This fortnight's HR briefing: Singapore tops APAC salaries, MPF delivers strong August returns, Asia's CHROs step into global leadership, Hong Kong's zero-tolerance foreign worker policy, and Australia's Right to Disconnect expansion.
Looking for Better Pay? Singapore Leads APAC at USD 4,457/Month
Singapore leads Asia-Pacific with an average monthly salary of USD 4,457, while Hong Kong ranks sixth regionally at USD 3,177. Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the U.S. remain top globally. HR professionals must benchmark compensation against regional standards and enhance transparency to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
MPF Delivers Nearly HK$4,000 in Gains Per Member in August
Each Hong Kong MPF member gained approximately HK$3,930 in August, with 2025 year-to-date returns reaching approximately 11.56% — among the strongest since 2017. Japan equity funds drove strong performance. HR teams should leverage this positive news to boost financial wellness initiatives and benefits messaging.
How CHROs in Asia Are Leading Transformation
Asian CHROs are increasingly stepping into global leadership roles; Leena Nair's trajectory from Unilever CHRO to Chanel CEO exemplifies this trend. CHROs are evolving into organizational transformation architects, requiring digital fluency and strategic thinking aligned with C-suite business strategy.
Zero Tolerance: Foreign Worker Hiring After Local Dismissal
Hong Kong identified its first suspected violation of the Supplementary Labor Optimization Scheme — an employer hiring a foreign worker after dismissing local staff. Confirmed violations result in suspension of foreign labor applications and a one-year ban. HR teams must ensure rigorous compliance with scheme requirements and prepare for enhanced oversight.
Australia Extends 'Right to Disconnect' to Small Business Employees
From 26 August 2025, Australia's Right to Disconnect law was extended to small businesses (fewer than 15 staff), permitting employees to refuse non-urgent work communications outside working hours. While Hong Kong lacks comparable legislation, forward-thinking HR teams are proactively developing after-hours communication policies to protect employee wellbeing.
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