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Asia-Pacific
Channel NewsAsia

Singapore to host new ASEAN office to exchange jobs data, better track labour market shifts

AI-related changes, platform work and green jobs are some key areas the ASEAN Labour Statistics Office will study. Davina Tham 27 Oct 2026 10:31AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SINGAPORE: Singapore will host a new office for labour statistics collaboration under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a bid to strengthen regional exchanges of jobs and skills data. The partnership, proposed by Singapore, will allow ASEAN member states to develop ways to identify labour market shifts earlier and respond more effectively, said Mr Stanley Loh, permanent secretary for manpower. “The world of work is changing quickly, and we need better ways to understand what those changes mean for employment, skills and workers. No country can build that understanding alone,” he said. CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less The network will support ASEAN member states to better anticipate the labour market impact of artificial intelligence (AI), the green transition, and digital and platform work, said MOM. Singapore, which is preparing to take on the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, will serve as the network's convenor until 2030. It will be accompanied by the launch of an ASEAN Labour Market Knowledge Portal where member states can share research, methodologies and experiences to support evidence-based policymaking. Mr San Lwin, deputy secretary-general for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, said these efforts would contribute to more resilient labour markets, more competitive businesses, and better outcomes for workers across the region. Speaking at the network’s inaugural expert forum, Mr Loh noted that Singapore’s studies of platform work informed the development of stronger protections in the Platform Workers Act. He said MOM is now applying the same focus to study AI and what the technology means for jobs. MOM highlighted AI and platform work as areas where the ASEAN Labour Statisticians Network can help countries to better understand how work is changing and support workers. “As AI changes everyday tasks, workers may need new skills and employers may need to redesign jobs,” said the ministry.

Singapore to host new ASEAN office to exchange jobs data, better track labour market shifts
Asia
The Hindu BusinessLine

Ananth Technologies supplies 46 packages for GSLV-F18

ATL, a space systems company, has supplied 46 flight hardware packages for the GSLV-F18 launch vehicle. | Photo Credit: Kesavan N 7606 Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL), a space systems company headquartered here in Hyderabad, has supplied 46 flight hardware packages for the GSLV-F18 launch vehicle and nine systems for the NVS-03 navigation satellite it carried successfully. The packages for the launch vehicle cover telemetry, data acquisition, navigation, guidance and control, power management, relay units, structural monitoring, actuator control, and the transponder across the vehicle’s stages, the company said in a statement. For the satellite, ATL supplied power-management packages, different types of DC-DC converters, star sensors and attitude and orbit control systems. These support power conversion and distribution, onboard computing and determining the spacecraft’s attitude. NVS-03 is the third satellite in the next-generation navigation satellite system meant to provide continuity of navigation services for the IRNSS series. It carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks, and adds the L1 signal to the existing L5 and S signals. Its coverage extends over the country’s landmass and a region extending 1,500 km around its geopolitical boundary. Congratulating ISRO on the successful launch, Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman of Ananth Technologies, said NVS-03, part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, represented “an important step towards ensuring continuity and enhancing India’s independent satellite-based navigation services”. The company has facilities in Bengaluru for satellite assembly, integration and testing, and in Thiruvananthapuram for the fabrication, assembly and testing of launch vehicle subsystems. It has contributed to 111 satellites and 91 launch vehicles so far. Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments. We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.

Ananth Technologies supplies 46 packages for GSLV-F18
Japan
Nikkei Asia

For India's IT giants TCS and Infosys, AI both dents and supports growth

Tata Consultancy Service's annualized artificial intelligence revenue grew more than 19% in the July-September quarter, while for Infosys' AI revenue rose 29% quarter-on-quarter. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Getty images and Reuters) BENGALURU -- For India's top information technology companies, the recent round of earnings are cause for both hope and continued caution amid the proliferation of artificial intelligence, analysts say. Deployment of the technology across legacy software systems is driving growth in high-margin contracts, but at the same time AI-led productivity gains are squeezing revenues in traditional segments.

For India's IT giants TCS and Infosys, AI both dents and supports growth
Asia-Pacific
Channel NewsAsia

Indonesia says gas export cuts to Singapore within contractual limits, pledges to honour obligations

