THE HOT STORY

Global finance watchdog urges tighter controls on agentic AI

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has said it “strongly” encourages boards to consider implementing safeguards to mitigate risks from AI, including from “agentic” AI - systems that are capable of planning, reasoning and executing tasks with limited human oversight. The FSB said autonomous AI introduces risks that can “materialise at great ‌speed”, ⁠ and “AI agents pose a distinct challenge for human oversight.” In a report, the global standard setter detailed proposed “sound practices”, and called on financial firms to define clear boundaries on AI use and ⁠embed safeguards. Firms can consider adapting HR controls and processes to AI agents in a way that treats them as "synthetic employees," the FSB said.

Reuters

TECHNOLOGY

Dubai launches AI platform to boost government work efficiency

Dubai has launched "Eqamh GPT", an internal generative artificial intelligence platform designed to enhance government efficiency. Developed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), the tool assists employees with tasks including content drafting, document summarisation, and bilingual support in Arabic and English. Colonel Expert Khalid bin Mediya Al Falasi said: "Artificial intelligence has become a key enabler in enhancing employee capabilities." The platform aims to foster a culture of digital innovation while ensuring data security and improving workplace productivity.

Gulfnews.com

LEGAL

ICC suspends top prosecutor Karim Khan

International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended with immediate effect while an investigation into misconduct allegations continues. The decision was made by a group within the ICC's management oversight body, which has also referred the matter to the court's 125 member states. Those states will vote on Khan's future during a special session that will be convened "as soon as possible." The oversight Bureau stressed that the suspension does not prejudge the outcome of the case. Khan has repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct; his lawyers described the decision as "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence."

Financial Times

BBC News

The Guardian

HIRING

Hiring slows in Asia Pacific and Middle East

Hiring demand in the Asia Pacific and Middle East is slowing, according to the latest ManpowerGroup survey. The net employment outlook stands at +28%, reflecting a cautious approach from employers amid economic uncertainty. While 43% of employers plan to increase headcount, 15% expect reductions. India leads with a +48% outlook, followed by China and Vietnam. Employers are prioritising technical skills, especially in artificial intelligence, alongside essential soft skills like communication and teamwork. ManpowerGroup experts observed: "Employers are increasingly looking for talent that can combine digital knowledge with the ability to work effectively in diverse environments."

Bangkok Post

WORKPLACE

International Workplace Group opens its biggest Regus centre in Egypt

International Workplace Group (IWG) is launching its largest flexible workspace in Egypt, located in District 5 Mall, Cairo. The new centre, developed in partnership with ElTarek Group, aims to meet the growing demand for flexible working solutions. Mark Dixon, chief executive of IWG, said: "We are establishing a stronger and much-needed footprint in Egypt." The workspace will cater to various businesses, offering tailored office solutions. IWG's network now includes over 1m rooms globally.

Zawya EN

INTERNATIONAL

SoFi Stadium workers reach tentative deal

The union representing food and beverage workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California has announced a tentative agreement that includes wage hikes and labour protections. The stadium is set to host eight World Cup matches including the US versus Paraguay on Friday. USA Today observes that although the approximately 2,000 workers represented by Unite Here Local 11 and stadium operator Legends Global have reached an agreement, an issue hangs over the deal. "Notably, it includes an explicit right to strike if ICE or Border Patrol activity at the worksite threatens worker safety - a provision legal experts say is unprecedented in modern American labour history,'' Unite Here Local 11 stated in a press release, which also said: "Workers have the contractual right to walk off the job if the Union determines in good faith that federal immigration agency actions threaten worker safety during a World Cup match."

USA Today

Reuters

Bolivia President signs protest crackdown law

Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz has promulgated legislation that eases the state’s ability to impose emergency measures amid escalating anti-government protests, led by the national labour union (COB) and former president Evo Morales, that have caused unrest and led to an estimated 10 deaths and 37 injured. Bolivia has witnessed episodes of violence in the past “but none has ever been so prolonged and indefinite, and this has been one of the most violent,” observed Bolivian human rights lawyer Ramiro Orias, program director at the Due Process of Law Foundation in Bolivia. Protesting groups are angry at their exclusion from the government’s decision-making process, among other grievances.

Bloomberg

UN official lauds Thai Jobs for Myanmar refugees

Over 5,500 Myanmar refugees have secured employment in Thailand since the easing of local employment restrictions last year, according to Raouf Mazou, UNHCR assistant high commissioner for operations. The policy shift, prompted by a decline in global humanitarian funding and labor shortages, allows around 80,000 refugees to work legally, marking a significant change for a population hitherto reliant on aid for decades. Mazou said: "If it works here, it will have an impact on the region," as he highlighted the potential for Thailand's approach to serve as a model for other Southeast Asian countries facing similar challenges. The initiative includes legal protections, healthcare, and minimum wage for refugees, who are also receiving identity cards to facilitate their integration into the economy. Despite such advancements, refugees still encounter obstacles such as movement restrictions and adapting to life outside of aid dependency.

U.S. News

Meloni’s staff strike against new limits on working from home

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office is set to be disrupted today, as employees go on strike against a new order halving the number of days they can work remotely.

Financial Times

OTHER

Japanese retailer launches fan-cooled clothing range

Don Quijote has unveiled a range of fan-equipped clothing and cooling products ahead of what is expected to be another exceptionally hot summer, as temperatures are forecast to remain above average across Japan. The new line, developed by parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH), includes a Reebok-branded cooling vest with built-in fans priced at ¥9,899 ($62). Designed to be quieter and more fashionable than traditional fan-cooled workwear, the vest targets everyday consumers, including families and women, rather than industrial users. Trial sales last year sold out quickly, attracting both domestic shoppers and tourists. PPIH is also introducing solar- and USB-powered cooling hats and a fan-equipped blanket designed to reduce temperature and humidity for users.

Nikkei Asia

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