THE HOT STORY

Vietnam's landmark AI law is a major regulatory test for Southeast Asia

Vietnam has enacted a new law regulating AI, marking a significant shift from voluntary guidelines to binding regulations in Southeast Asia. The law requires AI providers to classify their systems by risk level and label AI-generated content. It aims to enhance accountability and transparency, similar to the European Union's AI Act. Analysts view the legislation as a potential model for the region. Saijai Liangpunsakul, the founder of Stop Online Harm, a coalition that combats online harassment campaigns, said: “Deepfakes and scams are already affecting people across the region, and governments are realising that ethical guidelines alone are not enough.”

South China Morning Post

WORKFORCE

‘Fake workers’ from North Korea use AI to exploit European companies

Cyber experts warn that a “mini army” of North Korean IT operatives is increasingly using AI to pose as workers, secure jobs and earn wages at some of Europe’s biggest companies.

Financial Times

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Women judges lead the charge for justice

Women judges worldwide are addressing the gender justice gap, despite their under-representation in courts and tribunals. A UN Women report reveals that female involvement enhances the legitimacy and responsiveness of justice systems. In the small Pacific nation of Kiribati, women hold 38% of magistrate positions and 29% of legislative roles. Ruth Cross Kwansing, Kiribati's Women's Minister, said: "When women hold the gavel, the law begins to see women too." She pointed to the need for inclusive justice systems to build equitable societies, especially in the face of climate change challenges that affect women disproportionately.

Daily Mail

HIRING

Morgan Stanley hires contract staff in Hong Kong amid deal surge

Morgan Stanley is hiring contract staff in Hong Kong for IPO due diligence amid a surge in stock listings. The move, which Reuters says is a ‌first for a Wall Street bank in the region, aims to control costs while meeting stronger demand in the Asian financial hub's ultra-competitive investment banking industry. "Their [contractors'] total package is significantly lower than a banker hired on permanent headcount. Morgan Stanley could spend less and take up more deals," a source said.

Reuters

TECHNOLOGY

China approves first brain implant for commercial use

China has approved its first-ever invasive brain-computer interface product. The approved product, by Neuracle Technology, is for a brain implant to help adult patients who are partially paralyzed due to spinal cord injury. The system - which has been cleared only for people who retain some function in their upper arm - comprises implanted brain sensors and a robotic glove, surgical tools, brain signal decoding algorithm, medical testing software and clinical management software.

Bloomberg

ECONOMY

India inflation rises slightly but remains below central bank target

India’s retail inflation increased to 3.21% year-on-year in February, up from 2.74% in January, driven by higher prices for food, personal care products and precious metals. Despite the rise, inflation remains below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% target and within its 2%–6% tolerance range. Economists warn that rising oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict could push inflation higher in coming months, though officials say current price levels remain manageable.

Reuters

STRATEGY

Eli Lilly to Invest $3bn in China to boost obesity pill

Eli Lilly plans to invest $3bn in China over the next decade to expand local production. Much of the investment will be directed to the setting up of the manufacturing of orforglipron, the firm's weight-loss pill which is currently under regulatory review in China. Bloomberg notes that Lilly is among drugmakers seeking to tap China’s increasingly sophisticated infrastructure for drug research, development and manufacturing.

Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL

BlackRock pledges $100m to train skilled workers for infrastructure boom

BlackRock is committing $100m to fund training programs for skilled trade workers in the US as part of its growing push into infrastructure investing. The initiative, called Future Builders, will support workforce development in fields such as plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and ironworking by partnering with nonprofits and training organizations. The program aims to guide workers from pre-apprenticeship through licensing. The investment comes as the world’s largest asset manager expands its focus on private infrastructure projects, including data centres, energy systems, and transportation networks. BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink has argued that aging infrastructure and rising government deficits will require trillions of dollars in private investment in the coming years. Company research suggests demand for skilled tradespeople could exceed current training capacity, potentially slowing the construction of new infrastructure. BlackRock leaders say investing in workforce development is essential to ensure that large infrastructure projects can move forward.

Wall Street Journal

Global unions urged to condemn US-Israeli aggression

Representatives from the Supreme Council of Iranian Workers Association (SCIWA) have reached out to Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Luc Triangle, Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). They condemned the recent military aggression by the USA and Israel, and have urged international support for Iranian workers affected by the conflict. The letter highlights the dire situation of workers who have lost jobs and livelihoods due to the ongoing violence, and calls for an international campaign to demand an end to the aggression and assistance for those affected.

Tehran Times

Bundesbank scraps planned return to its historic headquarters

Germany’s Bundesbank has scrapped plans to move back into its headquarters in Frankfurt, despite spending €168m on stripping asbestos from the historic office block. Germany's central bank said Wednesday it was abandoning a project to renovate the headquarters following intense criticism over costs that could spiral into the billions, and would instead move permanently to a new site. Bundesbank chief Joachim Nagel said an analysis had shown that purchasing a new building made more sense than going ahead with the overhaul. The decision was not easy, he said, observing that "many people - active and former colleagues, residents of the city and the country - have a connection to this building."

Barron's

France 24

Financial Times

OTHER

Juno Hair opening new flagship store in Ho Chi Minh City

Juno Hair, the leading premium hair salon brand in Korea, is opening a new flagship store in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The store, its eighth globally, spans five floors and 660 sq m, offering comprehensive beauty services including hair, makeup, and head spa treatments. A unique "hybrid team" of 10 Korean and 5 Vietnamese designers will deliver services tailored to local preferences, addressing the growing demand for high-quality beauty experiences in Vietnam. Juno Hair aims to establish a beauty education infrastructure through the "JUNO Academy" to train Vietnamese designers.

The Korea Times

Maeil Business Newspaper

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