Asia Pacific News

Australia delays launch of ‘open banking’ regime

The rollout of Australia’s ‘open banking’ regime has been postponed for six months over security and privacy concerns. In a statement, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the […]

Crime-predicting AI cameras to be installed in Korea

Surveillance cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) software supposedly capable of detecting and predicting crime are to be installed on the streets of South Korean capital Seoul. The government, which […]

New Zealand launches Climate Change Commission

New Zealand has set up a Climate Change Commission, tasked with providing independent advice to the government and monitoring and reviewing the government’s progress towards emission reduction and adaptation goals. […]

Australia sets out proposals to protect public from dangers of emerging tech

Australia’s human rights commissioner has unveiled draft proposals – including drawing up a national strategy on new and emerging technologies, reforming laws, and commissioning an independent body to oversee ethical […]
David Thodey

Australian Public Service prepares for “rapid phase of reform” as government responds to landmark review

The Australian government has rejected recommendations that it introduce common pay scales across the civil service, do away with staffing caps and establish a code of conduct for ministerial advisors, […]

Subsidy scheme boosts cashless payments in Japan

Government subsidies designed to encourage cashless payments in Japan are being taken up much more quickly than predicted, and last week the country was urged to extend the scheme. Under […]

Senior civil servants to be replaced by AI, says Indonesia’s president

In a surprise announcement, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo has ordered government agencies to replace top civil servants with artificial intelligence (AI) during 2020. The president announced the decision to a […]

Australian Public Service ‘consistently struggles’ with reform, staff survey finds

As the Australian Public Service (APS) gears up for major reforms following an independent review into its performance, an official workforce survey has revealed civil servants’ concerns over the APS’s […]

Singapore government pledges to beef up data security after breaches

The Singapore government is to establish a new Data Security Office and implement a number of measures to better safeguard citizen information, following a series of serious data leaks.   […]

Philippines central bank launches digital payments platform

The Philippines central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), has launched an online payment facility for government transactions and is championing the adoption of a national QR code standard, in […]