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APAC Edition
5th June 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Chinese spies target sensitive roles online

The Five Eyes alliance, comprising the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, issued a warning about Chinese spies using online job platforms to recruit individuals with access to sensitive information. The "Safeguarding Our Secrets" bulletin highlights that these spies target government and military personnel, as well as journalists and think tank employees. They employ aggressive recruitment strategies, offering payments for confidential information. The bulletin marks an unprecedented joint warning, as China has consistently denied such espionage claims, labelling them as "pure fabrication and malicious slander," the agencies said.
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WORKFORCE

US proposes 12.5% tariff on Singapore

The United States may impose a 12.5% tariff on Singaporean exports after a US Trade Representative (USTR) investigation found the country has not effectively enforced a ban on goods produced with forced labour. The USTR stated that all investigated economies, including Singapore, failed to impose and enforce such prohibitions. Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry rejected these claims, asserting there is no evidence of forced labour in its supply chains. USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer said: "The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labour is unacceptable." The proposed tariff is subject to hearings starting in July.

AI reshapes job market landscape

A new report by Deloitte highlights that organisations combining human and machine strengths will thrive in the evolving job market. While AI is transforming roles, it is not leading to widespread job losses. Employment continues to grow, but hiring is slowing, particularly in white-collar jobs. Deloitte Access Economics partner David Rumbens noted that roles requiring human skills, such as creativity and empathy, will see increased demand. Recruitment specialist Evelina Samuels emphasised the need for workers to adapt to AI, focusing on analytical skills rather than operational tasks.
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TECHNOLOGY

AI revolutionises India's IT services

AI is becoming integral to India's IT services sector, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro deploying 300,000 licences of Microsoft Copilot. This represents over 25% of their combined workforce of 1.15m. Judson Althoff, chief executive of Microsoft Commercial Business, noted that AI's impact now extends beyond productivity to how organisations operate and compete. While TCS's headcount fell by 23,460 last year, Infosys and Wipro increased their staff. Experts believe that embedding AI into daily operations will redefine work processes and enhance service delivery.
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STRATEGY

Global firms rethink location strategies

Global businesses are increasingly adopting a "portfolio of locations" strategy to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical, economic, and climate uncertainties. A recent Oliver Wyman Forum report highlighted that cities like Hamburg and Manchester are emerging as competitive alternatives to traditional economic capitals. Thailand is positioned as a key Southeast Asian hub for supply-chain resilience, attracting multinational investors, particularly in electric vehicles and smart electronics. The government’s Long-Term Resident Visa aims to attract skilled talent, supporting the shift towards diversified production networks. Companies must now consider multiple locations for future growth.

GitLab cuts 350 jobs in major restructuring

GitLab is laying off approximately 350 employees, representing 14% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring strategy led by chief executive Bill Staples. The company is also exiting 22 countries, reducing its geographic presence by 37%. Despite these cuts, GitLab reported a 23% revenue increase to $264.2m in the first quarter, with adjusted earnings exceeding estimates. Staples stated: "This isn't a downturn move on the numbers," emphasising that savings will be reinvested into research and development, particularly in AI products. The restructuring will cost between $30m and $35m, with most expenses occurring in the current quarter.

Uber slashes 23% of HR jobs

Uber Technologies announced a 23% reduction in jobs within its People and Places division, which encompasses human resources, recruitment, workplace facilities, and culture. This decision, made by newly appointed president Jill Hazelbaker, aims to simplify the team's structure. The cuts affect less than 1% of Uber's 34,000 global employees. HR staff previously allowed to work remotely must now return to the office three days a week. Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi stated: "These changes are necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the People team." The layoffs are not linked to AI initiatives.
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HIRING

Remote work stifles junior hiring

Recent research by Peter John Lambert and Yannick Schindler suggests that the decline in junior hiring is more closely linked to the rise of remote work than to AI. They argue that early-career workers need more supervision and mentorship, which remote work hinders. Their analysis of job postings indicates that while both AI exposure and remote work correlate with reduced junior hiring, the connection to AI diminishes when considering remote roles. The findings highlight the significant impact of remote work on young workers' career prospects, often overlooked in discussions about AI's influence.

Colleges tighten hiring checks amid scams

Engineering colleges in Pune are enhancing verification processes for companies seeking to recruit students due to a rise in job scams. Placement officers are now conducting thorough background checks, including company registration and client credentials. Professor Anuradha Jadhav noted: "Companies start approaching us for placement-related requests from Dec every year." The Maharashtra Association of Training and Placement Officers (MaTPO) is also developing guidelines to help prevent scams. With only 30-40% of engineering graduates securing jobs, the urgency for placements has increased, leading to potential risks for students.
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INVESTMENT

T-Mobile opens global hub in Hyderabad

T-Mobile USA has launched its first global capability centre (GCC) outside the US in Hyderabad, aiming to hire around 1,000 employees by 2027. The facility, covering 2.5 lakh sq ft, has already onboarded over 500 staff. Chandra Gupta, vice president of IT operations at TMUS Global Solutions, stated: "Our global technology centre in Hyderabad will play an important role in strengthening our engineering and digital capabilities." Telangana's IT minister, D Sridhar Babu, praised the rapid onboarding of skilled professionals, highlighting Hyderabad's robust talent ecosystem for global companies.
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LEGAL

CEO arrested after sudden shutdown

Harshal Thakre, chief executive of ThynkTech India OPC Ltd, was arrested in Nashik following allegations of cheating and criminal breach of trust. The Noida-based IT firm abruptly closed its Hinjewadi branch on April 22, leaving around 500 employees and interns jobless. A complaint from an intern revealed that ThynkTech collected Rs 15,000 from each employee for laptops but failed to return the deposits or pay salaries. Senior inspector Balaji Pandhare noted that Thakre had no projects requiring such a large workforce and was likely targeting government contracts. Thakre is currently in police custody until June 9.
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INTERNATIONAL

AI workplace boom leaves workers overwhelmed

Research from Henley Business School reveals that the rapid rise of AI in the UK has left many employees feeling overwhelmed. The annual survey of 2,900 workers found that 60% were unaware of AI guidelines from their employers. Concerns include over-reliance on AI, loss of critical thinking skills, and difficulty identifying errors. Professor Keiichi Nakata noted a disconnect between AI ambition and action, stating: "People are experiencing 'change fatigue' and a lack of clarity in how to use AI effectively and responsibly." Despite fears, 58% of respondents remain optimistic about AI in the workplace.

Bank of England faces backlash over remote work

The Bank of England is under scrutiny for allowing staff to work abroad for up to 40 days annually, amidst rising inflation pressures. Approximately 6,000 employees can also work from home three days a week. Critics, including Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake, argue that staff should focus on their responsibilities rather than working from "sun loungers." The Bank's policy aims to support flexible working, but concerns about data security and the effectiveness of its inflation management persist. A Bank spokesman stated that the policy includes necessary conditions and time limits.
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AND FINALLY...

Leave it out

Finding a job now involves more than just salary and reputation; workplace policies are crucial. A LinkedIn post by Upasana Sarbajna highlighted a troubling conversation with a recruiter about a company's leave policy. She was informed that while the policy was "flexible," sick or personal leave would result in pay deductions. Sarbajna expressed her shock, stating: "How is this even allowed?" The post sparked significant discussion, with many users calling the policy "shocking" and "misleading," reflecting broader issues in corporate India.
 
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