Agenda

Agenda:

1330 - 1400

Registration

1400 - 1415

Opening remarks

1415 - 1515

Plenary 1: APAC employment law trends and updates 2025

Our highly anticipated round-up of APAC employment law developments will delve into the most recent legal trends, legislative changes, government reforms, and emerging demographic issues affecting the global labour force. Our panel of experts will share unparalleled insights into market dynamics and client needs, inviting you to participate in discussions that are shaping the future of work.

1515 - 1535

Coffee break

1535 - 1635

Breakout session 1: Classification of workers in the gig economy

The expansion of the gig economy across the region and the trend of workers seeking more flexible working arrangements raises the complex issue of whether a specific working arrangement constitutes an employment or an independent contractor relationship. This session will delve into the legal hurdles organisations often encounter in classifying workers, examining recent case law, legal tests, and factors for distinguishing employees from other workers, including consultants, with fewer employment protections.

Breakout session 2: War on talent – Navigating and mitigating the legal risks of high-profile departures and team moves

Team moves and high-profile departures can pose a variety of legal, commercial, and operational challenges for employers. In this section, we will delve into the legal risks that employers may encounter when considering the departure or recruitment of a group of employees to/from a competitive organisation. We will also discuss the range of protective post-termination measures available to employers, providing insights into practical steps that can be implemented to protect business interests.

Breakout session 3: Restructuring in APAC – Trends, challenges and best practices

The evolving landscape of labour law reforms in the region has significantly influenced how employers are approaching workforce restructuring. During this session, our panel of experts will provide valuable insights into the current trends, challenges, and best practices related to restructuring. Additionally, they will address essential legal considerations that companies must take into account when navigating restructuring processes to guarantee compliance, particularly in managing employee redundancies.

1650 - 1750

Plenary 2: Establishing effective AI governance frameworks and deployment strategies in the workplace

With the adoption of AI technologies in the workplace (from CV sifting tools to AI performance monitoring and the use of biometrics), organisations are increasingly faced with the complex task of establishing effective AI governance frameworks and ensuring successful deployment in the workplace. During this session, our panel of experts will look at real-world case studies to illustrate best practices in AI governance and deployment in the workplace. They will explore questions such as how multinational corporations can navigate these challenges and implement solutions on a global scale whilst still accommodating local jurisdictional nuance. Additionally, the discussion will touch upon critical issues including the intersection of AI governance with employment law and other laws, how to identify and mitigate bias and discrimination in AI tools, and effective governance strategies.

1750 onwards

Closing remarks followed by networking drinks

Event information