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APAC Edition
7th May 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Japan calls Biden's comment on xenophobia 'regrettable'
Japan has expressed its disappointment with U.S. President Joe Biden's comment that "xenophobia" is hindering Japan's economic growth. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi described the comment as "regrettable" and stated that it was not based on a correct understanding of Japan's policy. However, Hayashi emphasized that Japan's relationship with the United States remains strong. Biden made the comment during a fundraising event, where he argued that immigration had been beneficial for the U.S. economy. Japan, known for its homogeneity, has been cautious about immigration, but its declining birthrates and aging population indicate a future labor shortage. While Japan is considering inviting skilled workers, a full-fledged immigration program is ruled out.
WORKFORCE
Chinese overseas students prefer job opportunities in China over Japan
The number of Chinese overseas students returning to China for employment has significantly increased since 2012, with over 3.4m people having returned, accounting for more than 80% of those studying abroad. Many Chinese students prefer to work in China due to similar salaries but lower cost of living compared to Japan. Direct employment or entrepreneurship after graduation has become the mainstream for those with master's or PhD degrees obtained overseas. Chinese students believe that their international thinking and vision give them a competitive edge in the job market. According to a report, 80.85% of HR professionals believe that overseas study experience is a plus for candidates. China has implemented policies to support the employment and entrepreneurship of returning overseas students, providing a favorable work environment and treatment. The proportion of Chinese students returning from studying overseas has been steadily increasing, reaching 64.5% in 2019.
India tops global remittance chart with $125bn inflow
India led global remittances in 2023, receiving $125bn, or 3.4% of its GDP, largely contributed by blue-collar workers abroad. This financial inflow is crucial for millions of Indian families and reflects India's demographic advantage with a median age of 29. As wealthier countries experience labour shortages, young Indians are in a prime position to meet these demands. States like Kerala, Telangana, Haryana, and Jharkhand are already aligning their workforce's skills with international needs. Yet, there's a call for the Indian government to be more assertive in the global labour market. The suggestion includes forming a new emigration ministry that coordinates with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Skill Development, and state governments. This proposed ministry would be vital in navigating the complexities of international labour demands and ensuring the welfare of Indian workers overseas. Additionally, it would focus on integrating advanced technologies such as robotics and AI to enhance the competitiveness of Indian workers globally.
LEGAL
Thai Labour Ministry to push for bill to protect freelance workers
The Labour Ministry in Thailand is planning to introduce a bill to protect the rights of freelance workers. The bill aims to register freelance workers, encourage them to form groups or associations, and provide them with life and health insurance. It also plans to set up a revolving fund to offer soft loans to freelance workers. Currently, there are around 20 million freelance workers in Thailand, including farmers, vendors, service providers, transport service providers, cleaners, riders, and food makers. The ministry is also working on a policy called "one tambon, one group of freelance workers" to enhance the benefits for freelance workers. The Labour Ministry will coordinate with other ministries to find labor and product markets for these workers. "The bill to support and protect freelance workers would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon," said Phumphat Muanchan, a spokesman for the ministry.
Australia's whistleblower reforms delayed amidst growing public interest
In a week marked by World Press Freedom Day, the urgency for whistleblower reforms in Australia has been spotlighted, coinciding with the government making its submissions to the whistleblower reform inquiry public. Australia’s ranking has fallen to 39th worldwide for press freedom. Amidst this backdrop, the cases of whistleblowers like ex-military lawyer David McBride and Australian Tax Office whistleblower Richard Boyle are drawing attention. Both face significant legal battles and personal hardships for disclosing sensitive information. The government’s consultation on whistleblower reform, initiated by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Public Interest Disclosure Act and considers establishing a Whistleblower Protection Authority. However, there’s ssepticism about the government’s commitment to these reforms, with critics arguing that actions fall short of promises, especially in light of prolonged delays and diluted reforms from past legislative attempts.
Telangana man rescued from Chinese cyber fraud company in Cambodia
A Telangana man named A Shiva Prasad was rescued from a Chinese cyber fraud company operating in Cambodia. He described the company as a virtual jail for its employees, who are trapped inside the building and not allowed to leave. The company provides accommodation and working space within the same tower but takes away all freedom. Employees are not allowed to take a day off and face heavy penalties if they do. The victims are forced to work for 16 hours a day. The company operates by sending messages to prospective victims offering part-time jobs or asking them to invest in stocks. The fraud takes three days to complete, with victims being lured into investing higher amounts. Shiva decided to disassociate from the company after receiving messages from victims sharing their plight. There are still hundreds of Indians working for the company. "In one case, an unknown man from Delhi shared the photo of his daughter's dead body," said Akhil Mahajan, Rajanna-Sircilla SP.
Northern territory indigenous body underpays staff by $1.3m
The Kimberley Land Council, a major Indigenous organisation in Australia's Northern Territory, has acknowledged it underpaid over 600 current and former employees by more than $1.3m, a mistake attributed to incorrect legal advice. This error, spanning from July 1, 2016, to October 22, 2019, came to light following a payroll audit and affected payments under the council's 2014 enterprise agreement. The organisation has since informed the Fair Work Ombudsman and is actively reaching out to the impacted workers to arrange compensation. CEO Tyronne Garstone stressed the council's commitment to resolving the issue swiftly and preventing future occurrences.