The cuts fall within the minimum contractual limits of around 91 to 92 per cent of exports, says Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia. Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia. (File photo: Facebook/Bahlil Lahadalia) New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool. Kiki Siregar 26 Oct 2026 07:17PM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST JAKARTA: Indonesia's gas export cuts to Singapore are within contractual limits, said the country’s Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia on Monday (Oct 26). The export cut, which Indonesia said it was implementing to divert more supplies to domestic electricity needs, started last Saturday and involves 31 million standard cubic feet of gas a day, comprising 15 million from Natuna and 16 million from Sumatra. Bahlil said at a press conference that the cuts fall within the minimum contractual limits of around 91 to 92 per cent of exports. “We have only reduced it by about 8 per cent. We would only be in breach of contract if we were to cut by 10 per cent,” said Bahlil, who is also minister of energy and mineral resources. “This situation arose partly due to maintenance requirements, but also because of domestic demand. And that is just for the gas — not even accounting for the LNG (liquefied natural gas) we supply,” he added. CNA has contacted Singapore's Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry for comment. CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Related: Singapore expects all parties to honour commercial gas contracts, says PM Wong after Indonesia cut exports Indonesia reduces gas exports to Singapore in order to 'safeguard reliability' of domestic supplies ‘Keep calm and carry on’: Indonesia gas cut unlikely to hit Singapore electricity prices, says Tan See Leng Bahlil’s remarks on Monday came after Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore expects all parties that have signed commercial contracts for gas supplies to honour their commitments. “The gas supplies are covered by commercial contracts. We expect all parties to honour their commitments, and Singapore’s gas importer will take the necessary steps to protect its rights and interests under these contracts,” said the prime minister on Sunday. Singapore has been readying itself for such risks, and has invested in LNG terminals to import natural gas from different countries, without having to rely on pipelines, providing more options to manage any disruptions to supply, he said. Singapore must look beyond natural gas to cleaner sources of power that can provide reliable electricity around the clock, added the prime minister. That is why local authorities are studying the potential of nuclear energy.

Indonesia says gas export cuts to Singapore within contractual limits, pledges to honour obligations
Asia-Pacific
The Straits Times

Former minister Maliki Osman, Revolut chairman join Asia Gulf Holdings advisory board

Dr Maliki Osman retired from politics in May 2025 after serving as a Member of Parliament for 24 years. The appointments, announced on Oct 26, will see Maliki advise the investment group on geopolitical developments, government relations and regional cooperation. Meanwhile, Gilbert will focus on global investment strategy, asset management and investment opportunities across Asia and the Middle East and North Africa. Maliki retired from politics in May 2025 after serving as a Member of Parliament for 24 years. His previous appointments included minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, second minister for foreign affairs, second minister for education and senior minister of state for defence. Since leaving politics, Maliki has taken up several appointments, including senior adviser for Asean and flagship programmes at Nanyang Technological University. “Economic and institutional ties between Asia and the Gulf are deepening at a time of considerable change in the global order,” Maliki said. “Greater dialogue between governments, investors and businesses can help both regions identify common interests and build stronger long-term relationships,” he added. Gilbert, meanwhile, brings more than three decades of experience in global asset management and investment. He co-founded Aberdeen Asset Management in 1983 and led the business for 34 years as it expanded internationally. “Asia and the Middle East are becoming increasingly important to global investors. Both regions have substantial pools of capital, entrepreneurial activity and long-term investment opportunities,” he said. AGH’s global advisory board is chaired by Amy Lee, co-founder and chairman of Singapore-based investment group Whampoa Group. The veteran lawyer was previously a senior partner at the Lee & Lee law firm, which was co-founded by her father Lee Kim Yew. She was also Singapore chief executive of international law firm Hogan Lovells. The board’s vice-chairman is Randal Quarles, a former US Federal Reserve vice-chair for supervision.

Former minister Maliki Osman, Revolut chairman join Asia Gulf Holdings advisory board
Asia
The Hindu BusinessLine

Trump floats idea of Venezuela becoming ‘51st state’

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested that Venezuela could become the 51st US state, citing growing oil cooperation between the two countries. Addressing supporters at a midterm election rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, Trump stated, “I want to thank Venezuela, where our relationship has become very, very good, a great one.” During his address, the US leader announced the arrival of the first 1 million barrels of free Venezuelan oil secured under an agreement between Washington and Caracas. Emphasising the economic and geopolitical significance of the shipment, he noted, “This historic win gives us control over a massive part of the world’s oil supply.” He further detailed the domestic processing of the energy imports, adding, “It will be refined here in Texas, including right here in Corpus Christi.” Highlighting economic shifts in the South American nation, Trump pointed out that foreign investments were driving employment opportunities locally. Expanding on the deepening bilateral ties and energy exchanges, he remarked, “We’re bringing out a lot of oil for ourselves, a lot. It will become a prosperous country, and who knows? Maybe someday soon it will become a prosperous 51st state. That’s possible.” Reiterating the prospective political arrangement during his speech, the US president outlined an alternative governance structure for the nation, “Let’s make it. Let’s make it the 51st state. And instead of a president, we’ll have an election for a governor. How about that? You know, they have a lot of oil.” Building on these remarks, the American leader had previously floated similar proposals regarding foreign territories. Earlier this year, Trump mentioned that he was “seriously considering” bringing the South American nation into the Union as a state, echoing past remarks he had made concerning Canada. Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments. We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.

