ILO Adopts First Global Guidelines on Labour Rights for Professional Athletes
The International Labour Organization has adopted its first global guidelines to extend fundamental labour rights to professional athletes. Covering safety, anti‑discrimination, child protection and harassment prevention, the standards draw on the ILO’s five core principles. The draft will be presented to the ILO Governing Body for final approval in November 2026. Stakeholders view the move as a milestone in treating athletes as workers and improving conditions across sport.
GoGet Secures Gold Win for Best Recruitment Portal in Malaysia in 2025
GoGet clinched the gold award for Best Recruitment Portal at the 2025 HR Vendors of the Year Awards in Malaysia, outshining rivals with its rapid candidate matching and highly customizable solutions. The accolade underscores the platform’s ability to deliver talent...
Fewer Residents Left Employment Due to Eldercare Commitments Between 2024-2025: MOM
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower reported that the number of residents leaving the labour force to care for elderly relatives fell from 13,200 in 2024 to 12,300 in 2025, the first decline after a five‑year upward trend. The 2024 figure represented...
Fuel Price Surge Pushes Sydney Agency to Reintroduce Weekly WFH Day
Australian fuel prices have nearly doubled, pushing petrol to about AUD $3 per litre (≈USD $2). Sydney SEO firm UR Digital responded by mandating a weekly work‑from‑home day for its 11 staff, allowing employees to choose the day. The agency...
Faces of HR: Pauline Loo on Leveraging AI to Shift HR From 'Reactive' To 'Predictive'
Pauline Loo, SVP of HR at Nippon Sanso Holdings, explains how responsible AI can shift HR from a reactive, problem‑solving function to a predictive engine that anticipates turnover, identifies skill gaps, and personalises development pathways. By automating repetitive tasks, AI...
Up the Ranks: Robert Stone to Now Lead People & Culture at Omnicom Oceania
Robert Stone has been appointed Chief People Officer of Omnicom Oceania, effective March 2026, arriving from Clemenger BBDO where he served as Chief Talent Officer. He will steer the people integration required after Omnicom Group’s acquisition of Interpublic Group, aligning culture,...
Thailand Activates Crisis War Room to Support Overseas Citizens Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Thailand’s Ministry of Labour has opened a 24‑hour war room to monitor escalating Middle East tensions and safeguard the roughly 77,500 Thai workers stationed in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The facility will coordinate with the Ministry...
Malaysia’s Economic Outlook Is Expected to Remain Positive yet Measured in 2026: DOSM
Malaysia’s Leading Index rose 0.6% in January 2026 to 113.4 points, buoyed by a 17.5% jump in real semiconductor imports and a 5.7% increase in non‑ferrous metal imports. The index slipped 0.6% month‑on‑month due to weaker money‑supply growth (M1) and a...
Half of Singapore Employees Surveyed Spend at Least an Hour Weekly Reworking AI Outputs, Limiting Productivity Gains
Workday’s survey of 3,200 employees shows that half of Singapore workers spend at least an hour each week reworking AI‑generated content, eroding the expected productivity boost. Despite this friction, 70% say they feel more productive overall and AI tools are...
Technological Developments Continued to Drive Demand for Skilled Workers in 2025: MOM
Singapore’s job market tightened in 2025, with vacancies rising to 77,700 by December and the vacancy‑to‑unemployed ratio climbing to 1.58. Technology roles, especially software, web, multimedia and game developers, ranked third among all PMET openings, while data scientists and AI...
Close to 4 in 10 People Surveyed in APAC Feel Genuinely Appreciated and Loved – a Key Driver of Happiness
According to Ipsos’ 2026 Happiness Report, nearly four in ten respondents across the Asia‑Pacific region cite feeling genuinely appreciated and loved as one of the top three drivers of their happiness. Family and children (32%), a sense of control (27%)...
Maersk Expands Singapore Logistics Footprint with New Automated Distribution Hub
Maersk has opened World Gateway II, a 1.1 million‑square‑foot fully automated distribution centre in Singapore. The hub integrates Multi‑Shuttle, ASRS, ACR and AMR technologies to accelerate B2B and B2C fulfilment across retail, FMCG, wellness and technology sectors. Around 500 new roles focused...
Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific & Singapore Airlines Top List of World's Best Airlines for 2026
AirlineRatings.com released its 2026 world’s best airline rankings, evaluating carriers on onboard product and passenger experience rather than public voting. Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines occupy the top three spots among full‑service airlines, while HK Express is crowned...
Up the Ranks: Renyi Yan Joins Embed Financial Group Holdings as Its New Chief People Officer
Embed Financial Group Holdings has appointed Renyi Yan as its new Chief People Officer, transitioning from a senior advisory role at Saudi Aramco. Yan brings two decades of organisational transformation experience across Asia‑Pacific and the Middle East, having served firms...
Sri Lanka Grants Wednesdays Off for Public Sector Institutions to Help Conserve Energy
Sri Lanka will declare Wednesdays a public holiday for all public‑sector institutions, creating a two‑days‑on, one‑day‑off work cycle. The measure, announced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, targets at least a 25% cut in government fuel consumption amid regional energy supply...
Up the Ranks: Bhaulal Salunke Is Hyatt Centric Juhu's New Human Resources Manager
Hyatt Centric Juhu has appointed Bhaulal Salunke as its new Human Resources Manager. In the role he will steer talent acquisition, employee engagement and learning‑and‑development initiatives while reinforcing Hyatt’s people‑first ethos. Salunke brings more than a decade of hospitality experience, having led pre‑opening...
Philippines' Private Sector Can Consider Implementing Flexible Work Arrangements Amidst Oil Price Hikes: DOLE
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) urged Philippine private‑sector firms to adopt flexible work arrangements—such as compressed workweeks or work‑from‑home setups—to curb fuel consumption amid soaring oil prices caused by the Middle East crisis. The guidance stresses that any...
Pay Increases, Training Allowances, and More: MOM Accepts Recommendations on PWM for Food Services Sector
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has approved the Tripartite Cluster for Food Services’ recommendations to tighten the Progressive Wage Model. From 1 July 2026 the sector’s entry‑level wage rises to S$2,220 and will climb to S$2,500 by 2028, with annual increases of up...
MTR Employees Will Get a Pay Rise of 1.6% to 3.84%, with some Getting up to 4.8%
MTR Corporation announced a tiered salary increase for most non‑managerial staff, ranging from 1.6% to 4.8% this year. The adjustments follow a performance appraisal system, with 55% of workers receiving a 3.2% raise, 35% a 3.84% increase, and the top...
Leading by Lifting: 18 Ways Leaders Empower Women to Rise, Thrive, and Shine
Human Resources Online published a collection of insights from 18 senior leaders across Asia‑Pacific on how they actively empower women in the workplace. The leaders describe concrete actions such as mentorship pipelines, data‑driven talent assessments, equitable recruitment, and psychological‑safety initiatives...
Quantinuum, Nelipak, and Global Innovation Labs Establish New Innovation Hubs in Singapore
On 11 March three firms announced new Singapore innovation hubs. Quantinuum will house its Helios quantum computer and partner with universities and startups to develop quantum applications in finance, pharma and materials. Nelipak opened an Asia‑Pacific Technical Development Centre to accelerate...
Malaysia’s Best Digital Learning Providers Recognised in 2025
At the HR Vendors of the Year Awards 2025 in Malaysia, the Best Digital Learning Providers category highlighted leading employee‑development platforms. Think Codex captured Gold, SOCO earned Silver, and EQWIP took Bronze, each judged on technology, content quality and customization....
ERP Rates to Rise by $1 at Four Expressway Locations From 23 March 2026
The Land Transport Authority announced a S$1 increase in Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates at four expressway locations across Singapore. The hike applies to six specific time slots between 8:30 am and 8:00 pm, raising rates from S$3 to S$4 (or S$2...
