Home Blog Page 1719

Five Talent Shifts Redefining Hiring in Hong Kong: PERSOL Unveils 2025 Workforce Insights

By
Advertorial Desk
-

PERSOL’s latest Industry Insight Report reveals how digitalisation, sustainability and shifting worker expectations are transforming recruitment and retention across Asia Pacific.


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 December 2025 – PERSOL has released its Industry Insight Report 2025, revealing an urgent need for employers across Asia Pacific to adapt to a fast-changing talent landscape. With hybrid digital and ESG-related skills in short supply, the study finds that employee expectations for flexibility, purpose and growth now outweigh pay, reshaping talent attraction and retention across the region.

2025 talent trends and hiring priorities
2025 talent trends and hiring priorities

In Hong Kong, hiring remains selective, with steady demand for digital sales talent, bilingual professionals and frontline leaders. Employers are also facing rising wage pressure and waning youth interest in frontline roles, prompting businesses to rethink how they attract and engage talent. To fill critical service and customer-facing roles, companies are increasingly widening their talent search across the broader region to address persistent shortages.

Based on findings from 12 markets and four core sectors – Manufacturing, Consumer, Professional Services and Supply Chain – the report offers a regional view of how work and workforce priorities are evolving.

APAC’s Workforce in Flux

PERSOL’s Industry Insights Report 2025 finds that automation, sustainability regulation and demographic change are reshaping labour markets across the region.

Employers continue to face widespread skills shortages, with demand for digital, analytical and hybrid capabilities outpacing supply in most major markets. ESG awareness and compliance literacy are also becoming essential hiring criteria as organisations respond to growing sustainability expectations.

The report highlights that Generation Z and millennial professionals are reshaping what they value at work, prioritising flexibility, purpose and development opportunities over pay alone. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Asia and the Pacific remains the world’s fastest-growing employment region, underscoring the need for businesses to evolve workforce strategies in line with these shifting expectations.[1]

Elvin Tan, Regional Director and Head of Operations APAC said, “The region’s talent economy is at a crossroads. Workforce gaps are no longer just about headcount. They are about adaptability. Employers who balance technology investment with cultural intelligence and purpose-led hiring will emerge stronger in the next cycle.”

The Five Talent Shifts Defining the Future of Work

The report identifies five interconnected shifts reshaping how employers hire, engage and compete for talent across Asia Pacific.

  • At the heart of this transformation is the rise of hybrid skills, where digital fluency and human capability increasingly go hand in hand. These capabilities are especially important in digital sales and customer-facing roles, where employers look for talent who can combine technical proficiency with strong communication skills.
  • Closely linked to this is the growing importance of sustainability and compliance literacy. As ESG expectations become more deeply embedded in business strategy, roles once limited to sustainability teams are now expanding across finance, operations and supply chain functions.
  • The study also points to a major shift in the employer–employee dynamic, with candidates behaving more like consumers. Jobseekers expect transparency, mobile-first communication and a sense of purpose from the hiring process itself. This trend is evident locally, where bilingual candidates increasingly evaluate organisations on culture, stability and clear growth pathways.
  • These evolving expectations are most visible among younger professionals, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who prioritise flexibility, belonging and personal growth. For many, meaningful work and supportive leadership now matter more than salary alone.
  • The report also highlights a growing need for stronger collaboration between businesses, educators and government to keep skills development aligned with evolving workforce demands. In Hong Kong, this coordinated approach is becoming increasingly important as industries adapt to rapid digitalisation, rising service expectations and ongoing talent shortages.

Zen Loh, Managing Director & Strategic Business Group Head said, “This report reflects PERSOL’s commitment to equipping our clients with data-driven insights that translate into real workforce strategies. We’re helping businesses and jobseekers prepare for what’s next by understanding the skills, mindsets and motivations shaping the future of work.”

Empowering Organisations for What’s Next

PERSOL believes that insight is only powerful when it drives action. Across Asia Pacific, the company works alongside organisations to turn workforce intelligence into real progress, helping them attract, develop and retain the people who will shape the next generation of work.

Download the PERSOL Industry Insight Report 2025 at www.persolapac.com/industry-insights-2025 to explore the trends transforming how Asia Pacific works, hires and grows.

[1] International Labour Organization (ILO), World Employment and Social Outlook 2025: Asia and the Pacific – May Update. Published May 2025.

Hashtag: #PERSOL

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PERSOL in APAC

PERSOL is Asia-Pacific’s leading Staffing and HR solutions partner, operating across 13 markets with deep local insight and regional scale. With more than 140 offices and decades of experience, we deliver integrated workforce solutions that are tailored, tech-enabled, and designed for the dynamic world of work.

