Human Times

APAC Edition

3rd April 2026

THE HOT STORY

Australia is squandering the talent of migrants on an 'industrial scale'

Australia has 620,000 permanent migrants not working in their trained professions, despite critical labour shortages. Experts, including former Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson, argue for an overhaul of the skills recognition system to enable these workers to fill gaps in the economy. "When Australia invites someone here because of their skills, there is an implicit bargain: we will let you use [your skills] to your benefit but, more so, to ours," Dr Parkinson said. "Right now, we are not keeping our end of that bargain . . . Not only is it not the fair go that we pride ourselves on, but we are wasting human capital on an industrial scale, in an economy that cannot afford to." The Activate Australia's Skills campaign aims to reform the system, and has proposed a national governance structure and support services to streamline the recognition process for skilled migrants. Currently, 44% of qualified migrants work below their skill level.

ABC Online

LEGAL

Indian trade unions observe 'Black Day' against Labour Codes

Workers across India on Wednesday observed a "Black Day" to protest against the Union Government’s four controversial Labour Codes. Workers wore black badges and headbands, saying that the new legislation would push the workforce back into a colonial-era state of exploitation. The demonstrations were helmed by a united front of major unions, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). “These labour codes are designed to push the workforce into conditions akin to slavery. They contravene the spirit of the Indian Constitution, International Labour Standards, and basic human rights,” the joint platform of ten central trade unions stated.

The Pioneer

The Times of India

Tribune India

REMOTE WORKING

Indonesia launches one-day remote work in energy-saving push

Indonesia is rolling out a remote work policy for civil servants to conserve energy amid rising global prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto announced the initiative during a presidential visit to Seoul on March 31. The measure is part of the “eight-point work culture transformation policy” aimed at energy savings. Additional measures include limiting fuel sales, reducing the use of official vehicles by 50%, and cutting official travel budgets. Hartarto said: "This is essential for our energy conservation efforts."

Straits Times

WORKFORCE

India's massive population count begins

India has begun its once-in-a-decade population census after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 3m officials will conduct the survey, which includes online registration and two phases of door-to-door data collection. Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan said that the census will gather information on housing, inhabitants, and castes. With a population exceeding 1.4bn, India has overtaken China as the world's most populous nation, and the government views its young demographic as a potential asset for economic growth. The census is expected to conclude in March 2024.

U.S. News

Australian job vacancies rise 2.7% in February quarter

Australian job vacancies recovered to their highest level in more than a year in ‌the three months to February, led by gains in the construction, retail and accommodation sectors. Data from the Australian Bureau of ⁠Statistics (ABS) showed vacancies rose 2.7% in the February quarter, following a revised 0.5% gain the previous quarter. Vacancies were up 3.7% on a year earlier at 337,900, the highest reading since the November quarter ‌of ⁠2024.

Reuters

STRATEGY

Heineken to scale down Singapore brewing

Heineken will gradually reduce large-scale production at its Singapore brewery by the end of 2027, shifting operations to breweries in Vietnam and Malaysia as part of its EverGreen 2030 strategy. The company will adopt an import-based supply model through its subsidiary, Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore. The Tuas brewery will be redeveloped for regional logistics and innovation support. Singapore will retain its position as the global home of Tiger Beer while focusing on regional operations. Heineken has committed $500m to expand its Vietnam operations, including a significant upgrade of its Vung Tau brewery.

The Investor

ECONOMY

India consumption slowdown hits electronics and FMCG sales growth

India’s consumer demand weakened in the March quarter, dragging full-year sales growth as price hikes and geopolitical pressures dampened spending on discretionary goods. Appliance sales grew just 4%–5% in the quarter, pulling annual growth down to 3%–4% from 9%–10% the previous year, while smartphone volumes fell more than 9% in the period, leaving full-year growth largely flat amid sharp price increases. FMCG growth also slowed to 2% in the quarter and 5.6% for the year, as price cuts reduced value growth, with companies citing stable underlying demand but weaker revenues; overall, rising costs and cautious consumer sentiment are expected to continue weighing on spending.

