ARTICLE
10 October 2025

Asia Employment, Pensions And Incentives Update: October 2025

KL
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Contributor

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals. Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years. As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas. We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.
We begin this month in Mainland China, where the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has issued new Guidelines on non-compete agreements.
Worldwide Employment and HR
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We begin this month in Mainland China, where the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has issued new Guidelines on non-compete agreements. While not legally binding, the Guidelines provide an insight on the interpretation of otherwise broad legal provisions and offer practical recommendations on scope, compensation, and enforceability. Click here to learn more about the Guidelines and key takeaways.

Over in Malaysia, we take a look at the Gig Workers Bill 2025, which was recently passed by the House of Representatives and Senate and is awaiting Royal Assent. The Bill marks a landmark shift in Malaysia's approach to regulating the gig economy and introduces various statutory protections for approximately 1.2 million gig workers. Click here for a summary of the Bill's key provisions.

Our Compliance Check this month turns to Mainland China, where we examine the latest local municipal average salary data for employees in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen and the impact that it will have on employee management and severance obligations. Click here to view the updated salary data and make sure your company is compliant.

This month's Asia Comparative article considers the enforceability of post-employment restraints across Japan, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and South Korea. Click here to compare the rules.

As always, please feel free to reach out to us for support with your employment law needs across the region.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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