The First Word: Compliance mistakes to avoid when building global teams
In an increasingly globalised world, Singapore is fast recognising the importance of supporting local businesses in building and managing global teams. Budget 2024 revealed plans to invest in human capital and provide financial support for overseas expansion. Local firms are now prioritising international expansion strategies to diversify their customer base, capitalise on new opportunities and […]
Employers urged to help employees grappling with financial woes
While several subsidies have been introduced in Budget 2024, Malaysians continue to grapple with financial matters. A recent survey revealed that an overwhelming 90% of Malaysians are deeply concerned about the relentless surge in the cost of living. Against this backdrop, the spotlight shifts to employers, with many questioning if they are willing to shoulder […]
Singapore government to set up new office to promote civic participation
The Singapore government will set up a new office to create more space for Singaporeans to work with the government and contribute to the shaping of the country’s future. The Singapore Government Partnerships Office, one of the recommendations of the Forward Singapore report, will lead national efforts to engage citizens who want to contribute by […]
Contract employees in Thailand demand fair treatment
Contract employees in Thailand are demanding that the government treat them fairly, ending what they claim are unfair employment conditions while promoting job security. The rally, held in Bangkok last week to mark World Day for Decent Work, was joined by three other labor and civil rights groups. Labour groups are urging the government to […]
Indonesia revitalises vocational training to enhance labour force
The Indonesian government is prioritising the revitalisation of vocational training as a crucial step in improving the country’s human resources. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the labour force, developing skills faster, and making training more inclusive. Speaking at the inauguration of the Ministry of Manpower’s Vocational Building in Jakarta, Ida Fauziyah, Minister of Manpower, […]
RCBC, Hungarian FinTech partnership to accommodate OFWs
At the Hungarian-Philippine Roundtable Discussion on Labor Market Trends last July, Hungarian and Filipino executives signed the Memorandum of Understanding for an embedded finance partnership providing a wide range of digital financial services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Stakeholders are the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and Hungary-based fintech Peak Card Services Ltd. (Peak) and […]
Maybank Singapore doubles paternity leave to four weeks
Maybank Singapore has increased its paternity leave entitlement from two weeks to four for children born on or after 1 October 2023. All male employees of Maybank Singapore, regardless of their child’s nationality, are eligible if they have completed at least three months of continuous service. This move is ahead of the Singapore government’s initiative […]
Singapore organisations embrace inclusive hiring with government support
Singaporean organisations are increasingly embracing inclusive hiring practices, with the government providing support through schemes such as the Enabling Employment Credit (EEC). The EEC provides employers with up to 20% wage support for disabled employees earning below SGD $4,000 per month, with a cap at SGD $400 per month per employee. In 2022, 6,600 organisations […]
Malaysia needs to attract, retain top talent to boost economy
Malaysia needs to retain and attract top talent to attract foreign investment and compete with other regional economies. This is according to Professor Nafis Alam, head of the School of Business at Monash University Malaysia. “Malaysia’s economy has recovered post-Covid-19, and political stability has provided a lifeline, resulting in a positive economic outlook for 2024 […]
Malaysia to introduce progressive wage policy
Malaysia is introducing a progressive wage policy that will raise workers’ wages gradually based on their skill or experience. Employers who participate in the program will receive cash incentives. The policy is expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2024. The progressive wage policy is a government initiative to help narrow the income […]
