About Generative AI, Gig Workers, and Mental Health: News Roundup for August 2023
Like Taylor Swift said, August slipped away into a moment in time. We round up all the HR news from the region and beyond.
Malaysia Records Lower Unemployment in Q2 2023
The employment trend in Malaysia has continued to rise during the second quarter of 2023, as indicated by data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. The number of unemployed persons declined by 9.5% quarter-on-quarter, registering a total unemployment rate of 3.5%, a return to the pre-pandemic level.
ILO: Generative AI Likely to Augment Jobs, Not Destroy Them
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more likely to augment than destroy jobs by automating some tasks rather than taking over a role entirely, a new study from the International Labour Organization (ILO) has found. The study, which is global in nature, suggests that most jobs and industries are only partly exposed to automation and are more likely to be complemented rather than substituted by the latest wave of generative AI. Clerical work was found to be the category with the greatest technological exposure, with nearly a quarter of tasks considered highly exposed and more than half of tasks having medium-level exposure. In other occupational groups – including managers, professionals and technicians – only a small share of tasks was found to be highly exposed, while about a quarter had medium exposure levels.
Singapore's MOM Encourages Workplace Mental Health Champions
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore has advocated for the presence of mental wellbeing champions in every workplace across the nation. These champions, designated employees trained to support their colleagues' mental health, are aimed at fostering a healthier work environment. MOM's initiative is aligned with the nation's focus on mental wellness and recognizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns in workplaces, thereby promoting overall employee well-being and productivity. At the moment, however, MOM does not mandate mental health awareness and training programmes for employers and managers.
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India Plans Welfare for Gig Workers
The Indian government is planning to implement welfare initiatives aimed at gig workers. Acknowledging the growing significance of the gig economy and the vulnerability of gig workers, the proposed measures include insurance, health benefits, and retirement planning. These initiatives aim to provide social security to gig workers who often lack formal employment benefits. Specific details and implementation strategies of these welfare measures are yet to be fully outlined.
Malaysian Employers Urged to Ensure Wages Are Paid into Bank Accounts
Malaysia's Minister of Human Resources, V Sivakumar has reminded employers in Malaysia that all payment of wages to employees are to be paid through bank accounts. This applies to both foreign and local workers, as wages paid in cash tend to be paid late or inconsistently, constituting one of the elements of forced labour under the ILO. Payment of wages via cheque or cash can be done, but only with the consent of the employee concerned and permission from the Director General of the Department of Labour, as stated by sections 25 and 25A of the Employment Act 1955.
Singapore Returns to the Office
The majority of workers in Singapore are reportedly resuming in-office work arrangements, with 79% of Singapore workers are showing up on mandated office days, more than the global average of 75%. This is according to workplace strategy and design firm Unispace. However, for those who now work in the office more than four days a week, only 26% said they were happy to do it. This gap has led to calls for reskilling managers to lead teams in the new work environment.
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Like Taylor Swift said, August slipped away into a moment in time. We round up all the HR news from the region and beyond.
Singapore Passport Most Powerful in the World, Dethroning Japan
Singapore’s passport has surpassed Japan’s passport to become the world’s most powerful passport. This highlights Singapore’s strong position in international diplomacy and global mobility according to the Henley Passport Index, a ranking that assesses passport strength based on visa-free access to countries. Holders of Singaporean passports enjoy visa-free entry to 192 destinations out of 227 in the world.
Tesla Announces Entry into Malaysia, Creating High-Tech Jobs
Tesla has announced its investment and expansion plans into Malaysia with Cyberjaya as its hub for Southeast Asian expansion. The electric vehicle manufacturer aims to establish a presence in the country, signaling its commitment to tapping into the Southeast Asian market as growth plateaus in other markets. This move comes as part of Tesla’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. The investment is expected to bolster Malaysia’s economy and potentially pave the way for greater adoption of electric vehicles in the region, as Tesla’s presence is likely to catalyze advancements in the local electric vehicle infrastructure and technology, as well as create thousands of high-tech jobs according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Base Salaries in Japan Jump Highest Since 1995
Japan has experienced the most significant increase in regular wages since 1995 following successful labour talks. This substantial rise in regular wages signals a positive development in the country’s labour market and will have implications for economic growth and consumer spending in the region. Japan’s largest labour organization Rengo said that major companies had agreed to average pay hikes of 3.58% this year, the highest since 3.9% in 1993.
Hong Kong Boards Show Increasing Diversity
Hong Kong-listed companies are showing increased diversity, according to the Hong Kong Board Monitor report by executive consultancy Heidrick & Struggles. Companies listed on the HKEx are placing greater importance on having diverse representation within their boardrooms, including women, first-time board directors, and those with wider executive experiences outside of the CEO and CFO. By incorporating individuals with varied backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, these companies aim to enhance decision-making processes, drive innovation, and strengthen their overall performance.
Japan and Korea Top Most Expensive Destinations to Employ Expatriates
Japan and Korea are the costliest countries in Asia for companies to relocate their employees internationally. Based on a study by ECA International, locations in Asia, Europe, and North America dominate the list of most expensive destinations. Factors like housing, schooling, and various allowances significantly contribute to the high costs faced by employers as well as the strength of the US dollar, the de facto universal currency used for expat pay.
Malaysia Rolls Out Digital Nomad Pass for Strategic Investors
The Malaysian government has recently introduced a new strategic immigration initiative to boost its manufacturing sector by issuing the Digital Nomad Pass and Strategic Investor Pass. These passes are targeted at investors who commit quality investments worth at least RM5 billion in certain manufacturing sectors. This will allow foreign individuals with expertise in relevant industries to work and stay in Malaysia for up to 10 years. This move aims to attract skilled professionals and encourage foreign investment in the country’s manufacturing sector. By embracing the digital nomad trend, Malaysia hopes to tap into a diverse talent pool and enhance its economic growth and competitiveness in the global market.
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