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Jobs

Jobs
News about job creation, job losses, labour disputes, wage trends and other developments from around the world with a focus on Hong Kong and China.
Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

Why tougher US visa rules for skilled foreign workers may end in ‘brain drain’

Trump administration is targeting several visa categories, including popular H-1B pathway, with bias towards fewer numbers and more revenue.

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China jobs

China outlines new labour protection plan for nation’s 200 million gig workers

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China jobs

China’s youth unemployment crunch deepens as record graduation season looms

Artificial intelligence

Opinion | As AI evolves, school syllabuses must evolve with it

As artificial intelligence upends job markets and academic norms, we must go beyond the fear of change to redefine what it means to be educated.

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While the human element will always be essential, amid the AI revolution, society must figure out what tasks should be automated and what professions can ultimately add value for the workers of tomorrow. Photo: Getty Images
China jobs

Shanghai mobilises seniors to work longer amid China’s demographic crisis

With one in three residents above retirement age, Shanghai’s 28-department plan aims to mobilise retirees to offset shrinking payrolls and rising pension strains.

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Britain

BBC to slash 2,000 jobs in biggest redundancy drive in 15 years

The British broadcaster will axe 10 per cent of its workforce as it navigates ‘financial pressures’.

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Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong to slash over 10,000 civil service posts by mid-2027, minister vows

Civil service minister Ingrid Yeung says close to 60 per cent of cuts will be junior roles and about 3 per cent at senior level.

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Civil servants leave the office in Tamar during lunch hour. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong politics

Tighter civil service disciplinary rules risk becoming excessive: union head

Federation of Civil Service Unions chairman raises concerns over civil servant retention amid efforts to deal with underperforming staff.

Fashion

US$20 for a jacket, US$280 for tailoring. How demand for tailors is rising

Demand for professional sewers, dressmakers and tailors is growing in the US. Problem is, many are retiring and there are few to replace them.

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong’s global future depends on diverse talent

To sharpen its competitive edge, the city must look beyond traditional borders to widen its narrowing talent pipeline.

Illustration: Craig Stephens
United States

US adds 178,000 jobs in March but Middle East war ‘likely not incorporated’

Gains in a slumping market were about three times the forecast, thought to be linked to construction firms doing more in recent warm weather.

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Construction workers in California in March. Photo: via AFP
The Philippines

How soaring fuel prices are pushing Filipino farmers to the brink

Farmer Elmer Ullani spent seven hours transporting his produce to a trading post, but says he has nothing left after paying for fuel.

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China trade

‘Careful scrutiny’ needed in China’s applications of AI: Jiang Xiaojuan

Stronger oversight needed as unchecked AI risks undermining jobs and data security, government advisers urge at the Boao Forum for Asia.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Hong Kong graduates need to adapt to secure a job in the AI era

There is no point in lamenting AI’s rise. The focus must be on flexibility and learning to live with the technology.

Graduating students take photos on the University of Hong Kong campus. Photo: Dickson Lee
China society

Opinion | Why China’s AI automation push is a risky social experiment

Without reforms to improve wages, housing access and childcare, automation could entrench a low-fertility crisis and destabilise the social contract.

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A robot helps with a task during a media tour to the Beijing Humanoid Robot Pilot Verification Platform, in Beijing on March 20. Photo: EPA
Education in Hong Kong

Opinion | Hong Kong’s education policy must reflect the innovative future it seeks

The city aims to be a leader in the creative and innovation industry, but how much of that vision is translated into its schools?

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China jobs

China’s youth unemployment falls for sixth consecutive month in February

But young job-hunters say they are still struggling to find work in a testing post-holiday labour market amid rising global economic uncertainty.

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Japan

‘Poor’ foreigners not welcome? Japan bets on AI while upping visa fee

Critics say the fee rise is designed to keep ‘poor’ foreigners out, as Japan bets on AI and robots to plug its growing staffing shortfall.

People gather at a port in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Top of the world: why Indonesian workers are happiest in Asia-Pacific

While a survey shows that 82 per cent of Indonesian workers are happy, it also flags increasing burnout among them.

Asean

Southeast Asia’s scam compound survivors suffer in stigma and silence

Many survivors return home to inhabit a murky space between victim and offender, with few support services to help them reintegrate.

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United States

Meta plans to cut up to 20% of staff to fund AI infrastructure

If Meta settles on the 20 per cent figure, the lay-offs will be its biggest since 21,000 were made redundant in its ‘year of efficiency’.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wears the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses during an event at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park on September 17, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Funding cuts trigger calls for help on jobs from Hong Kong’s physiotherapists

Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association alarmed by hiring freezes and job losses at NGOs despite rising demand for services.

Hong Kong has about six physiotherapists for every 10,000 residents. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

Vacancies in 23 out of 33 job sectors, including IT and customer service, fell to their lowest number in six years.

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China consumption

Beijing urged to boost rural pensions as lawmakers fight for farmers’ fair share

Appeals highlight a long-standing lack of benefits for elderly citizens outside cities, and proposals include leveraging state assets and new taxes to bridge the vast disparity.

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Hong Kong economy

Proposed 33% rise in MPF payments ‘may pile on business pressure, hit jobs’

But labour sector lawmaker calls for bolder increases in maximum income level threshold to meet statutory requirements and reflect rising salaries.

More than 2.6 million employees are registered under MPF schemes. Photo: Dickson Lee
India

Boom times for India’s economy but opportunities remain uneven

Analysts caution that a significant portion of India’s workforce remains in relatively low-productivity and informal sectors.

The newly constructed coastal road in front of the city skyline during sunset in Mumbai, India, in February. Photo: AFP
United States

US sheds 92,000 jobs in warning sign for Trump’s economy

Unemployment crept up, while job numbers showed a surprise reversal from growth in the previous month.

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China jobs

China should up education spending to help population adapt to AI era: economist

Prominent Chinese economist says it is imperative to ensure the next generation can withstand the changes being driven by AI.

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