We combine human expertise with smart technology to help organisations solve workforce challenges, unlock potential, and stay ahead of change. From recruitment and talent management to workforce strategy and advisory, our collaborative approach puts your goals at the centre.

In 2025, we came together under the PERSOL name – reflecting our bold vision for the future of work and our Group’s Vision: ‘Work and Smile’. Whether you’re building teams, growing careers, or transforming how work gets done, we’re here.

THE HONEST FARMER Co Ltd Targets U.S. Health Snack Market with New ‘WELLINUS’ Black Barley Brown Rice Chips

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — THE HONEST FARMER Co Ltd, a food manufacturer based in Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk, announced its entry into the U.S. health snack market with the launch of its export-exclusive brand WELLINUS. The company plans to introduce its Black Barley Brown Rice Chips—made only with Korean-grown black barley and brown rice—starting with its participation in the 2025 LA Korean Festival held at Seoul International Park in Los Angeles.

In the U.S., health-focused consumption continues to grow, particularly within the processed foods category. Demand is increasing for low-calorie, grain-based snacks, as well as gluten-free and additive-free products. THE HONEST FARMER’s chips contain 0g trans fat, 0g sodium, and 0g sugar, with each piece delivering approximately 29–32 kcal, positioning it as an attractive option for clean-label-minded consumers.

The company is currently preparing export agreements with U.S. distributors specializing in health foods, online snack platforms, and organic-focused retailers. Packaging and labeling will also be adapted to meet U.S. regulatory requirements. The brand name WELLINUS reflects the meaning “well in us,” emphasizing health, trust, and a commitment to clean, transparent food values.

A company spokesperson stated, “Our additive-free grain chips made from Korean black barley and brown rice align perfectly with the clean label trend among U.S. consumers. We plan to position the product not just as a snack, but as a health-conscious option that supports long-term brand growth in the American market.”

THE HONEST FARMER expects its U.S. expansion to serve as more than a simple export initiative—marking a strategic step toward becoming a global health snack brand and a key opportunity to demonstrate the competitiveness of K-snacks in North America.

 

Chris Colahan to Join Chubb as Head of Commercial Property & Casualty, Asia Pacific

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 December 2025 – Chubb announced today the appointment of Chris Colahan as Head of Commercial Property & Casualty, Asia Pacific, effective 9 February 2026. In this role, Colahan will have overall operating responsibility for Chubb’s Commercial Property & Casualty portfolio throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Colahan will report to Marcos Gunn, Regional President of Chubb Overseas General, Asia Pacific, and Brian Church, Division President, Property & Casualty, Chubb Overseas General. He will also join the company’s Asia Pacific Executive Committee.

On announcing Colahan’s appointment, Gunn said, “We are delighted that Chris is joining the Chubb team. He is a proven industry leader, with an extensive and deep understanding of the region, which will be invaluable as we continue to build our business in Asia Pacific. Chris is widely recognised for his commitment to excellence, and we are confident that under his leadership, our Property & Casualty business will continue to deliver outstanding results for our partners and clients.”

Colahan joins Chubb from AIG where he was the Regional President for Asia Pacific. Prior to this he held senior roles with Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance in London and Australia, and at RSA Insurance across the region.

Colahan holds a Bachelor of Laws from Bond University.

Hashtag: #Chubb

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Chubb

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at:

Avnet and AMD Showcase Scalable AI Solutions to Accelerate Australia’s Tech Leadership

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SYDNEY, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Avnet and AMD have wrapped up the inaugural ‘AMD on Wheels’ national roadshow, bringing cutting-edge AI and high-performance computing solutions to innovation hubs across Australia. The initiative reaffirmed the partners as definitive industry leaders by demonstrating the critical intersection of AI, sustainability, and commercial acceleration.

Demonstrating a commitment to the environment that parallels their focus on energy-efficient computing, the roadshow team travelled over 4000 KM through Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide with pure Electric Vehicles, the ZEEKR 7X and ZEEKR 009.

