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APAC Edition
14th May 2024
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THE HOT STORY
Australia sets ambitious target of 80% tertiary qualifications by 2050
Australia's government has announced a bold target to ensure that 80% of its workforce will hold tertiary qualifications by 2050. The move, outlined by Treasurer Jim Chalmers during his budget speech, aims to address the evolving needs of the economy. The government will allocate A$1.1bn over the next five years to initiate the Universities Accord and other higher education reforms. This includes a A$350m investment in fee-free university courses to help more Australians access higher education. Education Minister Jason Clare stressed that these reforms are crucial to developing a skilled and productive workforce, vital for Australia's future economy. The plan also includes stringent new regulations for universities, particularly in increasing student housing to manage and reduce net overseas migration effectively. Universities will face restrictions on the number of international students based on their capacity to provide additional student housing. The Department of Education will oversee the implementation of these regulations, with a budget of A$2.1bn allocated over four years. Additionally, the budget outlines changes to student debt repayments and introduces financial support for student teachers, nurses, midwives, and social workers, costing A$427.4m over four years, with ongoing annual costs projected at A$1.2bn. These measures collectively aim to transform Australia's higher education landscape and workforce readiness by mid-century.
PREVENTING WORKPLACE HARASSMENT
Beyond Borders: Global Anti-Harassment Laws Explained

To shape employee behavior and reduce the risk of claims and regulatory penalties, employers with workers outside the US must understand the anti-harassment laws and requirements in the countries where they operate. That’s where we can help.

Join attorney Elissa Rossi, Vice President of Compliance Services at Traliant, for a webinar “Beyond Borders: Global Anti-Harassment Laws Explained” on May 22 at 2-3 pm ET. We will examine international anti-harassment laws and discuss where prevention training is required of employers to build a respectful and compliant work environment worldwide.

The webinar will address:
  • Canada’s anti-harassment and workplace violence laws
  • Australia’s federal, state and territory anti-harassment laws
  • The UK’s Equality Act, 2010
  • India’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act
  • International sexual harassment protections for women and men
  • Legal protections against workplace bullying

