Human Times

APAC Edition

31st March 2026

THE HOT STORY

Employee disengagement is affecting Singapore business

Over 80% of employers in Singapore report that employee disengagement is impacting their business, according to a survey by recruitment agency Robert Walters. The survey revealed that 65% of workers experience so-called "quiet cracking," a state whereby employees appear present but struggle internally due to pressure and job uncertainty. The phenomenon can, it is claimed, lead to a decline in well-being and productivity. Kirsty Poltock, country manager of Robert Walters Singapore, emphasised the need for leaders to care for their employees to foster a motivated work environment. The report warns of a potential "engagement recession" in 2026 if these issues are not addressed.

Business Times SG

HIRING

Unilever freezes hiring as Iran war poses ‘significant challenges’

Unilever is freezing hiring for at least three months. The company, which owns brands such as Dove soap and Hellman’s mayonnaise, told staff the ban on hiring will affect “all levels” of recruitment and was taken in response to the “significant challenges” posed by the crisis in the Middle East. "Macro economic and geopolitical realities, especially in the Middle East conflict . . . bring some significant challenges for the coming few months," Fabian Garcia, head of Unilever's personal care business, wrote in a memo. "With this in mind, the Unilever Leadership Executive team has agreed a global recruitment freeze at all levels. This will be effective immediately and last for a minimum of three months."

WORKFORCE

Singapore's delivery riders face high injury rates

Delivery riders in Singapore face high injury rates driven by customer expectations and financial incentives. A report from the Ministry of Manpower revealed that in 2025, delivery riders accounted for the majority of injuries among platform workers. Mr Leck Jun You, a former rider, noted the risks of rushing for earnings, saying: "It's only natural that riders try to take on more jobs." A workgroup has been formed to explore solutions, including improving safety measures and incentivising safe practices, with support from companies such as Grab and Foodpanda.

Straits Times

REGULATION

China launches World Data Organization

China has inaugurated the World Data Organization (WDO) in Beijing in a bid to enhance global data governance and cooperation. President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of data as a key resource for innovation. The WDO seeks to address regulatory divergence that complicates operations for companies worldwide. Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted China's commitment to advancing digital technology and data resource utilisation. The WDO has attracted 233 members, including major corporations and institutions. Rong Ke from Tsinghua University said that the WDO will complement existing frameworks by fostering collaboration and aligning standards.

China Daily US Edition

Australia threatens to sue social media giants citing teen ban breaches

Australia is investigating Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for possible breaches of the country's under-16 social media ban. "Australia's world-leading social media laws are not failing. But big tech is failing to obey the laws," Communications Minister Anika Wells said. "Australia will not let the social media giants take us for mugs." Reuters notes that governments around the world are watching Australia's moves to rein in the tech giants. "We are now moving ⁠into an enforcement stance," said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

Reuters

The Star (Malaysia)

LEGAL

Cambodia adopts scam centre law

Cambodia's lawmakers have unanimously passed new legislation aimed at combating proliferating online scam operations which have turned the country into a global cybercrime hub. Justice Minister Keut Rith said: "These crimes threaten public security and significantly damage Cambodia's global reputation." The legislation introduces severe penalties, including life imprisonment for serious offences, and is part of a broader government initiative to shut down scam centres by the end of April. Since July, authorities have targeted 250 suspected locations, shutting down 200 and launching 79 legal cases against nearly 700 individuals involved. However, experts such as Jacob Sims, a visiting fellow at Harvard University's Asia Center, have expressed scepticism, noting that previous crackdowns often failed due to the persistence of financial networks that support these operations. The law awaits Senate review and final approval by King Norodom Sihamoni.

U.S. News

TECHNOLOGY

AI to widen economic divide between countries, Moody’s warns

A Moody’s Ratings report highlights that AI is set to boost global productivity by around 1.5% annually, but with uneven benefits, as advanced economies could see gains closer to 2% compared to roughly 1% in emerging markets due to stronger infrastructure, skills, and digital access. The research warns that AI will reshape labour markets through both job augmentation and displacement, with up to one-third of workers in advanced economies and nearly a quarter in emerging markets at risk - particularly in mid-level clerical and administrative roles, where women are disproportionately represented. While AI could strengthen public finances through higher tax revenues and improved tax collection, it may also strain government budgets as displacement impacts employment and consumption. Crucially, outcomes will depend on policy responses, with countries that invest in reskilling, education, and labour market support likely to strengthen their economies and credit profiles, while those that fail to manage the transition risk long-term damage to growth, social cohesion, and fiscal stability.

FinTech Futures

ECONOMY

OECD warns Middle East conflict to drive higher inflation and slow global growth

The OECD has warned that the Middle East conflict is reigniting inflation and weakening global growth, forecasting G20 inflation of 4% in 2026 and US inflation rising to 4.2%, up sharply from prior estimates. While global growth projections remain relatively stable at 2.9% for 2026, the organisation cautioned that higher energy prices and supply disruptions could further dampen activity and trigger financial market volatility. Central banks are expected to remain cautious, with the Federal Reserve and Bank of England likely to hold rates through 2026 and the European Central Bank considering a rate hike, as policymakers balance persistent inflation pressures against slowing economic momentum.

Los Angeles Times

New York Times

INTERNATIONAL

British employers to be required to report ethnicity and disability pay gaps

New draft legislation will require UK employers with more than 250 staff to report any pay disparities between disabled and able-bodied staff and white employees and those from an ethnic minority. The government’s response to the consultation on mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting, published yesterday, shows widespread support for introducing this legislation. 87% of respondents agreed large employers should report their ethnicity and disability pay gaps to increase transparency and help tackle barriers in the workplace. Seema Malhotra, Minister for Equalities, said: "By introducing ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting, this government is committed to ensuring transparency and tackling unfairness where it exists, promoting inclusion in our workplaces and our economy."

Financial Times

GOV.UK

Trump bars firms with pro-diversity policies from government contracts

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The order, effective in 30 days, is indicative of Trump's ongoing opposition to DEI measures, which he claims hinder job opportunities for capable Americans. He said: "My Administration has made significant progress in ending racial discrimination in American society." Contractors must now include a clause in their bids affirming they will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities. This latest move follows previous actions to dismantle diversity programs within federal agencies.

Barron's

Straits Times

Daily Mail

Unemployment continues to increase in Finland

Bloomberg reports that Finland has posted another set of "dire" employment market figures, with the European Union's worst joblessness reaching levels previously seen during the first wave of the pandemic. The headline unemployment rate increased to 10.9% in February, the most in almost six years, and the trend jobless rate rose to 10.5%, according to data from Statistics Finland. Youth unemployment was higher than for the overall population, with the trend rate for 15-24-year-olds at 22.9%. The increase in joblessness is partly explained by stricter job-search requirements and changes to social security, said economists at research institute Pellervo Economic Research.

Bloomberg

OTHER

OpenAI abandons erotic chatbot

OpenAI has shelved plans to release an erotic chatbot “indefinitely” amid concerns from employees and investors about the effect of sexualised AI content on society. “AI shouldn’t replace your friends or your family; you should have human connections,” commented one former senior employee, who said they left OpenAI in part due to the issue.

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