The Lens: Singapore’s new guidelines on flexible work schedules should encourage Hong Kong to do the same
- Move would promote work-life balance and help working parents in the city, one student writes
- Tell us what you think of TikTok’s move to fight a new US law that mandates the platform break away from its Chinese owners
Workplace flexibility is on the rise as Singapore allows workers to request four-day weeks and work-from-home arrangements. Photo: Shutterstock Do you have thoughts on the United States seeking a ban on TikTok unless the app is sold to a non-Chinese owner?
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Thoughts from last week
Mike Cheung Cho-yi, 16, Hong Kong Tang King Po College
Singapore’s recent introduction of guidelines expanding flexible work arrangements should encourage employees in Hong Kong to request increased flexibility in their schedules. This relaxation of working arrangements reduces stress and enhances productivity by granting employees greater control over their time and energy allocation.
However, other considerations need to be made. Working from home can pose challenges in fostering teamwork and collaboration, requiring enhanced cooperation. Employees may also face additional technology, communication, and security costs to support remote work.
Despite the challenges, I believe Hong Kong has a unique opportunity to implement similar regulations inspired by Singapore’s success. Flexible work arrangements can enable parents to balance work and personal needs. This freedom allows them to be present for caregiving responsibilities, which would foster a healthier work-life integration.
By prioritising family-centric flexible work arrangements, Hong Kong can demonstrate its commitment to supporting its workforce and adopting progressive employment practices. Proactively addressing the needs of employees cultivates a more adaptable and productive workforce, benefiting individuals and the overall economy.
Hong Kong can learn from Singapore to prioritise family needs and create a work environment that values work-life integration. This proactive approach positions Hong Kong as a forward-thinking leader in promoting family well-being and supporting working parents.
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Read and observe
TikTok has said it will fight a new US law that orders the popular video-sharing app to break away from its Chinese owners or face an outright ban in the United States.
The bill signed by President Joe Biden gives TikTok 270 days (roughly nine months) to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban in the United States.
The White House can extend the deadline only once by 90 days. During that time, the app will continue to operate for its roughly 170 million US users.
TikTok says it will fight the law in the US courts, saying that it grossly violates free speech rights.
The company has some reason to feel that it will prevail; in 2020, it survived a similar order from then-President Donald Trump.
TikTok filed a lawsuit challenging the ban, and a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s effort, saying the reasons for banning the app were likely overstated and that free speech rights were in jeopardy.
The new effort signed by Biden was designed to overcome the same legal headaches and some experts believe the US Supreme Court could be open to allowing national security considerations to outweigh free speech protection, though this is hardly certain.
Trump, who is running for president against Biden, now says he opposes the potential ban as it would benefit rival Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook.
In the battle over TikTok’s US future, China has come out swinging in its defence.
Beijing does not want a precedent to be set where a Chinese company is strong-armed into selling one of its most valuable assets, including an algorithm that is the envy of competitors.
Agence France-Presse
Research and discuss
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Do you think the United States is justified in seeking a ban on TikTok unless the app is sold to a non-Chinese owner?
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How might a US ban on TikTok affect other Chinese companies who want to expand in America?