– South Korean travelers continued to favor short-haul destinations, with Japan taking the top three spots, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Taiwan.

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Overseas travel from South Korea continues to rebound at a rapid pace. According to the Korea Tourism Organization and Incheon International Airport Corporation, both the number of South Koreans traveling abroad between January and October 2025 (24,335,383 people), and the number of international flight operations (349,919 flights) increased by 3.2% year-on-year. Insights from digital travel platform Agoda echo this momentum, with interest in international travel from South Korean travelers increasing by 15% in 2025 compared to 2024.

Reflecting this growing demand, Agoda has revealed a list of the top 10 international destinations favored by South Korean travelers in 2025, based on accommodation search data. Tokyo (Japan) ranked first, followed by Fukuoka (Japan) and Osaka (Japan) in the top three rankings, underscoring Japan’s continued appeal. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 7.66 million South Koreans visited Japan between January and October 2025 – a 6.4% increase from the previous year.

Nha Trang (Vietnam), Bali (Indonesia), Da Nang (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), Sapporo (Japan), Taipei (Taiwan), and Phu Quoc (Vietnam) rounded out the top ten, highlighting continued interest in short-haul destinations.

Vietnam, in particular, gained traction throughout the year, with multiple coastal and island destinations making the list. Phu Quoc, often referred to as the “Maldives of Vietnam,” recorded the highest year-on-year growth in travel interest (+63%), climbing six places and entering the top 10 in 2025. As the only destination in Vietnam offering visa-free entry to all international travelers for up to 30 days, combined with its striking natural landscapes such as Sao Beach, Kem Beach, and eco-tourism sites like Phu Quoc National Park, the island continues to attract an increasing number of South Korean travelers.

Looking ahead, this demand is expected to continue. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, 39% of South Korean travelers said that they plan to travel primarily overseas this year, 15 percentage points higher than the Asian regional average of 24%.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, said, “Despite the elevated exchange rate, South Korean travelers continue to demonstrate strong demand for international exploration, and we expect this momentum to carry throughout the year. From ever-popular Japanese cities to fast-rising destinations in Vietnam, we’re seeing sustained interest in both cultural immersion and relaxing escapes. To support this, Agoda remains committed to offering a wide range of flights, accommodations, and activities to help travelers reach the destinations they aspire to visit.”

Travelers planning their 2026 holiday trips can enjoy Agoda’s offerings of over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all easily combined in a single booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com for more information.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Despite Singapore’s low unemployment rate of around 2.1 percent, a new study by Reeracoen and Rakuten Insight shows that employers remain cautious when evaluating mid-career candidates, applicants with career gaps, and those who have been unemployed for more than three months.

The Singapore Hiring Manager Survey Report 2025–2026 draws on responses from 375 hiring managers across multiple industries, including both final decision-makers and HR professionals involved in candidate evaluations. Their insights provide a clear view of how companies are coping with talent shortages, changing skill demands, and the challenges of helping jobseekers return to the workforce as digital transformation accelerates.

Kenji Naito, Group Chief Executive Officer, Reeracoen Group, said, “Across Asia, hiring is shifting toward a skills-based, human-centric approach. This study highlights the need for companies to evaluate potential not only by job history, but also by motivation, effort and adaptability. At Reeracoen, we are committed to bridging the trust gap between employers and jobseekers.”

Hiring confidence remains low, with only 23.2 percent of hiring managers saying they feel very confident about finding qualified local talent. The majority cite high salary expectations (80.3 percent) as the top challenge, followed by skills mismatch (65.1 percent). Another 56.3 percent say there is a lack of experienced candidates, while 40.5 percent report limited interest from jobseekers.

Career gaps remain a hurdle, with 63 percent of employers hesitant about candidates who have been unemployed for more than three months. Upskilling carries significant weight in hiring decisions. A total of 76.6 percent of respondents say that recent training, certifications or skills development are essential when assessing applicants. Employers continue to place high value on digital and AI skills, followed by project management, data literacy, technical certifications and communication abilities.

Recruitment agencies continue to play a significant role in the hiring process. More than 76 percent of employers rely on agencies to shortlist candidates, which helps reduce mismatches and hiring delays, particularly for roles that are harder to fill.

“Singapore’s hiring landscape is changing quickly, and the data shows that employers are becoming more selective in how they assess readiness and skills. Mid-career candidates and those returning to the workforce are evaluated not just by experience, but also by their recent learning efforts and job readiness. These insights provide important direction for organisations looking to strengthen their hiring strategies and adapt to shifting workforce expectations,” said Cheryl Ng, Country Director, Singapore, Rakuten Insight.

