Human Times

APAC Edition

8th January 2026

THE HOT STORY

Japanese companies play Cupid to prevent burnout

Japanese companies are introducing corporate-only dating apps to help retain workers at risk of burnout amid labour shortages. These apps allow employees to connect with supportive partners from other vetted firms. “Single employees don't say anything, but they are under strain,” said Yuichiro Kayano, general manager of the career design promotion department at credit card company Orico. One such app, Aill goen, has been adopted by over 1,500 companies including Toyota. Participation is limited to employers that meet criteria such as having established childcare leave systems and policies to promote women's participation in the workplace. These companies aim to match workers with partners from similarly supportive working environments.

South China Morning Post

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SUSTAINABILITY

Trump withdraws US from 66 international organisations

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing US departments to end participation in and funding for 31 United Nations entities and 35 non-UN organisations "as soon as possible." The entities include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The move is seen as likely to diminish the US role in addressing greenhouse gas emissions. The orders were signed on Wednesday after a review into causes that the White House said were "a waste of taxpayer dollars". "These withdrawals will end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over US priorities," it said in a statement.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Singapore's AI bootcamp aims to retrain 35,000 bankers

The banking sector in Singapore is rapidly adopting AI technology. Singapore's Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said major banks including DBS, OCBC, and UOB aim to retrain 35,000 staff over the next one to two years. “The government is doing something about it because they realise that this capability and this change is actually infusing potentially a lot of fear,” said Violet Chung, a senior partner at McKinsey & Co. “Given what we've seen in other markets like the US where we're seeing much more aggressive job cuts and reductions, the government is essentially aware that we need to do something as a country to do something for these leading companies.”

Straits Times

CYBERSECURITY

China hacked email systems of US congressional committee staff

China has hacked the emails used by congressional staff on powerful committees in the US House of Representatives, as part of a massive cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon.

Financial Times

WORKFORCE

Gig workers in India fight for fair treatment and benefits

Millions of informal workers in India rely on app-based platforms, facing precarious conditions in the gig economy. Raju Kumar, a delivery worker for Zomato, highlighted the lack of job security, observing: "All it requires is one customer complaint . . . and I am out without notice." Workers like Santosh Pawar and Priya Sharma echoed such sentiments, expressing frustration over arbitrary account suspensions and inadequate support during injuries. Labour groups are advocating for minimum income and better protections, while the Indian government has introduced new labour laws to improve conditions for gig workers.

Deutsche Welle (EN)

LEGAL

Kelantan issues gold panning licences

Kelantan, Malaysia, is set to issue licences for small-scale gold panning, a move aimed at supporting low-income residents. The state government opened applications on January 1, allowing locals to pan for gold in designated areas. Nik Raisnan Daud, the land and mines director, said: "The state government believes low-income earners can still take part in this activity." Gold prices have surged, with 916 gold trading at about 565.77 ringgit (US$120) per gram. The initiative seeks to provide economic relief while ensuring safety and environmental controls.

South China Morning Post

TECHNOLOGY

Neuralink to begin mass production of brain implants in 2026

Elon Musk has announced that Neuralink is set to commence "high-volume production" of its brain-computer interface devices in 2026, transitioning to fully automated surgical processes. These implants aim to assist individuals with severe conditions, including spinal cord injuries, allowing them to control digital devices through thought. Since the start of human trials in 2024, twelve patients have successfully used the implants for various tasks, following initial safety concerns that delayed their development.

Reuters

ECONOMY

Australia's inflation slows to 3.4%, easing immediate rate hike pressure

Australia's consumer inflation eased to 3.4% in the year to November, below economist expectations and down from 3.8% in October, reducing pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates at its February meeting. Trimmed mean inflation edged down to 3.2%, though both headline and core measures remain above the RBA’s 2%–3% target, leaving a rate rise still possible. The slowdown was driven largely by falling electricity inflation and softer goods and services prices.

ABC News

News.com.au

Wall Street Journal

INTERNATIONAL

Europe braces for more travel chaos

Travellers across Europe are facing significant disruptions due to a severe cold snap. In Paris, authorities have mandated a 40% cancellation of flights at Charles de Gaulle airport. Dutch airline KLM has cancelled 600 flights to manage the situation. In the Netherlands, public transport is severely affected, and people are advised to stay home. The cold snap is expected to worsen, with heavy snowfall predicted, impacting travel across multiple countries. "We haven't experienced such extreme weather conditions in years," KLM spokesperson Anoesjka Aspeslagh said.

France 24

Hasbro trains execs with board game

Toy giant Hasbro has created “Toy Tycoon,” a strategic simulation game used to train rising leaders by making them chief executives for a day. Conceived by CEO Chris Cocks, the game mimics real-world business challenges - licensing decisions, innovation investment, and managing market shifts. “It gave me a much broader perspective of what it takes to run a business,” said participant Kate Fakonas. Played at Hasbro’s headquarters, it blends board game tactics with digital tools to build brand strategy, manage resources, and weather disruptions, ultimately teaching participants about risk, adaptability, and leadership style.

Wall Street Journal

OTHER

Weight lost on medications 'likely to be regained in under two years'

People who stop taking anti-obesity drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro will within two years return to their original weight and forfeit benefits to the heart, cholesterol levels and blood pressure, a review of studies suggests. A research paper published in the British Medical Journal analysed data from more than 9,000 people from 37 studies.

CBC News

Financial Times

Sydney Morning Herald

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