Cathay Pacific to Grant Employees Bonuses Worth over 11 Weeks of Pay
Cathay Pacific announced a discretionary bonus and profit‑sharing payout that totals more than 11 weeks of eligible pay, alongside a 2026 salary increase. The carrier reported 2025 revenue of HK$116.77 billion, up 11.9% year‑on‑year, and net profit of HK$10.83 billion, a 9.5%...
Malaysia Will Keep Petrol Prices at RM1.99 Even as Global Oil Prices Surge: PM Anwar
Malaysia will keep the BUDI95 petrol price at RM 1.99 per litre despite a sharp rise in global oil prices triggered by the West Asia conflict. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the surge threatens transportation costs and overall price stability, but...
Middle East Crisis May Lead to Higher Electricity Prices in Singapore: Minister Tan See Leng
Singapore may face higher electricity tariffs as global oil and gas prices climb amid the US‑Iran conflict in the Middle East. The region accounts for roughly a quarter of seaborne oil and nearly one‑fifth of LNG trade, and any disruption...
HRadiO: Pets, Practice, and Professionalism - Leadership Insights From the Vet's World
HRadiO’s latest episode spotlights Dr Patrick Maguire, co‑founder of Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital, as he shares leadership lessons from veterinary medicine. He argues that upcoming Veterinary Practice Bill regulations will elevate professionalism, accountability, and public trust rather than add...
Vietnam Moves to Amend Foreign Trade Management Law to Ease Trade Processes
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade has released a draft amendment to the foreign trade management law, aiming to close regulatory gaps and simplify procedures. The proposal addresses re‑import of exported goods, inconsistencies in Certificates of Origin, and limited authority...
73% of New CEO Appointments in APAC in 2025 Were Internal: Survey
CEO turnover in the Asia‑Pacific region hit a new high in 2025, with 87 departures—a 26% rise over 2024 and the most in seven years. A record 73% of the newly appointed CEOs were promoted from within, outpacing the global...
Standard Chartered Reports Progress on Gender Diversity, Extends Senior Women Leadership Target to 35% by 2028
Standard Chartered’s 2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Report shows women now hold 45.5% of board seats and half of its management team, up sharply from 23% board representation in 2016. Senior leadership women rose to 33%, and the bank...
Hong Kong Salary Guide 2026: Pay Trends, Hot Skills, and Hiring Priorities Across Key Sectors
Morgan McKinley’s Hong Kong Salary Guide 2026 shows annual pay rises staying modest at 3‑5% as firms tighten budgets. Hiring remains selective, with a clear shift toward skills‑based, value‑driven recruitment across all functions. HR business partners and generalists top the demand list,...
Upcoming INR33,500 Crore Development Projects in Delhi Include New Metro Lines and Housing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects in Delhi valued at roughly INR 33,500 crore, targeting transport, housing, and community services. The plan expands the Metro network to 375 km and adds 1,800 electric buses to improve last‑mile connectivity. New residential complexes will...
Heavy Traffic Ahead: Congestion Expected at Singapore–Malaysia Land Checkpoints During March School Holidays and Hari Raya Puasa
Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warned of heavy congestion at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints from 13 to 22 March 2026, coinciding with the March school holidays and Hari Raya Puasa. The agency is also tightening security inspections on travellers,...
Is Your Interview Process a Good Reflection of Your Employer Brand?
Employers risk eroding trust and facing legal exposure when interview practices contradict their public employer‑brand promises. The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) outlines objective, competency‑based criteria, diverse panels, and rigorous record‑keeping to ensure fairness. With Singapore’s...
Malaysia Sets up Gig Economy Commission Ahead of Gig Workers Act 2025 Enforcement
Malaysia has launched the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGIM) to coordinate the upcoming Gig Workers Act 2025, which will take effect on 31 March 2026. The Act introduces mandatory contract transparency, a dedicated Gig Workers Tribunal, and requires platform providers to enroll...
35 Cases of Delayed Salaries Recorded Across Singapore’s Public Sector in 2025
In 2025, Singapore’s public sector recorded 35 cases of delayed salaries, affecting roughly 0.02% of its 158,000 officers. The delays involved newly appointed officials whose appointment records were not updated in the payroll system in time. Once identified, the issue...