Singapore’s rapid digital transformation continues to widen the gap between employer expectations and jobseeker readiness. Employers increasingly value preparation, skills evidence and proactiveness. Jobseekers who lack recent activity or training often struggle to demonstrate immediate value, highlighting opportunities for companies, agencies and policymakers to support fairer hiring evaluations and re-entry pathways.

“In Singapore’s fast-moving job market, hiring managers are under pressure to make decisions quickly. Yet many still hesitate when faced with career gaps or non-traditional profiles. This report shows that readiness signals, such as upskilling, re-entry motivation and transparency, can make a meaningful difference. Recruitment agencies play an important role in surfacing these overlooked talents,” said Shoichi Sunaga, Branch Manager, Reeracoen Singapore.

Download the Singapore Hiring Manager Survey Report 2025–2026 at:
https://www.reeracoen.sg/en/events/Employer-Singapore-Hiring-Manager-Survey-Report-2025-2026?utm_source=press_release&utm_medium=article&utm_id=hiring_manager_survey_report

To learn more about Reeracoen’s recruitment services, visit https://www.reeracoen.sg or connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/reeracoen-singapore.

About Reeracoen Singapore Pte Ltd

Reeracoen is an award-winning leader in Asia’s recruitment landscape, connecting top-tier talent with forward-thinking organisations across the region. With 9 offices across 6 major Asian countries, we combine deep local networks with cross-border hiring expertise to help businesses grow faster and stronger.

Our excellence has been recognised with recent awards such as:

• Best Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2025
• Best International Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2024
• Best Executive Recruitment Agency 2024

In Singapore, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service quality, providing innovative and trusted recruitment solutions to help businesses and candidates succeed in an evolving digital economy. For more information, visit www.reeracoen.sg  and follow us on social media.

About Rakuten Insight, Inc.

Rakuten Insight, Inc. is a wholly-owned online market research subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global leader in internet services headquartered in Tokyo. Established in 1997 as AIP Corporation and integrated into the Rakuten Group in 2014, Rakuten Insight operates a research panel focused on 12 major Asian markets and the United States, with a panel network spanning 60 countries and regions. With offices in 11 countries and regions, the company provides market research for more than 500 leading companies worldwide. Rakuten Insight Singapore serves as a regional hub providing multi-lingual and multi-functional operational support for clients across Southeast Asia. For more information, visit https://insight.rakuten.com.

LONDON, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Affinitas Education has appointed Gabriella “Gaby” Rowe as chief executive officer of its U.S. operations, a move that signals the organization’s intent to expand its presence and sharpen its strategy in the American and Canadian education markets.

Rowe brings more than 30 years of experience across K–12 leadership, technology, public-sector innovation and large-scale organizational transformation. She most recently served as founding principal and CEO of Grow Associates LLC, where she advised schools, government agencies and private-sector organizations through periods of rapid change. Her work included overseeing multi-site school growth initiatives and leading statewide digital-equity efforts.

Previously, Rowe was CEO of Station Houston and played a key role in launching The Ion, Rice University’s $150 million innovation district. She also held senior leadership roles in independent schools, including head of school at The Village School in Houston and CEO of the Mandell School in New York City.

“Gaby is an outstanding leader whose depth of experience in education and innovation positions her exceptionally well for this role,” Affinitas Group CEO Thomas Rajzbaum said. “Her track record in scaling organizations, driving operational excellence and navigating complex systems will be critical as we advance our vision and strengthen our impact across the United States.”

Rowe said she is eager to join the organization at what she described as an important moment.

“I’m honored to join Affinitas Education at such an inflection point,” she said. “The organization’s commitment to modern, student-centered learning aligns with my core beliefs as an educator and leader. I look forward to working with our teams, heads of school and communities nationwide to build exceptional learning experiences that prepare students for the future.”

About Affinitas Education
Affinitas Education is a global network of international and bilingual schools serving more than 15,000 students across Europe and the Americas. The group provides academic and operational leadership, invests in facilities and learning environments, develops educators, and delivers programs designed to strengthen student outcomes.

Media Contact
Jessica Curley
Jessica.curley@finnpartners.com

VADODARA, India, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rishabh Software, a global digital engineering and enterprise leader, has announced the spin-off of its design engineering division into an independent entity – Rishabh Pro Engineering Services Private Limited. This move will sharpen the company’s focus on delivering high-quality, multidisciplinary design engineering services. It will cater to organizations operating across leading industries such as, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Chemicals, Cryogenics, Petrochemicals, Green Hydrogen, Power, and more.

Rishabh Engineering is now Rishabh Pro Engineering

The transition marks a significant milestone in Rishabh’s engineering journey. Operating independently, Rishabh Pro Engineering Services will enhance its specialization and agility. It will respond more effectively to complex engineering needs.

