2026 Salary Guide: What the Human-AI Future Means for You?

Temporary & Contracting

Hong Kong’s 2025 job market saw subdued hiring activity, with employers increasing their demand for contractors instead of permanent staff. The government has also introduced measures to strengthen employee protections, including revisions to the “continuous contract” definition under the Employment Ordinance.[50]

Singapore’s Platform Workers Bill took effect on 1 January 2025, introducing clearer protections for gig workers as platform-based services continue to expand. The legislation balances improved financial security and fair treatment with the flexibility central to the gig economy.[51]

China has the largest and most developed gig economy globally,
comprising over 200 million workers[52], about 20% of its total workforce.[53] Ongoing regulatory developments are driving stronger protections for platform workers, with early initiatives pointing to broader potential through regional and public private collaboration.[54]

Malaysia saw a major shift in labour regulation with the passage of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 by the Malaysia Senate. The legislation introduces a legal framework to protect gig workers’ rights, providing statutory safeguards for around 1.2 million workers[55] amid growing gig-based employment across transportation, food delivery, education and digital services.[56]