Luckin Coffee, often dubbed the ‘Chinese Starbucks’, is set to open its first store in Taipei on December 20, 2025. However, the company faces significant regulatory challenges as the Taiwanese government has not approved its investment in the region. This situation raises questions about the complexities of international business expansion, especially for companies with ties to China. The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs has confirmed that the local entity, Shunyi Holdings, which posted job listings for the new store, is under scrutiny for potential connections to Chinese capital.

In recent discussions, it has become clear that the primary reasons companies adopt or avoid AI in recruitment revolve around the concepts of objectivity and fairness. As organizations strive to create more equitable hiring processes, AI presents both opportunities and challenges in achieving these goals. The potential for AI to reduce human bias is compelling, yet concerns about transparency and accountability remain significant. On one hand, AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify the best candidates based on objective criteria, potentially leading to a more diverse workforce.

In South Korea, the plight of the elderly, particularly those with disabilities, is becoming increasingly dire. With a staggering unemployment rate four times higher than their non-disabled counterparts and a poverty rate that is three times the OECD average, the elderly population is facing a crisis that demands immediate attention. The reliance on labor for survival, coupled with inadequate pension systems, underscores a systemic failure that leaves many vulnerable. The statistics reveal a grim reality: 31.