERNATIONAL

Starbucks settles NYC labour law violation claims

Starbucks has agreed to pay approximately $35m to over 15,000 New York City workers as part of a settlement addressing claims of unstable schedules and arbitrary hour reductions. The company will also incur $3.4m in civil penalties under the agreement with the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. The settlement ensures compliance with the city's Fair Workweek law, and underscores the importance of stable working conditions. Starbucks said in a statement that the law was “notoriously challenging for businesses to navigate.” The company said that the violations were “about compliance” and “not about withholding wages or failing to pay partners.”

The Baltimore Sun

New York Times

Reuters

German firms divided on how to deal with far-right AfD

Several German companies are withdrawing from the business association Die Familienunternehmer after its decision to engage with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The association's president, Marie-Christine Ostermann, said that dialogue is essential to challenge the AfD's policies. However, backlash from members has been significant, with companies including Rossmann and Vorwerk announcing their exits from the association. Verdi union leader Frank Werneke has warned of historical parallels, and urged businesses to distance themselves from right-wing extremism.

Deutsche Welle (EN)

OTHER

Ikea Auckland opening set to trigger major traffic delays

Ikea's first New Zealand store opens this week in Auckland, and officials are warning motorists to expect heavy congestion, including 40-minute queues off the motorway and up to an hour's wait for parking. Auckland Transport says the opening could affect travel times across the wider network for weeks or even months, with surrounding streets in Mt Wellington also facing significant delays. Traffic authorities will actively manage signals and diversions to help ease congestion.

New Zealand Herald

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