AI & Hiring: HCLTech will invest $1.48bn in an Odisha AI data centre and open a 5,000-seat tech hub by 2028, aiming to deliver full-stack AI services with Sarvam AI. Workforce & Culture: A Korea report says the country is less exposed to generative AI job shock than most OECD peers, but warns productivity gains could still slip. Jobs & Protests (India): India’s youth “cockroach” movement leaders will meet the government to discuss NEET exam leak demands, while protests continue; the dispute is also reshaping the education debate. Labour Market Signals (India): HSBC Flash PMI shows India’s private sector growth slowed to the weakest pace since March 2022, with services dragging even as hiring continued. Migration & Skills (Japan): Japan plans an expert panel to review foreign worker intake rules and consider “quantitative management” and population targets. Regional Security & Shipping: The Philippines accused China’s coast guard of water-cannon attacks near Scarborough Shoal as ASEAN talks wrapped up. Infrastructure Jobs (Philippines/US): Manila says the US-led Pax Silica initiative could bring new revenues and jobs via the Port of Subic, though projects aren’t finalized. Automation on the Factory Floor (China): Humanoid robots are being tested in Chinese garment factories, with one sewing robot unit claiming near-97% success in fabric handling.