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APAC Edition
18th May 2024
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THE HOT STORY
North Korean workers secure remote work contracts with US companies to fund nuclear programs
North Korean technology workers have been found to have posed as Americans and acquired remote labour contracts with hundreds of US companies to help fund Pyongyang's clandestine nuclear and missile programmes. A US national named Christina Chapman helped three North Korean IT workers obtain "illicit telework employment" using the identities of U.S. citizens, earning about $6.8m. More than 300 U.S. companies were defrauded in the effort. The North Korean workers are linked to North Korea's ballistic missile, weapons production, and research and development programs. North Korea also used fake job offers to trick U.S. employees into providing sensitive information. The U.S. State Department's Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $5m for information that disrupts efforts to fund North Korea's weapons programs. North Korean hackers have targeted American companies, launching ransomware attacks and conducting cryptocurrency thefts to raise money for weapons programs. Suspected North Korean hackers stole over $1bn in cryptocurrency last year.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
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WORKPLACE
Australian companies lack evidence for menopause-friendly workplaces
Companies in Australia are adopting "menopause-friendly" workplace accreditations without robust evidence of effectiveness, according to leading women's health organisations and doctors. These concerns have emerged amidst a Senate inquiry initiated by Greens senator Larissa Waters to explore the health and economic impacts of menopause on Australian women. The inquiry is examining how menopause affects workforce participation and productivity. Organisations such as the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and submissions from experts like Prof Susan Davis from Monash University's Women's Health Research Program have criticised the lack of evidence-based interventions that benefit working women and employers. They argue that the claims made by businesses offering menopause-friendly certifications about improving workplace retention and productivity lack credible validation. Furthermore, the inquiry has highlighted a discrepancy in how menopausal symptoms impact employment. Data suggests that severe menopausal symptoms are not as widespread as some reports might suggest, yet even moderate symptoms can significantly disrupt women's quality of life and work capability.
TECHNOLOGY
AI: Opportunities and pitfalls for women
More than a third of working women are engaged in occupations at risk of being disrupted by artificial intelligence (AI) versus 60% of men. Women's overrepresentation in administrative, clerical, and customer service roles makes them more vulnerable to AI disruption. While women are optimistic about AI's impact on their jobs, studies show a decrease in women's representation at higher levels of seniority. McKinsey's report highlights progress in women's rise at work, but there is a lack of a robust pipeline for senior leadership roles. To support women in taking advantage of upskilling programs, systemic barriers need to be addressed. Foster supportive policies, address work-life balance challenges, remove barriers to upskilling programs, and recognize the importance of soft skills alongside hard skills. Investing in programs that equip all employees with the necessary skills is crucial for creating an inclusive and prosperous workplace in the AI era.
Gen AI showcased in Singapore
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) for manufacturing and enterprises was showcased recently in Singapore by Infor. Infor GenAI uses customers' industry data and processes, along with Large Language Models, to increase productivity in the industries they serve. The move comes as organisations across various industries are looking to technology to remain competitive and profitable. Infor's modern solutions, combined with the power of Gen AI, provide customers with immediate power to leverage the right data and workflows. Speed and efficiency are key factors in digital transformation, and Infor GenAI offers industrial-specific solutions to help companies become more efficient and productive. Infor aims to assist its clients in dealing with the challenges of digital adoption and plans to expand its presence in Thailand. With its industry-specific solutions, Infor expects double-digit year-on-year growth in Asia Pacific. Infor is a leading provider of industry-specific business cloud software, used by thousands of organizations worldwide.
WORKFORCE
House committee approves new training scheme for foreign workers in Japan
A House of Representatives committee has approved legislation to replace the foreign intern program with a new training scheme in Japan. The new scheme will allow foreigners to work in Japan for the medium to long term. The legislation was passed by the Judicial Affairs Committee of the lower chamber of the Diet, with support mainly from the ruling coalition. The measure is expected to pass the full chamber for submission to the House of Councillors. The legislation was adopted after revising a controversial provision that enables the government to revoke permanent residence permits of foreigners. Under the new scheme, foreign workers will be given three years to obtain Type 1 residency status. They will be allowed to change employers under certain conditions. The government will give due consideration to past tax and social insurance premium payments before deciding whether to cancel permanent residence permits. The government will also take measures to prevent population outflows from rural areas to large cities.
