The Straits Times (11.09.2024) Cabbies, private-hire drivers and freelance delivery workers who rely on online matching platforms for income will get better labour protection from Jan 1, 2025, after Parliament passed a landmark Bill on Sept 10 designating them as a distinct legal category in between employees and the self-employed.

The Japan Times (05.09.2024) Japanese people are living longer, but with a struggling pension system and the highest inflation in decades, more are delaying retirement until their 70s or later to make ends meet. Japan has some of the longest lifespans in the world, with men living an average of 81 years and women 87 years. This longevity strains the nation’s pension system, making it a case study for other developed countries with similar demographic trends.

worldbank.org (30.07.2024) Across European Union (EU) countries, the institutional design of Minimum Income (MI) programs varies widely in terms of the benefits and services provided to recipients, despite significant convergence toward a similar MI model and shared common approaches.

lowyinstitute.org (28.09.2024) Economies, cultures and foreign policy objectives are set to evolve with the region’s shifting demographics.

swarajyamag.com (02.09.2024) The government will soon allow gig and platform workers to register on the e-Shram portal, ensuring they are covered under social security schemes, Union Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Sunday (1 September). Mandaviya highlighted that aggregators — companies that employ gig and platform workers — will be asked to take the lead in registering their workers on the portal.

hindustantimes.com (29.08.2024) The Union labour ministry is reviewing definitions of migrant and gig workers to enhance inclusivity and clarity, covering intra-state migrations and digital platforms.

indiatimes.com (27.08.2024) The government will now offset 100% of the increase in CPF contributions for lower-income platform workers in 2025, up from the previously announced 75%. These initiatives mark a significant step towards improving the welfare and representation of platform workers in Singapore.

Reuters (20.08.2024) China will beef up its 2.88 trillion yuan ($406 billion) social security fund, making it bigger and stronger to help support its rapidly ageing population as the number of new births and younger workforce to support its seniors shrinks. The National Social Security Fund will "effectively" respond to population ageing and "improve the policy mechanism for the development of the elderly care industry," the fund's party secretary Ding Xuedong said.

cnbc.com (18.08.2024) The implementation of the scheme marks a notable policy shift in the city-state, which has long resisted calls for unemployment support. The scheme is aimed at helping lower- and middle-income workers, and will provide involuntarily unemployed workers a total of up to 6,000 Singapore dollars ($4,561) for six months, subject to conditions.

The Freeman (06.08.2024) Angkas, a prominent ride-hailing service in the Philippines, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of its riders by signing an agreement with the Social Security System (SSS) to provide social security coverage to around 50,000 riders. This initiative, championed by Angkas, marks a monumental shift in how gig economy workers are perceived and treated within the formal economic structure. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rolando Macasaet, president and CEO of SSS, for his unwavering support and vision in making this partnership a reality.