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APAC Edition
13th February 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Hong Kong executives lag in AI adoption

Only 14% of executives in Hong Kong frequently use AI, according to a McKinsey & Company survey. In contrast, nearly 70% of white-collar workers engage with AI daily. Arthur Shek, managing partner at McKinsey, noted that this gap hinders enterprise-wide adoption. He said: "Employees need to see reinforcing behaviours from their leaders to change." The survey also revealed that while 88% of respondents felt AI boosted productivity, concerns about data privacy and insufficient training remain significant barriers.
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HIRING

Fee imposed on H-1B workers 'may not significantly hinder their hiring'

The National Bureau of Economic Research, in a study by economist George Borjas, has found that the $100,000 US fee on H-1B workers may not significantly affect hiring practices. The research paper noted that since these high-skill workers typically earn more than $100,000 annually, the employer would still find it advantageous to hire them since "the average payroll savings resulting from a single H-1B hire nears $100,000 over the term of the six-year visa term."
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LEGAL

China issues labour guidance for platform firms

China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, alongside six other departments, has issued new guidelines to protect workers in the gig economy. The initiative targets companies including Meituan, Didi Chuxing, and YTO Express. Authorities emphasised the need for these firms to fulfil their employer responsibilities and enhance labour management practices. The government said it aims to stabilise and expand employment by safeguarding the rights of individuals engaged in flexible work arrangements. "We will do more to protect the rights and interests of people in new forms of employment," a spokesperson said.
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TECHNOLOGY

AIS launches Thailand's first AI hub

Advanced Info Service (AIS) has introduced AISpace, Thailand's first artificial intelligence hub, integrating global AI partners to enhance digital capabilities. The hub offers a variety of AI solutions for individuals and enterprises, including services from SparkChat, Alisa AI, Microsoft 365, and Google Gemini. Saran Phaloprakarn, head of the mobile and consumer product business unit at AIS, said: "AISpace curates AI technologies from world-class partners in one place." A PwC survey revealed that 72% of Thai respondents used AI in their jobs last year, surpassing the global average of 54%.

Cadence unveils 'virtual chip engineer'

Cadence has rolled out the ChipStack AI Super Agent to help automate and speed chip design work, where teams can spend up to 70% of their time writing and testing code. The AI agent builds a “mental model” of a design, then tests and fixes issues using Cadence tools. Cadence said some tasks are up to 10x faster, with early users including Nvidia, Altera and Tenstorrent. Cadence's Paul Cunningham said the company aims to “rent you virtual engineers.”
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WORKPLACE

Viral workplace pranks plague Japanese businesses

Psychologists warn that the pursuit of online fame is driving a surge in baito tero, or workplace pranks, among part-time employees in Japan. A report by Tokyo-based human resources provider Mynavi predicts that nearly 25% of Japanese companies will be affected this year. Incidents often surface on social media, with examples including employees engaging in reckless behaviour in kitchens. Takayuki Harada, a psychology professor, noted that young workers are seeking attention through these pranks, which can harm brand reputation. Companies are implementing measures including mobile phone bans to combat the trend.
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ECONOMY

Thai consumer confidence set to rise this month

Consumer confidence in Thailand is projected to improve in February and March, according to the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). The consumer confidence index increased to 52.8 in January, up from 51.9, driven by higher exports and optimism about the new government. Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the UTCC, said: "Consumers will remain cautious about spending in the first quarter." Concerns about high living costs and potential political instability persist, but hopes for effective economic stimulus remain strong.
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CULTURE

NZ retail crime advisory group to disband early

New Zealand’s Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime will be disbanded in May, four months earlier than planned, following the resignation of three of its five members and mounting criticism over its spending and internal tensions. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the early wind-up was a pragmatic decision after the departures left the group without sufficient breadth, opting not to reappoint members. While former members described an unpleasant working environment and questioned the group’s value, Mr Goldsmith defended its record, citing legislative progress on shoplifting, trespass laws and anti-social behaviour.
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INTERNATIONAL

Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population

Switzerland is to hold a referendum in June on whether to cap its population at 10m until 2050 by limiting immigration. The referendum has been triggered automatically because more than 100,000 citizens have signed a petition in support of a vote. Opponents of the move say it could threaten crucial agreements with the European Union and make it harder to attract foreign workers to fill labour shortages. The petition was promoted by the Swiss People’s Party, a right-wing party that holds roughly a third of seats in the Swiss Parliament.

Trump heckler was not disciplined and kept his job, UAW says

The Ford Motor worker who heckled President Donald Trump during his visit last month to a Michigan auto plant was not disciplined and kept his job, the United Auto Workers union has said. Thomas “TJ” Sabula shouted at Trump that he was a "paedophile protector" as the president was touring the Ford River Rouge complex in Dearborn. Trump told Sabula he would be fired, said UAW vice president Laura Dickerson, who observed: "This ain't 'The Apprentice'." She said the union supported Sabula's free speech rights and told attendees he still has his job and "has no discipline on his record."

Tesla files complaint against union member for secret recording

Tesla has filed a criminal complaint against a member of Germany's IG Metall labour union for secretly recording a works council meeting, according to a memo to staff seen by Reuters. The external IG Metall member at the meeting on Tuesday had attended as a guest and then started recording with his computer, Andre Thierig, manager of Tesla's Gruenheide plant near Berlin, said in the memo. IG Metall has said that management favours more obedient labour representation.

UAE announces reduced work hours for private sector during holy month

The UAE has announced a reduction in private sector work hours during Ramadan, cutting two hours from the typical eight to nine-hour workday. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said that companies may adopt flexible or remote work schedules within the new limits. The change aims to provide employees with more time for family, prayer, and reflection. HR experts noted that while the initial days may be challenging, the reduced hours could enhance efficiency and intentionality in work.
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OTHER

Australia confronts Roblox on child safety

Australia’s government has called a meeting with Roblox after reports of child grooming and children being exposed to graphic content on the platform. Communications Minister Anika Wells said she wrote to the company with “grave concern,” adding: “Australian parents and children expect more from Roblox.” The eSafety Commissioner said it will test Roblox’s age-based safety features and warned it could pursue penalties of up to A$49.5m if Roblox fails to comply with online child-protection laws. The statement marks a shift after Roblox rolled out age-assurance measures in 2025 aimed at limiting chats and reducing grooming risk.
 
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