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APAC Edition
24th December 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Japan to overhaul foreign labour system

Japan is set to reform its foreign labour policies amid a pressing need for workers and rising public concern about immigration. The government plans to limit the number of trainees under the "Employment for Skill Development" programme to approximately 426,000 in its first two years, starting in fiscal 2027. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration aims to replace the Technical Intern Training Programme with this new framework, which will encourage foreign workers to transition to Specified Skilled Worker status after three years. The plan could accept around 1.23m foreign workers by 2029, covering 17 sectors.
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LEGAL

Samsung employees indicted for tech theft

Former employees of Samsung Electronics have been indicted for leaking vital technology to ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a Chinese DRAM chipmaker. Prosecutors allege that the stolen 18-nanometer DRAM process technology, classified as a national core technology, enabled CXMT to mass-produce 10-nanometer-class DRAM. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office indicted ten individuals, including five under detention, for violating trade secret protection laws. The prosecution estimates that the economic damage could reach tens of trillions of won, significantly impacting Samsung's revenue in 2024. "We will continue to respond strictly to overseas illegal technology leaks," prosecutors said.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Pakistan highlights $38bn annual remittances

On International Migrants Day last week, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, hailed over 12m overseas Pakistanis as a "valuable national asset." He said their remittances, exceeding $38bn annually, are vital for the nation's economy. Sharif emphasised the need for skills training, saying that success in the global economy requires technical expertise and social skills. The government is aligning vocational training with international standards and promoting diverse skills development. He noted that through partnerships, Pakistan aims to ensure international recognition of these workers' skills and protect their rights.
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HIRING

Uniqlo's owner raises graduate pay amid inflation concerns

Fast Retailing Co., the parent company of Uniqlo, has announced a 12% increase in base salaries for new graduates in Japan, aimed at attracting and retaining talent in an inflationary environment. Starting in March, annual pay for graduates in management-track programmes will rise to approximately ¥5.9m (around $37,400). The move reflects the ongoing challenges facing Japanese workers as they cope with rising living costs.
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TAX

Indonesia targets wealthy for year-end tax boost

Indonesia is intensifying its scrutiny of wealthy individuals and large businesses to address a significant revenue shortfall before the year's end. The initiative has heightened anxiety among affluent Indonesians, who perceive it as a crackdown under President Prabowo Subianto. Kevin O'Rourke of Jakarta-based consultancy Reformasi Information Services, said last minute “last-ditch efforts to reach revenue targets tend to take place around this time most years,” adding: “It would be understandable if these efforts are particularly assertive this year, given the shortfall in collections to date.”
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TECHNOLOGY

Indians are among the highest AI adopters globally

According to the ‘EY 2025 Work Reimagined Survey', 86% of employees in India believe AI enhances productivity. The report reveals that 62% of Indians regularly use Generative AI (GenAI) at work. Additionally, 75% of employees and 72% of employers feel GenAI improves decision-making. India leads globally with an ‘AI Advantage' score of 53, significantly above the global average of 34. Anurag Malik, Partner and National Leader - People Consulting at EY India, noted: "India has made strong strides in AI adoption." However, learning hours for AI skills remain limited, with many employees spending fewer than 40 hours annually on training.

Grab acquires Chinese AI and robotics firm

Singapore-based Grab Holdings Ltd has acquired Chinese AI and robotics firm Infermove to support its expansion in autonomous food delivery. Grab told Bloomberg News that Infermove's technology will complement Grab's existing first- and last-mile delivery capabilities.
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INTERNATIONAL

Business group's challenge to Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee is rejected

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, D.C. has rejected a challenge from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers conflicts with federal immigration law and will lead many employers to cut jobs and the services they provide to the public. "The parties’ vigorous debate over the ultimate wisdom of this political judgment is not within the province of the courts," wrote Howell, an appointee of Democratic former President Barack Obama. "So long as the actions dictated by the policy decision and articulated in the Proclamation fit within the confines of the law, the Proclamation must be upheld."

Telefonica to shed up to 5,500 jobs in Spain

Telefonica will reduce its workforce in Spain by up to 5,500 jobs under a voluntary departure plan agreed with trade unions. This represents nearly 25% of its 25,000 employees in the country. The company, which employs 100,000 globally, aims to focus on its core markets, including Spain, Germany, the UK, and Brazil. Telefonica said: "An agreement was reached with the trade unions . . . concerning the implementation of a voluntary departure plan for approximately 5,500 workers." The restructuring plan is expected to cost around €2.5bn before taxes.

Louvre Museum boosts security after heist

The Louvre Museum in Paris has installed security bars on the balcony used by burglars who stole jewels worth $102m on October 19. The heist lasted less than seven minutes. The museum also acknowledged inadequate security camera coverage and is now implementing other changes, including a mobile police presence and 100 additional cameras. "The Louvre is learning all the lessons from the theft of October 19," the museum said. Police have identified eight suspects, but the stolen jewels remain missing.
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OTHER

Eateries in Singapore face tough times

In Singapore, over 3,000 eateries closed last year, marking the highest number since 2005. The city-state is known for its competitive dining market, where new food and beverage chains can quickly gain attention but often struggle to maintain success. Chick-fil-A, the third-largest fast-food chain in the US, recently opened its first Asia outlet at Bugis+ on December 11, attracting long queues. However, industry analysts warn that initial popularity does not guarantee long-term viability. Chris Wang, an IT worker, noted: "If I patronise a store regularly and one day I go down and the food is not nice . . . then I probably won't go back."
 
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