HR News & Trends: Aug Week 1

HR News & Trends: Aug Week 1

HR News & Trends: Aug Week 1

1. Market

i. Singapore Launches JSIT-WST to Help the Wholesale Trade Sector Reskill

Enterprise Singapore launched the Jobs-Skills Integrator for Wholesale Trade (JSIT-WST) initiative, which will be led by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and supported by Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore. The initiative will help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mid-career workers adapt to rapid digitalisation and sustainability trends. The JSIT-WST will provide:

  • Job redesign and reskilling: To boost employee productivity and skills while pinpointing higher-value roles that can drive revenue growth.
  • Job and skills assessment: To utilise HR analytics tools to identify gaps in employees’ roles and skillsets more effectively.

Takeaway: The JSIT-WST will provide a centralised platform where companies and workers can access vital training and talent development resources, enabling the wholesale trade sector to futureproof its workforce.

Read the full article about Singapore’s job skills integrator.

 

ii. Indonesia to Help Upskill Workforce in AI and Analytics

Indonesia is proactively addressing the challenges posed by AI in the workforce by emphasising the need to upskill and reskill its workers. To support this, the Kartu Prakerja programme provides large-scale vocational training, leveraging machine learning to tailor courses to individual needs. This initiative is essential for maintaining the country’s productivity and integrating skills development with the broader education system.

Takeaway: Investing in continuous workforce development better equips employees to transition into higher-value roles that align with emerging technological advancements and bring synergy to their organisations. Moving forward, Indonesia will also need to focus on integrating its education system, which incorporates adult learning, with skills development programmes. An integration will help prevent these initiatives from operating in silos, ensuring a more cohesive approach to achieving shared objectives.

 

2. Employment Law

i. Supervisor Suspended for Not Overseeing Subordinate’s Work Properly

In a recent ruling by Singapore’s High Court, the responsibilities of a dental supervisor were scrutinised after a conditionally registered dentist was left to practice without proper oversight. The court found that the supervisor’s failure to verify the supervision of the junior dentist, despite being intermittently present at the clinic, constituted a deliberate breach of professional standards. The court also clarified that both individual supervisors and healthcare facilities share the responsibility for ensuring proper supervision of conditionally registered practitioners.

Takeaway: This case highlights the critical responsibilities of healthcare supervisors, stressing the importance of clear communication and proactive actions to safeguard patient safety, even during personal emergencies. The court’s ruling clarified that personal circumstances can be considered but do not justify professional shortcomings. In view of the case’s outcomes, healthcare organisations may need to reassess their policies and procedures for managing unexpected supervisor absences to avoid similar issues.

Read the full article about the ruling on the healthcare supervisor’s neglect.

 

ii. Bill Tabled to Strengthen Safety Net for Platform Workers in Singapore

Singapore tabled the Platform Workers Bill. The Bill aims to provide employee-like protections for cabbies, private-hire car drivers, and delivery riders who depend on online platforms like Grab and Foodpanda for work. The Bill introduces:

  • A standardised work injury compensation system.
  • Increased contributions to the CPF savings scheme.
  • Formal representation for these workers.

It will categorise these platform workers separately from traditional employees and the self-employed, similar to the employment model in Britain.

Takeaway: The bill broadens the limited powers of groups like the National Taxi Association, National Private Hire Vehicles Association, and the National Delivery Champions Association, which currently do not have the legislative backing and formal dispute-resolution mechanisms that unions possess. Its implementation will equip associations to better safeguard the interests of platform workers and assist members in navigating their challenges.

Read the full article about Singapore’s proposed bill to protect platform workers.

 

iii. IBM Japan Agrees to Disclose AI’s Role in Workforce Evaluations

In a landmark agreement, IBM Japan Ltd. and the Japan Metal, Manufacturing, Information and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (JMITU) resolved a labour-management dispute over the use of AI in employee evaluations. The agreement, announced on August 2, mandates that IBM disclose the data and criteria used by its AI system in evaluating employee performance, which influences salary decisions. The labour union will monitor the use of AI to ensure transparency, given the lack of existing regulations in Japan regarding AI in labour relations.

Takeaway: This settlement sets a precedent for AI governance in the workplace and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in using AI for personnel decisions.

Read the full article about IBM’s Japan’s use of AI for employee evaluation.

 

3. Market Trends

i. A Rise in Employment Claims Observed for 2023: MOM

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore reported a rise in employment claims in 2023. Results showed that there were:

  • 53 claims per 1,000 employees, which is attributed to challenging economic conditions.
  • This increase was observed in both local and foreign workers, particularly in the Construction sector, where salary disputes were most prevalent.
  • Overall, 9,393 claims were lodged, with salary disputes being the most common issue.
  • There is an increase in wrongful dismissal claims, with local employees filing more than their foreign counterparts.

Despite the rise in claims, MOM highlighted that the resolution rate remains high, with over 80% of cases being resolved successfully through mediation.

Read the full article about the increase in Singapore’s employment claims.

 

ii. Tech Leaders Face Challenges in Securing and Retaining AI Talent

Research by IDC Infobrief revealed that around one-third of global technology leaders face major challenges in finding and retaining talent. This is particularly true in critical areas like cybersecurity, networking, and AI/automation. The situation is exacerbated by a global shortage of professionals, especially in cybersecurity. This comes at the same time when there is a growing push towards AI, with 48% of leaders operationalising AI initiatives or planning to do so soon. To bridge these gaps, many organisations are increasingly relying on external partners, such as vendors and managed service providers.

Takeaway: Concerns about AI governance, ethics, and the varying capabilities of external partners remain significant hurdles to companies’ fulfilling their tech ambitions.

Read the full article about challenges in AI talent acquisition and retention.

 

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Image Sources:

  • Keiichi Kitagawa
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