The roadshow shifted focus from individual components to complete, deployable AI and high-performance computing solutions. By showcasing this end-to-end capability, Avnet and AMD reinforced their commitment to providing secure, adaptable, and energy-efficient infrastructure—capabilities that are critical to enabling Australia to capture the broader AI opportunity that analysts estimate could, in an ambitious scenario, add up to around AU$142 billion a year to Australia’s GDP by 2030. (Source: Australia’s AI Opportunity report, 2025)

“Avnet and AMD are strategically invested in advancing Australia’s capability in Responsible AI and next-generation computing,” said Tan Aik Hoon, Avnet’s Regional President for South Asia, Korea and Avnet United. “This roadshow proved why Avnet is the trusted partner for turning bold ideas into real-world success. Beyond distribution, Avnet helps innovators transform advanced AMD hardware into scalable, sustainable solutions that strengthen Australia’s competitive edge.”

The tour highlighted that Australia’s next leap in innovation requires strong cross-sector collaboration. The ‘Industry Collaboration for AI at Scale’ panel, featuring leading industry experts and key figures from academia, addressed the critical challenge of scaling projects from pilot phase to full deployment. The ecosystem’s resilience and capability were demonstrated by local success stories spanning defense, quantum, and space technology:

  • Advanced Navigation – Delivering Space-Ready Precision Systems
    Advanced Navigation leveraged the “Avnet to the Moon” initiative to support its Laser Measurement Unit for Navigational Aid (LUNA), successfully delivering mission-critical components for operation in space and extreme environments. Through technology and supply support from Avnet and AMD, LUNA shows how local innovation can achieve space-grade reliability and strengthen Australia’s position in the global space supply chain.
  • Quantum Brilliance – Scaling Quantum from Lab to Market
    Quantum Brilliance advanced toward commercial deployment by transitioning to the AVNET+ AMD based ADRS1000 SOM. Despite global shortages, Avnet secured timely delivery, enabling QB to move from prototypes to production. The collaboration highlights how reliable supply chains can accelerate quantum commercialization and maintain Australia’s competitive edge in frontier technologies.
  • Liquid Instruments – Bringing Agentic AI to Test & Measurement
    Liquid Instruments is advancing test and measurement with Generative Instrumentation and agentic AI on its Moku platform, powered by AMD FPGAs. Launching with Moku:Delta in 2026, these natural-language-driven tools let engineers create and configure instruments in minutes. With support from Avnet and AMD, Moku is enabling faster, smarter experimentation across Australia’s research and manufacturing sectors.
  • Silentium Defence – Advancing Passive Radar for Defence, Space Surveillance and Critical Infrastructure
    Silentium Defence SWaP-optimized passive radar systems, built on AMD technology, demonstrate how long-term collaboration accelerates defence-grade sensing. With Avnet’s global supply chain and engineering support, Silentium Defence has moved from early prototypes to production-ready platforms, giving global customers stronger capability in next-generation radar technology.

“The next wave of AI innovation in Australia must be built on a foundation of Responsibility and Efficiency,” said Steven Fong, Corporate Vice President, Asia Pacific & Japan Embedded Sales at AMD. “We are committed to delivering the energy-efficient computing power that fuels this responsible acceleration, helping partners secure their competitive edge while aligning with national sustainability goals.”

Avnet and AMD see the roadshow not as an endpoint, but as a blueprint for the future of Australian technology. By strengthening the pipeline between world-class research and commercial deployment, the partners are actively creating the foundational infrastructure—from the most advanced processors to the most secure supply chain—that will guarantee Australia’s resilience and long-term technological leadership in the global AI landscape. 

About Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialised businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle.  We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realise revenue faster.  Learn more about Avnet at www.avnet.com.

Avnet and AMD are registered trademarks of Avnet, Inc. and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

CONTACT: 

Seraphina Wee
Corporate Communications and PR lead
Avnet Asia Pte Ltd
Seraphina.Wee@AVNET.COM 

ZAKSIMLAB Set to Launch Cabbage-Based Electrolyte Drink, Signaling New Innovation in the Functional Beverage Market

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ZAKSIMLAB is gearing up to introduce a new electrolyte drink made with cabbage as its primary ingredient, signaling another bold move in Korea’s rapidly evolving functional beverage market. Cabbage-fermented electrolytes are rarely seen in the domestic beverage industry, drawing strong consumer interest for their dual focus on gut health and hydration.

ZAKSIMLAB has continued to differentiate itself by combining fermentation techniques with natural, clean-label ingredients to create wellness-focused beverages. Building on this foundation, the company plans to expand its functional lineup through seasonal product launches, strengthen collaborations with cafés and F&B partners, and accelerate overseas test sales and export initiatives as it positions itself as a global wellness brand.

A ZAKSIMLAB official commented, “A cabbage-based electrolyte drink is a rare and innovative addition to the electrolyte beverage category,” adding, “This launch will further solidify our identity as a wellness brand rooted in advanced fermentation technology.”