China's dire youth job market highlighted as crematorium job attracts highly educated applicants
China's dire youth job market is back in focus after a job advertisement for crematorium workers attracted highly educated applicants. Among the candidates were master's degree holders from top universities in China. The job as a funeral cremator offers a stable, lifelong position with a good salary. This has reignited concerns about youth unemployment in China, where the unemployment rate for the 16-24 age group is 15.3%. The incident highlights the issue of diploma devaluation in the country.
HK's labour minister criticises social workers registration board
Hong Kong's Executive Council has approved significant legislative amendments aimed at reforming the Social Workers Registration Board. These changes will enable the swift removal of social workers convicted of crimes, particularly those endangering national security, from the professional registry. Additionally, the amendments propose a restructuring of the board to include a majority of government-appointed members over elected ones, increasing the total membership from 15 to 27. The reform also mandates that all board members swear an oath to uphold the city's Basic Law and pledge allegiance to Hong Kong. Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han, emphasised the necessity of these amendments to preserve the profession's credibility and align the board's actions with social interests.
LEGAL
Sackings follow investigation into financial irregularities at Australian College of Nursing
The CEO and an executive of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) have been sacked following an investigation into alleged financial irregularities. The investigation, prompted by internal complaints, concluded that there were financial irregularities and actions taken by the CEO and executive were against the established policies and ethical standards of the ACN. The CEO, Kylie Ward, denies the allegations and plans to pursue legal options. The ACN's Chief Operating Officer, Neil Haynes, who was also stood down, was found not responsible for financial irregularities. The ACN is a not-for-profit organization with 150,000 members and the investigation's findings have no impact on its operations or financial position. The ACN board is working to reinforce a culture of accountability and transparency. Interim CEO Emeritus Professor Leanne Boyd will continue to lead the ACN until a replacement is found.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Rising deaths at Korean shipyards prompt calls for enhanced safety measures
This year, the Korean shipbuilding industry has seen a distressing surge in worker fatalities, with at least 13 shipyard workers dying in nine separate incidents, a significant increase from the three deaths recorded in the same period last year. The incidents have occurred at major shipyards, including Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries. Despite the Ministry of Employment and Labor's efforts to boost safety through emergency education and inspections, especially in small- and medium-sized shipyards, these measures have faced criticism from unionised workers for being insufficient. Experts are urging shipbuilders to enhance safety protocols and address challenges posed by the influx of inexperienced and migrant workers, stressing that substantive improvements in safety will require time and substantial investment.
REMUNERATION
Singapore Airlines rewards staff with record bonus payout
Singapore Airlines has made a significant recovery post-COVID, with its monthly passenger volumes reaching about 97% of pre-pandemic levels as of March. This rebound can be attributed to the airline's swift actions in reopening and rebuilding its operations, which allowed it to outpace many of its industry peers in regaining ground lost during the pandemic restrictions.
INTERNATIONAL
UK drops out of top 10 countries for good governance
A new report has shown that the UK has dropped out of the top 10 countries for good governance under Rishi Sunak's leadership. Weak leadership, poor economic management, and Brexit have dragged Britain down in the global index on good government. The Chandler Global Index for Good Government (CGGI) ranked the UK in 11th place, with scores for "leadership and foresight" placing it in 20th place. The UK also ranked 27th in financial stewardship. Despite Brexit, the UK's reputation and global influence were boosted, coming second in the category, only beaten by France. However, Brexit negatively impacted the UK's international trade score, dropping it by 26 places. Labour has used these findings to criticise the Tories and Rishi Sunak's leadership. Downing Street, on the other hand, questioned the findings, describing them as “strange” and “lacking in evidence”.
 


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