Regional Competition Conference 2023 Podcast Series – Panel 4

Sustainability and ESG have taken over the world like a storm. They are important considerations for business, even as countries tax carbon emissions. Even more importantly, supply chain disruptions have a direct impact on the production lines as well as on exports.

Titled “Sustainability and ESG – When trade flows and supply chains are impacted given ESG concerns, how does one work around this?”, episode 4 of our podcast series takes a pragmatic approach, examining critical questions that are reshaping industries:

• What must businesses do differently?
• What is the potential competition law impact as businesses seek to comply with sustainability requirements?
• Can they collaborate to improve on sustainability in the industry?
• What if a trade association recommends certain steps and all businesses follow?
• What is the impact of changing laws in the EU, US, UK and even Singapore have on trade in the region?

This episode offers more than insights; it provides a practical examination of the challenges and opportunities businesses encounter in the intricate tapestry of global trade influenced by ESG concerns.

Click to listen to this podcast.

The Rajah & Tann Asia Competition & Antitrust team remains engaged and up to date with the ever-evolving landscape of competition law in the region. Please reach out to us if you wish to further discuss these developments.

Regional Competition Conference 2023 Podcast Series – Panel 3

In our latest episode of our podcast series for the Regional Competition Conference 2023, we delve into the intricate intersection of data protection regulations and competition law, with a focus on the challenges posed by data dominance.

Entitled “Regulation of Personal Data, Collection of Data, Usage and Management of Data, and AI and the cross-over impact from competition laws – How can businesses manage this multi-prong regulatory environment with different regulators?”, we explore how the collection and utilisation of data, especially by parties with significant data holdings, can establish dominance in the market. Discussing the digital market landscape, we also address the potential risks associated with AI, such as collusion and discriminatory practices, while acknowledging its role in enhancing competition through targeted marketing.

Click to listen to this podcast and join us as we navigate the complexities of persuading that data collection aligns with competition laws and implementing measures to prevent collusion and potential abuse.

The Rajah & Tann Asia Competition & Antitrust team remains engaged and up to date with the ever-evolving landscape of competition law in the region. Please reach out to us if you wish to further discuss these developments.  

Unlocking Opportunities in Indonesia's New Capital through Business-Friendly Reforms

In line with the ongoing development in Indonesia’s new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara, commonly referred to as IKN, the government has enacted Government Regulation No. 12 of 2023 concerning the Provision of Business Licenses, Ease of Doing Business, and Investment Facilities for Investors in Ibu Kota Nusantara ("Regulation") in March of this year. Among others, the Regulation introduces conveniences and facilities for investors to encourage them to invest in IKN and its partner regions, which are specific areas in Kalimantan established for the development and growth of IKN's economic superhub in collaboration with the IKN authority.

Reporting for Duty: Indonesia Creates a Centralised Job Vacancies System

In response to the ever-increasing labour demands while simultaneously addressing unemployment issues, Joko Widodo, the Indonesian President, recently signed Presidential Regulation No. 57 of 2023 on Mandatory Reporting of Job Vacancies ("Regulation") into force on 25 September 2023. The Regulation repeals and supersedes the previous regulation on the same subject matter, namely Presidential Decree No. 4 of 1980 on Mandatory Reporting of Job Vacancies, which has become outdated in the evolving landscape of the Indonesian labour market.

By enacting the Regulation, the government hopes to enhance job search and placement through the creation of a centralised job vacancies information system. Both employers and job seekers can use this system. For employers, they can search for workers that match their workforce needs. Conversely, job seekers can find vacancies that are aligned with their skills, interests, and abilities. Meanwhile, for the government, they can use the information on job vacancies for labour planning, labour placement, labour market information reporting, and labour market analysis