 

Documentary The Cradle of Nature: The Ecological Code in the Tracks of Snow Leopards

By
Advertorial Desk
-

BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Phil Agland, a dual winner of the British Academy Film Awards and Emmy Awards who once showed the world the warmth of Chinese rural life with Spirit of Place: Yunnan, now turns his camera to the Sanjiangyuan snow-capped plateau, presenting the 3-episode×30-minute ecological documentary The Cradle of Nature. It tells the legendary stories of Sanjiangyuan from a delicate perspective.


Documentary The Cradle of Nature: The Ecological Code in the Tracks of Snow Leopards

From leading the global rainforest conservation movement with Korup: An African Rainforest to conveying the philosophy of symbiosis in 50 countries with Baka: Cry from the Rainforest, Agland has always excelled at infusing humanistic power into natural narratives. Presented by China Review Studio and Migu video, this work continues his creative gene of “seeing the grand in the micro”. Taking the “King of the Snow Mountains” the snow leopard, as the clue, it tracks their living trajectories and uncovers the interlocking ecological code of the food chain.

Under the lens, there are not only magnificent scenes of green mountains and thriving creatures, but also a focus on the people guarding this land, ecological rangers tracking snow leopard footprints, and researchers analyzing species connections. In the documentary, countless secrets of nature lie in the figures of snow leopards, the footprints of forest rangers, and the pulse of biodiversity recovery. With a truthful approach, Agland records the solution to the problem of grassland degradation and witnesses the effectiveness of aquatic ecological protection.

https://youtu.be/PeIbPep8ZVs

Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year’s competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.

Phygital athletes competing against each other on the digital side of phygital
Phygital athletes competing against each other on the digital side of phygital

Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.

Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.

Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.

Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform

The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event’s history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.

Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.

With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.

Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.

Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: “The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we’re excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year’s Games live.”

Growing network of global broadcast partners 

In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.

In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.

On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.

These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.

“With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport,” added Hatt.

Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.

About Phygital International (PI): 
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.

For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com   

About the Games of the Future (GOTF): 
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/ 

Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com 

Phygital athletes competing against each other on the digital side of phygital
Phygital athletes competing against each other on the digital side of phygital

 

 

Xinhua Silk Road: Matsutake industry in small village of E China’s Longkou opens up international market with technology

By
Advertorial Desk
-

BEIJING, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The artificially-cultivated matsutake and relevant deep-processed products such as matsutake drinks and freeze-dried powder from Fengyidian Village in Longkou, a county-level city in east China’s Shandong Province, outshone at the international forum on industrial development of traditional medicine healthcare and intelligent innovation held recently in Singapore, successfully opening up the Southeast Asian market with excellent quality and technology-empowered features.

The going global of the matsutake industry in Fengyidian Village is a vivid practice of Longkou to activate agricultural potential and explore new paths for rural revitalization through technological innovation.

Among the neatly-arranged mushroom sticks on the 4-meter-high shelves in the production shelter of Hongzhi Ecological Agriculture Development Co., Ltd. in Fengyidian Village, matsutake mushrooms are growing vibrantly.

Now six or seven people can easily manage 120,000 to 130,000 mushroom sticks through a cloud platform, greatly saving manpower, said Mu Quanxin, Party chief of Fengyidian Village.

Opening the smart management system on the phone to show the real-time data involving temperature, humidity, lighting, and carbon dioxide concentration, Mu noted that the sensors work 24 hours a day for monitoring, and in the event of weather changes, the AI intelligent software will automatically adjust the parameters. This “smart production shelter” management technology has obtained a national patent, Mu added.

From ordinary greenhouse trial planting, to standardized production workshops, and then to smart production shelters, every leapfrog of the matsutake industry in Fengyidian Village cannot be separated from the support of technology.

The village also cooperates with research teams from universities to carry out relevant research, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent development of high value-added products and ensuring the safety of the industrial chain.

Inspired by Fengyidian Village, more surrounding villages are promoting the smart production shelter planting model. Fengyidian Village also uses the model of “rooftop photovoltaic + indoor planting” to achieve “one space, two benefits” for idle houses, driving an average annual income increase of over 30,000 yuan for villagers.

The transformation of Fengyidian Village is a microcosm of the agricultural transformation in Longkou, and the expansion of local matsutake to Southeast Asia marks the enhancement of the brand influence of agricultural products in the city.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348757.html

 

1...1,7181,7191,720...6,679Page 1,719 of 6,679