Human Times

APAC Edition

19th January 2026

THE HOT STORY

Korean workers face cognitive decline crisis

Korean workers are experiencing a faster decline in cognitive skills with age compared to peers in other advanced economies, according to the Korea Development Institute (KDI). The KDI's report, based on the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), revealed that younger Korean workers ranked high in numeracy and literacy in 2011–2012 but fell to average levels by 2022–2023. The report noted that older workers in Korea scored significantly lower than younger counterparts, raising concerns about productivity as the population shrinks. Kim Min-sub from KDI emphasised the need for wage systems that reward skill development.

Korea Joongang Daily

REPORT

Benchmark pay, skills and satisfaction in your contact centre

Get a clear view of how contact centres across APAC are staffing, paying and supporting their teams. Based on ICMI’s 2023 State of the Contact Center Experience study, this report brings together practical data on salaries, skills, technology use, and both employee and customer satisfaction.

Built for HR and contact centre leaders, it shows where organisations are investing, where gaps are emerging, and how experience metrics are being measured today. Use the insights to inform workforce planning, budgeting, and hiring decisions, with evidence rather than assumptions.

If you’re shaping headcount, reviewing pay structures, or planning for the year ahead, this report gives you a solid benchmark for decision-making in a fast-changing contact centre landscape.

Download the report

HEALTH & SAFETY

China's workplace safety sees improvement

In 2025, China reported over 19,800 workplace safety accidents, resulting in more than 18,000 fatalities, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. Both figures decreased by over 7% compared to the previous year. Shen Zhanli, the ministry's spokeswoman, noted that nine major accidents caused 129 deaths. Additionally, natural disasters affected 67.03m people, leading to 763 deaths or missing persons and economic losses of 241.6bn yuan. Chen Sheng, head of disaster relief, stated that the government activated emergency responses 24 times, the highest in nearly a decade, to support affected communities.

Chinadaily US Edition

WORKFORCE

India's urban unemployment rises as rural stays steady

In December, India's unemployment rate for those aged 15 and above rose slightly to 4.8% from 4.7% in November. The rural unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9%, while urban unemployment increased to 6.7% from 6.5%. Rishi Shah, partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, said: "Recent labour market data suggests a gradual normalisation rather than any softening." The labour force participation rate (LFPR) rose to 56.1%, with rural areas seeing an increase to 59%. The survey included data from 373,990 individuals across India.

The Times of India

Livemint.com

Chandigarh's workforce thrives in services

Chandigarh's economy is increasingly service-oriented, with 77.9% of its workforce engaged in this sector as of 2023-24, according to NITI Aayog. This marks a rise from 76.6% in 2011-12, significantly above the national average of 29.7%. Women are particularly prominent, with 92% employed in services, compared to 60% nationally. Naveen Manglani, vice-president of the Chamber of Chandigarh Industries, said: "For women in the city, most of the job opportunities are in the service sector." The growth is supported by micro, small and medium enterprises, with women-led units increasing from 833 in 2020-21 to 5,836 in 2023-24.

The Times of India

TECHNOLOGY

GCCs: the new powerhouses of innovation

India's Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem is evolving from cost-efficient back offices to strategic hubs for innovation and technology development. With over 1,800 GCCs employing 1.9m people, their role in shaping India's tech landscape is significant. Neeti Sharma, chief executive of TeamLease Digital, noted that hiring is now more selective, focusing on capability rather than volume. The GCCs are expected to grow to $110bn by 2030, reflecting their importance in high-value work and strategic decision-making. As they advance, GCCs are set to redefine India's position in the global tech arena.

The Times of India

ECONOMY

Sydney's economy set for transformation

Sydney's economic landscape is poised for significant change over the next decade, according to KPMG economist Terry Rawnsley. He predicts that the opening of new metro rail lines will decentralise the labour market, dispersing jobs across various centres rather than concentrating them in the CBD. While traditional sectors like finance will remain, growth is expected in healthcare, logistics, and construction. The NSW Productivity Commission's report highlights that AI will transform job types and skills needed, potentially boosting the economy by 11.8% by 2035 despite demographic challenges.

Sydney Morning Herald

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Rising costs threaten group insurance stability

More employees in Hong Kong are seeking coverage for minor day procedures under group medical insurance, leading to a projected 15% increase in employers' premiums this year. The Hong Kong Employee Medical Insurance Index, published by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and GUM, revealed a 13.9% rise in the inpatient plan utilisation index. Minor procedures now account for 82% of inpatient cases. GUM chief executive Gloria Siu warned that this trend could increase costs for serious illness cover. Experts suggest that employers should consult insurers and promote health education to manage rising premiums.