Predictive Preventive Care Among 3 New Initiatives Announced to Strengthen Healthcare Affordability in Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Health unveiled three new measures to curb rising healthcare costs as the nation becomes a super‑aged society. From 2027, MediSave withdrawal limits will rise to S$700 for basic chronic care and S$1,000 for complex cases, while the...
14 Companies Lauded for Their Innovative HR Solutions in Malaysia and Singapore
The HR Vendors of the Year 2025 recognized fourteen firms across Malaysia and Singapore for breakthrough HR solutions. Info‑Tech captured gold in both markets, while BIPO Service Malaysia and Mercer took silver and bronze respectively. Finalists showcased a range of tools...
22% of Hong Kong Workers Use GenAI Daily, Compared to APAC Average of 29%
PwC’s 2025 Hong Kong Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey reveals that 61% of local employees are using AI at work, with 22% engaging with generative AI daily—below the 29% Asia‑Pacific average. The majority report productivity gains (77%) and higher work...
When Identity Can Be Faked: Deepfakes, Voice Cloning & the Legal Risks Implicating Workplaces
Deepfake and voice‑cloning technologies are now cheap and highly convincing, prompting a wave of fraud incidents across Asia‑Pacific workplaces. Legal experts warn that manipulated audio‑video can trigger financial loss, data breaches, and even sexual‑harassment claims, stretching existing fraud and privacy...
Faces of HR: Philips’ Justin Kwok on Elevating Global Mobility From Compliance to Business Impact
Philips’ International Mobility Partner for APAC, Justin Kwok, emphasizes that global mobility must evolve from a compliance‑focused function to a strategic business driver. Drawing on over 12 years of experience, Kwok highlights clarity, partnership and flexibility as the pillars enabling...
Built for Speed, Designed for Scale: 6 Gig Workforce Management Leaders in Singapore and Malaysia 2025
The 2025 HR Vendors of the Year awards highlighted six platforms that are redefining gig workforce management in Singapore and Malaysia. As organisations shift from spreadsheets to purpose‑built solutions, the demand for scalable onboarding, real‑time coordination, and compliance has surged....
When Chinese New Year Meets Ramadan: How to Celebrate Mindfully at Work
Chinese New Year and Ramadan coincide this year, prompting workplaces to balance festive celebrations with fasting employees' needs. Human Resources Online recommends scheduling CNY events earlier, making participation optional, and acknowledging Ramadan in communications. It also suggests adapting the lohei...
Best Employee Engagement Software: Singapore and Malaysia’s Top Picks
The HR Vendors of the Year 2025 awards in Singapore and Malaysia highlighted the leading employee engagement platforms in the region. Rewardz captured the gold award in Singapore, while Fermion took gold in Malaysia, with Achievers, Pacific Prime, Budaya by Leaderonomics...
Malaysia’s Population Growth Slows to 0.6% in Q4 2025
Malaysia’s fourth‑quarter 2025 demographic report shows population growth decelerating to 0.6%, reaching 34.3 million. Live births fell 5.4% while the elderly share rose to 8.0%, indicating an ageing trend. Labour demand grew 1.8% to 9.21 million jobs, the strongest since Q1 2024, with...
AI’s Impact on Workers and Organisations Depends More on Business Activities and Job Roles than Firm Size: MOM
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) told Parliament that AI’s effect on jobs hinges more on business activities and specific roles than on firm size. The ministry is analysing whether AI will complement or replace workers across both SMEs and multinational...
Singapore Budget 2026: Key Highlights for HR Leaders, Employers, and Employees
Singapore’s 2026 Budget, delivered by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, projects growth slowing to 2‑4% and introduces a suite of measures to keep the city‑state competitive. For employers, the budget raises the minimum qualifying salary for new Employment Passes to $6,000...
Thailand’s Ministry of Labour Rolls Out Vocational Training Programme
Thailand’s Ministry of Labour has launched a free nationwide vocational training programme aimed at informal and vulnerable workers, with a focus on culinary skills for the service and tourism sectors. The initiative, announced on 21 January 2026, provides a daily...