Economic Times

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Night shifts worsen diabetes management

According to a study published in Diabetic Medicine, night shift workers, particularly nurses and midwives, face significant challenges in managing type 2 diabetes. Lead researcher Rachel Gibson, a registered dietitian at King's College London, observed: “What struck me is that these are people who work in health care, yet they don't have access [to] a healthy nighttime food environment or tailored dietary advice.” The study tracked 37 UK healthcare workers over 10 days, revealing that those on night shifts consumed more calories, particularly from sweet snacks, due to limited healthy food options. Additionally, night shift workers were found to stay awake for about 22 hours, compared to 17 hours for day shifts, further complicating blood sugar control. Gibson emphasized the need for clinicians to consider work schedules when advising patients on diabetes management.

U.S. News

INTERNATIONAL

Young people in London can’t find a job

Bloomberg reports on how London - once a global hub for entry-level jobs - is now experiencing a growing youth joblessness crisis that is threatening the futures of hundreds of thousands of people. Around one in four 16-24 year-olds in the capital is looking for work, the highest proportion in the UK. The composition of London’s jobs market leaves it vulnerable to AI, which tends to reward seniority and punish those who are just starting out, but Bloomberg says the problem of youth unemployment in London, and also in the UK more widely, is partly self inflicted, amid increases to payroll taxes and the minimum wage making it more expensive for firms to hire workers. “Employers often ask for prior experience, while lower-skilled roles are shrinking and being filled by older workers or graduates,” said Chris Goulden, director of impact and evidence at the Youth Futures Foundation. “In London, this is compounded by high housing costs and reliance on informal routes, for example internships, which exclude more disadvantaged young people.”

Bloomberg

Unilever works council worries about McCormick deal job losses

Unilever's European works council has said that the company's $65bn merger with McCormick could precipitate union action over potential job losses. The labour pushback comes as Unilever chief executive Fernando Fernández seeks to streamline operations and focus on high-growth categories. The deal, which combines brands including Hellmann's and Knorr with McCormick's spices, is expected to close next year pending approvals. "We fear that a possible transaction could be accompanied by further personnel measures," the Unilever European Works Council (UEWC), which represents nearly 20,000 employees in Europe and Britain, told Reuters. "Uncertainty among the workforce is high." The UEWC said it would weigh what action might be taken if Unilever does not "find good solutions for affected employees," adding "It could ⁠lead from negotiations to maybe strikes in different countries where that is possible. It depends on the legislation around Europe."

Reuters

Air Canada CEO to retire after English-only response to tragedy

Air Canada chief executive Michael Rousseau will retire later this year after being criticised for failing to speak French in a condolence video following a fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport in New York that killed two pilots. Rousseau informed the airline that he will be stepping down by the end of the company's third quarter. He had faced calls to resign after delivering his condolences in English only. One of the pilots who died, Antoine Forest, was from French-speaking Quebec. Air Canada is headquartered in Montreal and the company's own policy requires employees to be able to communicate in both of Canada's official languages. In a post on X, Quebec Premier François Legault welcomed Air Canada's announcement, saying the carrier's next CEO should speak French as a "matter of respect for the employees, francophone customers, and all Quebecers."

Expansion of Disneyland Paris to create 1,000 new jobs

Expansion at Disneyland Paris will create 1,000 new jobs, Disney chief executive Josh D'Amaro has said. "I believe we will continue to be the number one tourist destination. I believe that we will continue to add jobs. In fact, we're adding 1,000 jobs, just for ‌this ⁠new land that we have built," D'Amaro said. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Disneyland Paris alongside D'Amaro on Friday to unveil the new areas.

Reuters

OTHER

Japan school backpack prices surge as early buying trend intensifies

Japan’s market for traditional “randoseru” school backpacks is experiencing both rising prices and increasingly early purchasing behaviour, with sales for children entering school in 2027 already underway more than a year in advance. This trend, known as “ran-katsu,” reflects growing competition among families, often involving grandparents, to secure popular models early, particularly as demographic decline means more spending per child. Prices have risen sharply, with the average cost now roughly 1.7 times higher than 15 years ago, driven by higher material and labour costs as well as demand for more advanced features such as ergonomic straps and lighter designs to accommodate heavier school loads, including tablets. Premium models can exceed ¥100,000 ($626), although lower-cost alternatives are gaining traction.

The Japan Today

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