Malaysia – Unemployment rate improves to 3.7% in July

Malaysia’s unemployment rate in July 2022 stood at 3.7%, down 1.1% year-on-year, according to research from Statistics Malaysia.

Over the month, the unemployment rate fell slightly by 0.1%.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, Statistics Malaysia estimates the unemployment rate remained at 3.6%.

The number...

Asia Pacific – Philippines and Singapore sign deal on recruitment of healthcare workers

The Philippines and Singapore have signed an agreement on the deployment of Filipino healthcare workers to Singapore.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the deal will pave the way for “the continued deployment of Filipino healthcare professionals to Singapore as well as greater bilateral cooperation...

Japan – Artner H1 revenue climbs 13.6% as profits improve

Japanese recruitment firm Artner (2163: JP) reported revenue today for the six months ended 31 July 2022 of JPY 4.52 billion (USD 31.4 million), an increase of 13.6% compared to the same period last year.

Australia – Executive Search firm embroiled in controversial New York trade appointment

The most senior New South Wales (NSW) public servant, Department of Premier and Cabinet Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter, said he is considering firing the person responsible for appointing a former deputy premier, to a lucrative trade job in New York, reports The Guardian.

Earlier this year, Amy Brown,...

Asia Pacific – Philippines government abolishes performance bond requirement for Singapore employment agencies hiring Filipinos

The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, announced the abolishment of the requirements for submission of banker’s guarantee and performance bond required from Singaporean employment agencies and employers hiring Filipino domestic workers....

Singapore – Work services platform Foodpanda cuts jobs as part of move toward profitability (Channel News Asia)

Work services food delivery platform Foodpanda has laid off some members of its Singapore staff due to a ‘critical need’ to reduce costs and move to profitability to remain competitive, reports Channel News Asia. In response to Channel News Asia queries, Foodpanda said its parent company Delivery...

Australia – Job ads rise 20.2% in August amid strong labour demand

Job advertisements in Australia jumped by 20.2% in August 2022 on a seasonally adjusted basis when compared to the same period in August 2021, according to data from ANZ Bank.

When compared to the previous month, job ads increased 2.0% in August, exceeding the peak in March 2022.

Overall, job ads totalled...

New Zealand – Job ads surge by 27% in August with boost from Hospitality and Tourism industry

Job ads on job board Seek New Zealand surged by 27% in August 2022 when compared to August 2022.

When compared to July 2022, job ads were up by 5%. Meanwhile, applications per job ad edged up 11% over the previous month.

By region, Otago reported 72% growth, over the year. Taranaki saw 60% year-on-year...

Malaysia – Online job vacancies soar in Q2

During the second quarter of 2022, the number of job vacancies advertised online posted a year-on-year increase of 123.3% to a record 202,102 vacancies, according to research from Statistics Malaysia.

On a quarterly basis, the number of job vacancies advertised online edged up by 27.0%.

In comparison with...

India – Over half of gig economy workers or contractors feel work environment makes it difficult to upskill (Business Standard)

More than half, or 52%, of gig workers or contract employees in India feel that their work environment makes it challenging for them to upskill or find new job opportunities, reports The Business Standard, citing a report by CIIE.CO, a start-up platform built at the Indian Institute of Management...