STRATEGY
Marelli Holdings expands engineering team in China
Marelli Holdings Co Ltd, a global mobility technology company, plans to expand its engineering team in China from 800 to 1,000 to meet the increasing demand for innovation. The company's president and CEO, David Slump, confirmed the company's commitment to the Chinese automotive scene and its investments in local talent and technology. Marelli introduced innovative products at the Auto China 2024 exhibition, including lighting modules integrated with lidar technology and advanced cockpit displays. These products are developed in China and will be marketed globally. Marelli is focused on cost-effective and sustainable solutions, reducing complexity and environmental impact. The company aims to develop greener and AI-related products for the Chinese market. With 5,000 employees in China, Marelli is dedicated to bolstering its workforce, particularly in the field of innovation. Marelli currently operates research and development centres and factories across China, exporting products to other parts of the world.
MANAGEMENT
Ronnie Chen joins Johnson & Johnson MedTech China as head of HR
Ronnie Chen, former head of people and culture at Roche Pharma China, has been appointed as the head of human resources and OneHR at Johnson & Johnson MedTech China. In her new role, Chen will focus on operational and strategic support for J&J MedTech in China, including talent strategy, diversity and inclusion, and core capabilities for business growth. She will also lead OneHR in China and advance the company's HR strategy. Chen brings experience from her previous roles at Roche Pharma and The Dow Chemical Company.
HIRING
Gujarat-based company clarifies disassociation with freelance HR
A Gujarat-based company has clarified its disassociation with a freelance HR who posted a 'hateful' LinkedIn job post barring Marathi applicants. The company confirmed that the HR has apologized and updated the details. The company also mentioned that no recent job requirements have been posted. The Surat-based company, ITCODE Infotech, called the previous post targeting the Marathi community as 'hateful' and clarified that the freelance HR who shared the post is not affiliated with the company. The HR has already apologized for the controversial post. The company has reached out to her for clarification and she has updated her current employment details. The company emphasized that they have not posted any job requirements recently. The controversy arose when an HR recruiter shared a LinkedIn post for the role of a Graphic Designer, excluding Marathi applicants. The now-deleted post received backlash on social media.
RETENTION
How companies can use staff benefits to win the ‘war for talent'
Research by Mercer suggests that companies offering at least 10 benefits are more likely to retain staff. The pandemic has led companies to evaluate how they can better support employees. According to Mercer, 60% of employees in Hong Kong will only consider a job offer if it includes flexible work arrangements. Companies need to offer employee benefits that address the needs of a multigenerational workforce and stay ahead of what competitors are offering. Benefits should include options that support both the mental and physical well-being of employees. Consulting firms like Mercer can help companies transform their employee benefits offerings. Employee engagement surveys are a vital tool in this process. Ultimately, it's about empowering companies to make decisions based on real research and data to build a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.
TECHNOLOGY
Warren Buffett fears AI has 'enormous potential for harm'
Warren Buffett, the chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, has raised concerns about the dangers of AI, saying it could have devastating consequences on society, much like the atomic bomb, if used incorrectly. Buffett acknowledged that he knew little about how the underlying technology works, but said he had reason to worry. He recently saw his own image and voice so convincingly replicated by an AI tool that he said even his wife and children would have struggled to determine they were fake. Greg Abel, Buffett's designated successor as CEO of Berkshire, noted that the company has begun using AI inside some of its businesses to help make its employees more efficient. Abel said the company was looking to deploy the technology to make certain tasks more effective or safer. Buffett, for his part, said he struggled to predict the ultimate effects of AI on the world. “It has enormous potential for good and enormous potential for harm,” Buffett said. “And I just don’t know how that plays out.” 
INTERNATIONAL
UK accounting firm bans remote-only interviews
UK accounting giant BDO has decided to ban remote-only interviews due to concerns over cheating. The firm, which is the UK's fifth largest accountancy firm, has abandoned online tests, video meetings, and virtual assessment centres in favour of face-to-face interviews. BDO made the decision after suspecting that some applicants were using Zoom interviews to cheat. As a result, all shortlisted candidates for BDO's September 2024 graduate intake were required to meet the employer in person. Applicants for the trainee scheme were offered £150 in compensation to be interviewed at the office they had applied to work at. BDO's decision comes in the wake of the Financial Reporting Council questioning auditing and accountancy bodies about measures to prevent cheating using AI tools. Scott Knight, head of audit at BDO, said that face-to-face interviews provide candidates with a better opportunity to showcase their skills and get a sense of the company's culture.
OTHER
Teenage girls' popularity linked to lack of sleep
Scientists have found that popular teenage girls are more likely to experience insomnia symptoms and sleep less than their peers, according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Sleep. The study, which investigated a sample of over 1,300 Swedish teenagers aged 14 to 18, found that popular girls reported shorter sleep duration and more difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep. Interestingly, the negative impact on sleep was observed both before and after the advent of smartphones. The researchers suggest that the gender disparities in sleep patterns might be related to the types of friendships girls and boys tend to have at that age. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that school schedules are not accommodating teenagers' sleep needs. "Teenagers are arguably the most sleep deprived population throughout the lifespan," said Serena Bauducco, a sleep researcher at Örebro University. The study highlights the importance of adequate sleep for teenage girls' mental health and school performance.
 


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