Founded in 2006, the design engineering division has grown steadily over two decades. It has built a strong reputation for consistent delivery and long-term client partnerships. The decision to become a separate entity reflects the division’s maturity and readiness for growth.

Rishabh Pro Engineering Services will focus on future-ready design engineering solutions. These include multidisciplinary capabilities in process, detailed, and skid engineering, as well as piping stress and structural analysis services. The independent structure will allow for greater accountability, faster decision-making, and better alignment with client expectations.

Commenting on the development, Raju Shah, CEO, said, “This transition marks a defining moment in our engineering journey. Establishing Rishabh Pro Engineering Services as a separate brand allows us to operate with greater focus and responsibility. ‘Pro’ reflects the standards we stand for today: proactive in approach, proficient in execution, and progressive in thinking. This is not just a structural change. It is a long-term commitment to our clients, partners, and teams.”

As part of the transition, Rishabh Pro Engineering Services has unveiled a refreshed visual identity. This includes a modernized logo and design. The new identity reflects the company’s global outlook, multidisciplinary expertise, and forward-looking vision while staying rooted in its engineering legacy and strengthened by advanced digital design and simulation capabilities.

About Rishabh Pro Engineering Services

Rishabh Pro Engineering Services Private Limited. is a multidisciplinary design engineering company with nearly two decades of global experience. The company delivers proactive, proficient, and progressive engineering support to Owners and Operators, EPC contractors, PMCs, and modular package fabricators across the global energy value chain. Specializing in upstream, midstream, and downstream, across onshore and offshore, Rishabh Pro Engineering Services help clients achieve safer, smarter, and more efficient project outcomes.

HONG KONG, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — J&T Global Express Limited (“J&T Express” or “J&T” or “the Company”, stock code: 01519.HK), a global integrated logistics service operator, announced its key operating metrics for the fourth quarter and full year 2025. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company achieved a total parcel volume of 8.46 billion, representing a year-on-year (“YoY”) increase of 14.5%, with an average daily parcel volume of 92 million. For the full year 2025, the Company’s total parcel volume surpassed the 30 billion milestone for the first time, reaching 30.13 billion, up 22.2% YoY, and the average daily parcel volume reached 82.5 million, an increase of 22.6% YoY. During the quarter, J&T Express achieved steady overall growth, primarily driven by strong business performance in Southeast Asia and New Markets, along with the stable contribution from the China market.

In the fourth quarter, J&T Express maintained strong growth in Southeast Asia and New Markets, driven mainly by the peak e-commerce season and its robust business strategies. In Southeast Asia, J&T Express achieved a parcel volume of 2.44 billion in Q4 2025, a 73.6% increase YoY, and a full-year parcel volume of 7.66 billion, up 67.8% YoY. In New Markets (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Mexico, Brazil, and Egypt), J&T Express continued its strong growth momentum from the previous quarter. In Q4 2025, parcel volume in New Markets surpassed 100 million, reaching 130 million, a 79.7% increase YoY; full-year parcel volume reached 400 million, up 43.6% YoY. The China market achieved quality growth, recording a parcel volume of 5.89 billion in Q4 2025; full-year parcel volume reached 22.07 billion, an 11.4% increase YoY.

In 2025, the Company continued to invest in infrastructure and resource allocation, strategically optimizing its network partners and outlets across various markets, and upgrading its sorting centers to enhance operational efficiency. In China, the Company rapidly advanced outlet automation and cloud warehouse expansion initiatives, actively supporting the investment in automated equipment in its outlets and the deployment of unmanned vehicles. This resulted in a 26% surge in automated equipment in its outlets by year-end compared to June, and the deployment of 1,000 unmanned vehicles to significantly boost last-mile efficiency. Concurrently, J&T Express has established a total of 173 cloud warehouses, enabling value-added services that address diverse customer needs, reinforce customer retention, and enhance overall experience. Furthermore, J&T Express has pioneered the use of Southeast Asia’s first industrial-grade automated sorting equipment at last-mile outlets in Thailand, targeting a nationwide automation upgrade by 2026. This technology has already been deployed across similar outlets in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. As of the end of 2025, the Company operated 19,300 outlets and 246 sorting centers. The number of automated sorting machines across all markets increased year-on-year by 134 to 413.

Charles Junyi Hou, Group Vice President of J&T Express, commented: “Benefiting from the rapid development of e-commerce and a diversified customer base, J&T maintained robust growth in Southeast Asia and New Markets. In China, we actively pursue higher-quality growth, and the more than 30 billion parcels delivered globally by 2025 will be a new starting point for us. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our global network, drive growth through innovation, and consistently meet market demands.”