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APAC Edition
22nd December 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Tech firms warns staff with US visas against international travel

Google, Microsoft and Apple are advising some employees on US work visas to avoid international travel due to delays of up to a year for visa stamping appointments at embassies. Immigration law firms representing the companies said the delays stem from new social media screening requirements, and warn that staff risk being stranded outside the US if appointments are postponed. "While in the past the emphasis may have been on processing cases quickly and reducing wait times, our embassies and consulates around the world, including in India, are now prioritising thoroughly vetting each visa case above all else," a spokesperson for the Department of State told Business Insider.
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TECHNOLOGY

HR conference discusses talent in the AI era

The fifth China Talent Momentum Conference took place in Shanghai on Friday, gathering over 100 leaders from global enterprises, academia, and human resources. Pan Shumin, director of Xuhui district's overseas Chinese affairs office, emphasised the need for effective talent recruitment and workforce quality. Wang Xiangdao, CEO of MoSeeker, discussed the future of work, highlighting the importance of both quantity and quality in talent development. Ma Nuo from Goodyear Asia Pacific shared insights on personal growth during change, while Yang Tao from Ant Group addressed the evolving role of HR in AI transformation.

South Korea to become first country to enforce AI law

South Korea will implement the AI Framework Act on January 22, 2026, establishing a national AI committee and a three-year AI plan. The law mandates safety and transparency rules, including disclosure obligations for certain AI systems. Industry sources expressed concern that these regulations may hinder growth, particularly among start-ups. An official from the Korea Internet Corporations Association said: "Companies may not have sufficient time to prepare for the new rules."
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LEGAL

India launches new rural employment law

India has launched the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This new law guarantees 125 days of employment per rural household, up from 100 days. It focuses on infrastructure development across four key areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related assets, and climate-resilient projects. Officials say the VB-G RAM G Act aims to improve transparency and outcomes, addressing weaknesses in MGNREGA. "This modern, infrastructure-focused system will enhance rural livelihoods," an official said.

North Korean restaurant staff exit Beijing

North Korean workers have returned home in large numbers from Beijing. The exodus began in late November, likely due to tightened visa controls by China. North Korean restaurants in the city are struggling to adapt, hiring Chinese staff or halting the serving of North Korean dishes. "There is information suggesting that employees at North Korean restaurants in China have made use of student or training visas. It is also possible that Chinese authorities have tightened visa controls," the Kyodo news service said.
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ECONOMY

Sentiment slides among Australia's consumers

Australia's consumer sentiment declined 9% to 94.5 in December, according to a Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey, a month after rising above 100 and turning positive for the first time in four years. The economic outlook for the next 12 months sub-index dropped 9.7% to 94.6.
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INTERNATIONAL

EEOC urges white men to report discrimination

Andrea Lucas, chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), has called on white men to report experiences of workplace discrimination based on race or sex. “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex? You may have a claim to recover money under federal civil rights laws,” Lucas, a vocal critic of DEI, wrote on social media platform X. The post urged eligible workers to reach out to the agency “as soon as possible" and referred users to an EEOC fact sheet on “DEI-related discrimination” for more information. David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at the NYU School of Law, said the posts were indicative of a “fundamental misunderstanding of what DEI is,” observing that opponents of DEI “tend to frame it as a set of illegal preferences . . . [but] It's really much more about creating a culture in which you get the most out of everyone who you're bringing on board, where everyone experiences fairness and equal opportunity, including white men and members of other groups.”

VW management to continue cost cutting

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has said Europe's largest carmaker will continue to cut costs as the company seeks to remain competitive in the face of sector-wide challenges. "The task now is to continue to consistently reduce our costs in order to remain competitive in the long term," Blume said. Volkswagen CFO Arno Antlitz said the German automaker must generate more revenue with fewer resources. "This requires even stricter cost management and investment discipline . . . We need more Group synergies, less complexity and a strengthening of our market position in the USA and other regions outside Europe," Antlitz said..

Louvre reopens fully after staff vote to suspend strike

The Louvre reopened on Friday after museum staff voted against continuing their strike over working conditions. Union leaders said staff had voted against another day of stoppages but warned of future industrial action because of "insufficient progress" in talks with management and the culture ministry. 
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OTHER

Bangkok retains title as most visited city

Bangkok has been named the world's most visited city for 2025, attracting over 30.3m international arrivals, according to the Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Index. Despite ranking 20th in overall attractiveness, the city excels in visitor volume, surpassing competitors including Hong Kong and London. Key factors driving its popularity include vibrant culture, renowned cuisine, and a strong post-pandemic recovery.
 
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