Asia HR Pulse
What changed in Asian HR this week.
Short, image-led reads from six markets. What happened, where, and what it means for your team.
Lead story
Indonesia sets 2026 minimum wage formula
The Ministry of Manpower confirmed the 2026 minimum wage formula tied to provincial inflation and growth indices.
🇮🇩 IndonesiaCompensation2 min read
Latest across Asia
28 stories🇸🇬 SingaporeRemote Work2 min read
Singapore flexible work request guidelines now in force
Write down a short FWA policy. A one-pager is enough. You need a paper trail showing how each request was evaluated.
🇲🇾 MalaysiaBenefits2 min read
Malaysia EPF raises voluntary contribution ceiling
Higher-earning staff may ask you to adjust payroll deductions. Confirm with payroll provider before the next cycle.
🇵🇭 PhilippinesCompensation2 min read
Philippines DOLE clarifies 13th month pay for project hires
If you hire short-term in Manila or Cebu, budget pro-rata 13th month into your project rates from day one.
🇮🇳 IndiaCompliance2 min read
India amends Payment of Gratuity Act thresholds
Long-tenured staff approaching five years now have a larger expected payout. Re-run your liability model.
🇯🇵 JapanLabor Law2 min read
Japan tightens overtime cap enforcement for SMBs
If your Japan team logs hours by spreadsheet, switch to a system that flags the cap automatically. Fines start at ¥300,000.
🇮🇩 IndonesiaBenefits2 min read
BPJS expands coverage to platform workers
If you use contract drivers or freelancers regularly, the agency may classify them as covered workers. Review your contractor agreements.
🇸🇬 SingaporeHiring2 min read
Singapore raises EP qualifying salary
Renewals filed after September must hit the new floor. Audit your foreign hires and time the renewal carefully.
🇵🇭 PhilippinesRemote Work2 min read
Philippines expands Telecommuting Act protections
Your remote staff should appear in every performance review cycle and training roster. Document this.
🇲🇾 MalaysiaCompliance2 min read
Malaysia Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal operational
Update your handbook. Add a clear internal complaints channel and a named contact person — required before tribunal accepts a case.
🇮🇳 IndiaWorkforce2 min read
India launches universal PF account portability
Onboarding gets simpler. Drop the PF transfer form from your hiring checklist.
🇯🇵 JapanCompensation2 min read
Japan extends equal pay disclosure to companies of 100+
If you cross 100 headcount this year, start collecting the data quarterly. The first disclosure is due 12 months after crossing.
🇮🇩 IndonesiaLabor Law2 min read
Indonesia clarifies PKWT renewal rules after UU 6/2023
If you've been rolling PKWT contracts annually for the same role, expect tighter scrutiny. Move long-running PKWTs to PKWTT before the next audit.
🇸🇬 SingaporeLabor Law2 min read
Singapore passes Platform Workers Bill
If you operate a platform that engages drivers or riders in Singapore, start budgeting for CPF cost. The new category is not 'contractor' anymore.
🇲🇾 MalaysiaCompensation2 min read
Malaysia introduces Progressive Wage Policy pilot
If you employ low-wage workers in retail, F&B, or services, the scheme can subsidize wage increases. Worth the application paperwork.
🇵🇭 PhilippinesWorkforce2 min read
Philippines DOLE issues workplace mental health guidelines
A named focal point is the binding requirement. Pick one this week. Training can come later.
🇮🇩 IndonesiaBenefits2 min read
Indonesia clarifies BPJS Kesehatan coverage for foreign workers
Most expatriate packages already include private insurance. You still need BPJS on top — it is mandatory, not a substitute.
🇮🇳 IndiaCompliance2 min read
Karnataka issues state-specific Gratuity Act notification
Bengaluru-based IT employers should review their gratuity policy wording. The state notification supersedes the broader Central reading.
🇯🇵 JapanBenefits2 min read
Japan publishes 2025 paternity leave uptake data
The compliance bar is also rising. Companies of 1,000+ must publish their own uptake rate; expect this to push down to 300+ next year.
🇸🇬 SingaporeHiring2 min read
Singapore TAFEP issues updated fair employment guidelines
Audit your live job postings this afternoon. The most common violations are 'Singaporean preferred' and age ceilings written as 'fresh graduate'.
🇮🇩 IndonesiaCompensation2 min read
Jakarta announces 2026 UMP figure
Update offer letters issued after May 1. Confirm renewals before December.
🇲🇾 MalaysiaLabor Law2 min read
Malaysia Employment Act amendments fully in force
If your handbook still references 48-hour weeks, update it. The Department of Labour is asking for handbooks during routine inspections.
🇵🇭 PhilippinesCompensation2 min read
Philippines BIR clarifies 13th month tax exemption ceiling
Payroll change. Apply from January retroactively if needed. Talk to your provider this week.
🇮🇳 IndiaBenefits2 min read
India tax-free leave encashment ceiling raised
Mostly affects long-tenured staff approaching retirement. Update your offboarding checklist for the new ceiling.
🇯🇵 JapanCompensation2 min read
Tokyo prefecture raises minimum wage above ¥1,200/hour
Part-time and contract workers in Tokyo need re-rating before October. Budget the increase into Q4 forecasts now.
🇸🇬 SingaporeWorkforce2 min read
Singapore SkillsFuture employer credit refreshed
If you have any 40+ year-old employees in technical roles, the refreshed scheme can offset 70% of upskilling costs.
🇲🇾 MalaysiaBenefits2 min read
Malaysia EPF launches Shariah-compliant default option
No employer action required, but worth communicating to staff. It is a question employees will start asking.
🇵🇭 PhilippinesCompliance2 min read
Philippines NPC issues employee data privacy advisory
If you use fingerprint or face-scan attendance, get fresh written consent. The general employment contract is not enough.
🇮🇩 IndonesiaLabor Law2 min read
Indonesia issues final Omnibus Law implementing regulations
If you outsource any function, your provider contracts need updating. The new PP narrows the categories that can legally be outsourced.