Trump floats idea of Venezuela becoming ‘51st state’
Asia-Pacific
The Straits Times

Hang Seng investment arm to merge with HSBC’s asset business, sources say

The proposed merger would mark the first business-line integration between the two banks. HONG KONG – HSBC will merge Hang Seng Bank’s asset management unit into its fund business, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Oct 26, after the London-based bank took the Hong Kong lender private in a US$13.6 billion (S$17.4 billion) deal. The planned deal will have HSBC Asset Management, which manages investment assets of about US$876 billion, absorb Hang Seng Investment Management, which has US$50 billion in assets, the two people said. Both people declined to be named as the plan is not yet public. HSBC and Hang Seng did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The proposed merger would mark the first business-line integration between the two banks, despite HSBC’s earlier pledge to maintain two independent brands. In October 2025, HSBC launched a take-private bid for Hang Seng, which faced mounting bad loans due to its heavy exposure to Hong Kong and mainland Chinese property markets. Previously, HSBC owned 63% of Hang Seng. HSBC, which makes the bulk of its profits in Asia, has appointed cross-bank leaders to oversee several corporate functions that it has in common with Hang Seng. Hang Seng runs the Tracker Fund, Hong Kong’s largest exchange-traded fund that tracks the benchmark Hang Seng Index, a prominent product in the city’s Mandatory Provident Fund pension programme. REUTERS

Hang Seng investment arm to merge with HSBC’s asset business, sources say
Europe
BBC Business

Civil servant who juggled five jobs says he was 'surprised' to be charged with fraud

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Civil servant Kashim Chowdhury is accused of fraududlently earning more than £284,000 by juggling multiple public sector jobs. A civil servant accused of fraudulently juggling multiple government jobs says he was ''surprised'' to have been charged with fraud. Kashim Chowdhury told the jury at Southwark Crown Court he had not been dishonest in failing to tell his employers he had other government jobs. "At that time I was just on auto pilot, I was like a robot, I was not thinking clearly," he said. Chowdhury, 55, from east London, is accused of nine counts of fraud. He denies acting dishonestly or intending to make a dishonest gain. Between 2020 and 2023 Chowdhury had eight overlapping public sector jobs. He was contractually obliged to work full time and was paid a full-time salary by each organisation. He is accused of fraudulently earning more than £284,000. In March 2023 Chowdhury began working for the Home Office despite being under contract to work full time at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department for Business and Trade and the Food Standards Agency. The court was told he started the Home Office job while on sick leave from three of his other jobs. Prosecuting barrister Lucy Organ asked him: "If you were really sick for work, how were you able to start your work at the Home Office?" Chowdhury said: "I did not want this job at the Home Office, I was told there would be adequate support and I could work whatever hours I wanted to work." Organ also asked why he did not submit a sick note to the Home Office "You were using these sick notes to be able to cope. It was all too much wasn't it?" In May 2023, Chowdhury was contracted to work 183 hours a week, more than the number of hours in seven days.

Civil servant who juggled five jobs says he was 'surprised' to be charged with fraud
Asia-Pacific
Channel NewsAsia

India's IT firms face a new dilemma: How to train tomorrow's engineers in the age of AI

India’s biggest IT firms are hiring far fewer fresh graduates, as AI changes the skills employers seek. Industry experts tell CNA this could create a shortage of experienced workers in the future unless companies and universities do more to develop young talent. Indian students take part in a 24-hour hackathon at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies in New Delhi on Oct 27, 2018, developing projects in areas including AI, blockchain and fintech. (Photo: AFP/Xavier Galiana) Shadma Shaikh 27 Oct 2026 06:00AM (Updated: 27 Oct 2026 09:38AM) Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST NEW DELHI: Arpita Dayama, 22, a final-year engineering student, is preparing for campus recruitment knowing that strong grades from a premier institute like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay may no longer be enough to stand out. Dayama - who hopes to work in product management or analytics - says she is now expected to demonstrate practical skills, from data science projects to work involving agentic artificial intelligence. “You have to show what you have actually worked on, explain it in simple terms and still be able to go into the technical details when they (recruiters) ask questions,” she said. AI is reshaping how young engineers enter India’s technology industry, one of the country’s biggest private-sector job creators, which employs an estimated 5.95 million people in 2026, experts told CNA. CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less Arpita Dayama, a final-year engineering student at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, poses in front of the institute's emblem on campus. (Photo: Arpita Dayama) “The old model (at Indian IT companies) was to hire graduates in bulk and develop them over time,” said Mansee Singhal, country leader at Marsh Workforce & Rewards, which advises Indian and multinational companies on hiring and talent management. Increasingly, she said, employers want fresh graduates to “arrive with greater technical depth and a better understanding of real business problems from the outset”. For instance, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India's biggest IT firms, hired more than 110,000 engineering graduates four years ago, according to its annual report. But hiring has since fallen sharply. TCS’s intake in financial year 2026 was less than half its level four years ago, while Infosys recruited about 80 per cent fewer fresh graduates in financial year 2025 than three years earlier, according to company reports. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on Oct 13, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani said AI was increasingly taking over coding tasks traditionally handled by junior engineers. He said “new skills” would be needed around client needs, business transformation and managing the technology.

India's IT firms face a new dilemma: How to train tomorrow's engineers in the age of AI