South China Morning Post

Return to office fuels health risks

In Singapore, many workers, like communications professional Sathiya Sundar, experience a stark contrast between office and home workdays. Office days extend to 10.5 hours, often leading to unhealthy habits, while home days allow for better routines. As hybrid work becomes less common, rising office attendance raises health concerns, particularly with obesity rates increasing. The National Population Health Survey reported a rise in obesity, especially among younger adults. Experts stress that workplace culture significantly influences health behaviours, urging employers to adopt holistic well-being strategies to combat these trends. Dr Nitya Venkiteswaran noted: "Reduced insulin effectiveness matters because it makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels."

Business Times SG

REMUNERATION

Cruise line faces wage scandal

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) claims that Carnival Cruise Line pays its crew as little as A$2.50 an hour, despite operating in Australian waters. The union alleges that a legal exemption allows foreign-flagged ships to bypass Australian labour laws. MUA national secretary Shane Reside said whistleblowers reported long hours and low wages, with some crew working up to 12 hours daily without days off. Carnival has denied these claims, stating that its wages meet international standards and that the MUA's accusations are baseless. Reside calls for higher pay and permanent jobs for workers.

Yahoo News Australia

HIRING

McKinsey seeks creative minds in hiring

McKinsey & Company is shifting its hiring strategy to include liberal arts graduates, aiming to enhance creativity within its workforce. Bob Sternfels, the global managing partner, stated: "We're looking more at liberal arts majors, whom we had deprioritised, as potential sources of creativity." This change coincides with the firm's increasing integration of AI, as it now assesses candidates' ability to work with its AI tool, Lilli, during interviews. McKinsey's workforce is expected to evolve, with a significant rise in AI agents, from 3,000 to potentially 20,000 in the next 18 months.

Livemint.com

PRODUCTIVITY

Tech updates driving office stress

Office workers are increasingly frustrated by frequent software updates that disrupt productivity. An anonymous IT expert from Adelaide noted that companies are prioritising security due to rising cyber threats, leading to more updates. Professor Asif Gil from Sydney's University of Technology highlighted that new features often overshadow usability, causing misalignment with business goals. He warned that as AI-generated code becomes more prevalent, users may face even more frequent updates. "If the updates were driving users crazy," he said, "people could expect more of them and even more frequently."

ABC Online

Citibank Korea launches Citi AI platform

Citibank Korea has fully deployed its new artificial intelligence platform, Citi AI, across the organisation. The initiative was highlighted during Citi AI Days, where employees showcased practical applications of the platform. Designed with a human-led approach, Citi AI aims to enhance decision-making and efficiency while reducing repetitive tasks. The bank plans to integrate AI into client support and talent development. Chief executive Yoo Myung-Soon noted improvements in productivity and collaboration, emphasising the commitment to responsible AI use.

The Korea Times

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Chearavanont crowned CEO of the Year 2025

Suphachai Chearavanont, chief executive of Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, received the CEO of the Year 2025 award at the CEO Awards 2025, organised by Krungthep Turakij and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. He emphasised the importance of leadership during crises, drawing from his experiences during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Suphachai proposed strategies to position Thailand as a regional hub and enhance its digital economy.

The Nation

INTERNATIONAL

Aid workers acquitted after long trial

In a landmark ruling, a Greek court acquitted 24 aid workers, including Sara Mardini and Sean Binder, of charges related to rescuing migrants on Lesbos. The volunteers, who worked for the Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) from 2015 to 2018, faced accusations of human trafficking and other offences. Presiding judge Vassilis Papathanassiou stated: "All defendants are acquitted of the charges" as their actions were aimed at providing humanitarian aid. Prosecutor Dimitris Smyrnis noted that "no independent basis establishing the criminal liability of the defendants has been demonstrated." Amnesty International welcomed the decision, urging protection for humanitarian efforts.

BBC News

Denmark's seniors embrace longer working lives

Denmark is witnessing a significant rise in the number of seniors working beyond retirement age, now exceeding 100,000. This trend is attributed to tax breaks, flexible working options, and supportive government policies. Employment Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek noted that changes in pension rules have made it "more economically attractive" for seniors to remain in the workforce. Jesper Rangvid, a finance professor, highlighted the appeal of tax-free bonuses for older workers. Despite the benefits, the government acknowledges that not all seniors can continue working until the state pension age of 70.

The Daily Telegraph

AND FINALLY...

Secrets of a century-long career

Walter Orthmann, who worked for 84 years at the RenauxView company, shared his secrets to longevity in the workplace. He emphasised the importance of "staying curious, learning constantly, and really doing what you love." Walter advised maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress, stating: "Don't get nervous, do everything laughing." His colleagues viewed him as a mentor, appreciating his kindness and leadership. Born in Brazil in 1922, Walter began working at 15 to support his family and adapted through various roles until his retirement at 102 in August 2024.

Diario AS

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe