Brief

Rosewood Hotels has implemented a global 16-week paid parental leave policy for all employees, regardless of gender or seniority, including adoptive parents. This initiative aims to address declining birth rates in Asia and enhance the company's appeal to potential employees. The policy exceeds statutory requirements in many Asian countries and comes amid a competitive market for hospitality workers. AI

The conflict in the Middle East is creating a shortage of aluminium, a critical component for renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines. Iranian attacks on major aluminium production facilities in the Gulf region have significantly reduced output, leading to a surge in global aluminium prices. This supply crunch threatens to undermine Asia's efforts to expand its clean energy infrastructure, despite increasing demand driven by high fossil fuel costs. AI

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Alberta is vital to Canada's future, amidst a push for greater provincial autonomy. Premier Danielle Smith is pursuing a vote that could lead to a referendum on independence, despite a recent judicial setback that halted a signature-gathering process. Smith has criticized the decision, which she believes infringes on democratic rights, though she also expressed support for Alberta remaining within Canada. AI