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR


 
WORKFORCE
South Korean President proposes law to protect non-union workers
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has proposed a law to protect the rights of non-union workers and establish a labour court dedicated to labour-related issues. He emphasised the need for institutional support to protect vulnerable workers and promised the government's active responsibility in supporting and protecting them. The government plans to provide financial aid and establish an arbitration body for non-union workers. President Yoon highlighted the importance of considering the reality of labour-disadvantaged workers, such as delivery workers, designated drivers, and courier service workers. He also stressed the need for a labour court that can handle violations of both labour-related criminal laws and civil damages. The Ministry of Employment and Labor will open a new bureau dedicated to supporting non-union workers. President Yoon aims to address discriminatory compensation between unionised and non-unionised workers and push for major social reforms in labour, education, pension, and medical care.
Labour group holds rally in support of minimum wage increase
A labour umbrella group held a rally at the Thai Labour Ministry on Monday to show support for Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn's announcement of a nationwide minimum wage increase to 400 baht in October. The Thai Labour Relations Federation president, Sawit Kaewwan, led representatives from his group to rally in support of the wage increase. Business councils, including the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries, have opposed the wage increase, citing concerns about the readiness of the Thai economy. Sawit emphasised that labourers have been crucial to the country's economy and deserve the wage increase due to the rising cost of living. The federation also submitted a three-point proposal to the labour minister, including support for the 400-baht minimum wage rate nationwide and government control over power, phone services, and petrol prices. The wage increase is expected to distribute income to workers and stimulate the economy.
Record surge in NSW public-sector nursing workforce
NSW's public-sector nursing workforce has reached a record high of 52,400. The state has faced a major shortage of nurses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with NSW Health losing 12.6% of its workforce in 2021-22. To address this, the state has introduced incentives, such as the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program, which offers $4,000 per year to new students who commit to working in the NSW public health system for five years. The program has already attracted 473 nursing students and 840 graduate nurses. 
Working mums in China spend more time on housework than dads, survey finds
A joint report by recruitment portal Zhaopin and the National School of Development at Peking University has revealed that working mothers in China still bear the majority of household chores, spending over two hours a day on housework. This is significantly higher than the 47% of working fathers who spend the same amount of time on chores. However, the survey also showed that a growing awareness of gender equality has encouraged working fathers to see chores at home as a shared responsibility. In terms of income allocation, working mothers reported spending most of their income on childcare, with an increasing number using their money to pay rent or mortgages. The survey also found that only 3.1% of working mothers plan to have a third child, citing financial burden as the top concern. Despite the challenges, working mothers remain confident about their personal development and career advancement. However, experts acknowledge that there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equality and providing women with more opportunities.
LEGAL
Low awareness of whistleblower protection system among Japanese workers
A recent survey conducted by Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency indicates that awareness of the country's whistleblower protection system remains low, nearly two decades after its implementation. The survey, which polled 10,000 workers aged 15 to 79 from companies with at least three employees, found that only 11.9% of respondents were well-acquainted with the whistleblower protection system, while 26.7% had some knowledge of it. Despite the importance of such systems, 36.5% of respondents admitted to being unaware of the system, and 24.9% had only heard of it. Familiarity was somewhat higher among employees of larger companies, though 51.5% still reported minimal or no knowledge of the system. Additionally, nearly half of the respondents were unsure if their company had an internal reporting system, and 20.6% confirmed the absence of one. The primary reason for not reporting violations was not knowing who to report to. Of those who did report, 69.5% felt positive about their decision, but 17.2% regretted it due to lack of follow-up actions and negative repercussions. Yuichiro Mizumachi, a law professor and expert panel member, highlighted the need for legislative changes to protect whistleblowers better and ensure companies are held accountable, suggesting penalties for companies that treat whistleblowers unfavourably.
Canberra massage parlour fined $1m for exploiting Filipino workers
In a landmark civil judgment by the Federal Court, a Canberra massage parlour, Foot & Thai Massage, has been fined nearly $1m for the systemic exploitation of its Filipino workers. The Fair Work Ombudsman brought the proceedings that led to the decision, highlighting severe underpayments and discriminatory practices by the parlour's director, Colin Kenneth Elvin. Between June 2012 and February 2016, seven workers were underpaid a total of $971,092 and were subjected to threats against their families. Justice Anna Katzmann ruled in favour of the workers, awarding them $1.166m in back-pay and compensation, plus interest. This penalty marks the third-highest sum ever imposed by Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman. The massage parlour, which closed in 2019 with debts of $1.2m to the Australian Taxation Office, was criticised for its calculated exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers. If the liquidation of the parlour and Mr Elvin's personal funds fail to cover the compensation, the court-imposed penalties will be directed to the workers.
TALENT MANAGEMENT
Are you the architect of your organisation's talent destiny?
Arinya Talerngsri, Chief Capability Officer and Managing Director at SEAC - Southeast Asia's Lifelong Learning Centre, advocates for a significant shift in talent management strategies as traditional methods become outdated. In today’s evolving business landscape, leaders must transcend their focus from merely leveraging high performers in existing roles to recognising and cultivating the distinct strengths and skills of each individual. This change demands a new mindset dedicated to continuous learning and innovation. By strategically aligning talent management with future capabilities and establishing clear career paths, organizations can attract and retain the essential components necessary for their success. Talerngsri emphasises the necessity of an ongoing educational effort for both leaders and employees to effectively navigate this shift. She urges senior leaders to embrace their role as talent architects, designing robust strategies that can adapt to disruption and propel organisational transformation. According to Talerngsri: “The blueprint lies within our grasp – so seize the opportunity to create a talent strategy that will propel your organisation towards innovation and success."
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
SP Group invests $52m in training and development for employees
SP Group has invested $52m in training and development, clocking 1.1m training hours for its 3,700 employees. The company has been recognised for its commitment to advancing future-ready skills, career pathways, and sustainable wage growth. SP Group group CEO Stanley Huang stressed the importance of investing in a well-skilled and resilient workforce to uphold Singapore's energy network reliability and provide sustainable energy solutions. The company offers training opportunities, such as drone pilot certification, to equip employees for the future economy. SP Group also supports professional certification for engineering staff and sponsors employees to pursue higher education. The company's joint project with UPAGE, Project Silver+, addresses potential challenges faced by mature workers, ensuring age-friendly work environments. SP Group's continuous training and upskilling initiatives demonstrate their dedication to preparing employees for sustained growth and transformation in the energy industry.
Woori Bank offers internship opportunities to Indonesian, Vietnamese and Cambodian students
Woori Bank is offering internship opportunities to Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Cambodian students in Korea through its WISH program. The program aims to find global talent with a thorough understanding of both Korea and Southeast Asian countries. Eligible applicants are Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Cambodian nationals enrolled in an academic program at a Korean university who will graduate within a year. Selected interns will participate in a five-week internship at Woori Bank's head office and specialised branches. Outstanding interns will receive scholarships covering tuition for the 2024 fall semester and a monthly stipend for five months. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to work at Woori Bank's branches in Indonesia, Vietnam, or Cambodia after graduation. The program aims to expand Woori Bank's presence in the Southeast Asian market.
STRATEGY
Prudential shuts down Hong Kong wealth management business
Insurer Prudential has closed its Hong Kong wealth management business, Pulse Wealth, as part of its efforts to streamline its operations. The company stated that it made the decision to refocus on other wealth offerings, and remains in the Hong Kong wealth market. Prudential had previously closed a wealth management platform in Singapore in September.
INTERNATIONAL
More US parents celebrate first Mother's Day with paid time off for newborns
More working US parents celebrated their first Mother's Day this year with access to paid time off for newborns. However, the majority of workers still do not have paid family leave. Efforts are being made to expand paid parental and family leave, with bipartisan groups in Congress working on legislation. Currently, only 27% of civilian workers in the US have paid family leave. Those who can least afford to take unpaid time off are the least likely to have access to paid leave. The lack of paid leave forces families to send newborns to daycare at a very young age and disrupts breastfeeding. The US is one of the few countries without a national paid maternity leave policy. Pennsylvania is considering legislation that would provide up to 20 weeks of paid family leave. Disagreements over funding family leave programs have been a hurdle in passing legislation. However, a bipartisan group in the House is optimistic about introducing legislation this year. 
 


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