Workplace & HR Branding: Lanson Place Mall of Asia in Manila was named an awardee in the Happy Employer Brands 2026 programme, highlighting people-first culture, talent development and retention. Policy & Rights: India’s new transgender legal rules require certification from government-approved medical boards, leaving many people facing delays in treatment and uncertainty for healthcare providers. Corruption & Governance: China’s court sentenced former Nanjing official Yang Youlin to death for taking over 2.2bn yuan in bribes, part of Xi’s anti-corruption push. Finance & Markets: South Korea launched 24-hour won-dollar spot trading on weekdays to support currency convertibility and hedging, with regulators urging close oversight. Skills & Self-employment: JICA’s volunteer programme in Tanzania is training women and youth in entrepreneurship and vocational skills like soap making and recycling to support local jobs. Hiring & Pay: India’s 8th Pay Commission is set to hold stakeholder meetings in Kolkata, continuing talks with employee and pensioner groups. Industry & Jobs: Zimbabwe shipped its first commercial blueberry consignment to China, aiming to create new income and employment across horticulture. Corporate Restructuring: Volkswagen faces major union and board pressure over planned job cuts and factory closures as it battles Chinese rivals. FDI & Investment: A report proposes an “India-Plus Contribution Scorecard” to speed approvals for investors that deliver measurable jobs, exports and technology transfer, while keeping national security screening.