Media

Made in China 2025 Plan

Interesting article by Francois Normand in “Les Affaires”
Our partner Caroline Berube is asked her thoughts given her long experience in China.
You can view the complete article here :
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/les-affaires/20170722/282162176275101

“Ask a lawyer: What are the most common Employment Pass mistakes employers make?” HRD Singapore, October 2016

On October 26^th, 2016, HRD, a HR renowned magazine with Asia coverage, asked our team to comment on the legal terms to be considered while submitting Employment Pass (EP) applications for their clients. The article offered insight on changes in the procedural aspects of EP application laid down by the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore. HRD is Asia’s leading source of management, leadership, employment law and human resources news. The published HRD article can be found here.

July 2016- “Can overpaid wages be recovered?” by the HRD Magazine

The international HRD magazine approached Caroline Berube to comment on the topic of recovering overpaid wages from employees. Caroline advices all clients to include a clause in their employment contract to deal with this matter.. You can read the full article on the HRD website here: http://www.hrdmag.com.sg/news/can-overpaid-wages-be-recovered

April 2016- IBA Bar Association- “Can the steel game be played fairly?” by Stephen Mulrenan

“Can the steel game be played fairly?” was published on the International Bar Association’s (IBA) website and authored by Stephen Mulrenan. The article is about the steel industry worldwide and Caroline Berube commented on the industry within China. You can read the complete article here: http://www.ibanet.org/, where Caroline, HJM’s managing partner, was quoted.

March 2016- “Don’t touch me!” – Sexual harassment laws in SEA” by the HRD Magazine

The international HRD magazine once again interviewed Caroline Berube. As sexual harassment is one of the most sensitive issues in the workplace, Caroline was interviewed on regional law variance found in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. For example, did you know that there are no special rules for employers on sexual harassment in Indonesia while Singapore has two acts to protect its labor force- the Penal Code and the Protection from Harassment Act 2014. You can read the full article here: http://www.hrdmag.com.sg/news/dont-touch-me–sexual-harassment-laws-in-sea-213650.aspx

February 2016- “Asia: China Trade” by Stephen Mulrenan

“Asia: China Trade” was published on the International Bar Association’s (IBA) website and authored by Stephen Mulrenan. The article was on the Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba which is taking action to reduce the number of counterfeit goods on its sites. As the company looks to expand internationally, gaining the trust of major retailers will be key to driving success. You can read the complete article here: http://www.ibanet.org/, where Caroline, HJM’s managing partner, was quoted.

February 2016- “Singapore HR directors hit back at nationality-based benefits comments” by the HRD Magazine

The international HRD magazine approached Caroline Berube to comment on the recent opinion piece for the Straits Times in regards to the equal rights for all workers. Sim Lim Onn stated that that it’s “an ideal which will not, and should not, happen.” In Singapore, the most obvious perk which locals receive over foreigners are the CPF contributions. Additionally, legal regulations for locals and foreigners vary in many countries which can affect compensation. You can read the full article and Caroline’s comments here: http://www.hrdmag.com.sg/news/singapore-hr-directors-hit-back-at-nationalitybased-benefits-comments-211278.aspx

Winter 2015-16- McGill Focus Magazine: Mention of our Managing Director, Caroline Berube

Caroline Berube was featured in the latest edition of the McGill Focus Law Magazine in the Alumni Corner. Caroline is the BCL’99, LLB’99 graduate from McGill in 1999 and is very active with the McGill Alumni network internationally acting as the President of the McGill Alumni in Singapore as well as being a member of the McGill Faculty of Law Advisory Board.  You can view the complete issue of the magazine here: http://publications.mcgill.ca/droit/files/2010/12/McGill_Focus_Law_Droit_2015.pdf

January 2016- “Singapore HR directors hit back at nationality-based benefits comments” by the HRD Magazine

The international HRD magazine interviewed Caroline Berube about workers’ rights in Singapore in response to the controversial The Straits Times piece where Sim Lim Onn stated that equal rights for all workers is “an ideal which will not, and should not, happen”.  Due to varying regulations for local and foreign employees in many countries, including Singapore, compensation can vary between employees with foreigners receiving better benefits or vice versa the locals getting better compensated. Specifically, in Singapore, locals and PRs are entitled to CPF contributions while foreigners are not. You can read the full article here: http://www.hrdmag.com.sg/news/singapore-hr-directors-hit-back-at-nationalitybased-benefits-comments-211278.aspx

December 2015- “Sick leave requirements across Asia” by the HRD Magazine

The international HRD magazine interviewed Caroline Berube about hiring, firing and terminating employees in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. In the fourth installment of the article in this series, HRD talked about sick leave in the region. For example, in Singapore sick leave depends on how long the employee has been working with the company and/ or hospitalization requirements; in Hong Kong, sick leave may depend on a medical certificate; and in China the sick leave entitlement is the most generous ranging from 3 months to 24 months. Employees are paid a reduced rate while on sick leave almost everywhere but the exact amount owed depends on local employment regulations.

You can find out more by reading the full article here: Sick Leave Requirements Across Asia, HRD, 14 Dec 2015

November 2015- “Severance pay across Asia: what’s the damage?” by the HRD Magazine

The international HRD magazine interviewed Caroline Berube about firing and terminating employees in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. In the third installment of the article in this series, HRD talked about severance pay in the region. Did you know that it’s easier to fire someone in Singapore than in China and Hong Kong? For example, in Singapore there is no law forcing employers to offer severance pay to its employees while Hong Kong and China have certain laws and requirements depending on factors such has duration of employment and circumstances of the termination.

You can find out more by reading the full article here: Severance pay across Asia, what is the damage, HRD Magazine

November 2015- “You’re fired… right now – How to terminate without notice across Asia” by the HRD Magazine

The international HRD magazine interviewed Caroline Berube about firing and terminating employees in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. In the second article in this series, HRD covered the process of firing without notice in the regions. For example, in Singapore the employer can terminate without notice by paying the employee salary in lieu of notice. In Hong Kong and China there are only certain misconduct reasons which allow premature contract termination. You can find out those reasons by reading the full article here:  You are Fired Right Now…How to terminate without notice across Asia, HRD

October 2015- “Employee Dismissal across Asia – How much notice do you need to give” by the HRD Magazine

In October, HRD, an international HR magazine, interviewed Caroline Berube to find out how can their readers fire employees and the termination required in Singapore, Hong Kong and China.  Caroline provided a nuanced account of the legal differences by drawing more than 18 years of experience in the region.

She summarized the following points based on the myriad of differences between the judicial requirements of the three countries in question:

You can read the full article here: http://www.hrdmag.com.sg/news/employee-dismissal-across-asia-how-much-notice-do-you-need-to-give-207869.aspx

March 2015- “Swearing at work – when is disciplinary action justified?” by the HRD Magazine

Caroline Berube was quoted in the article titled “Swearing at work – when is disciplinary action justified” which was published on the Human Resources Director (HRD) Magazine-Singapore. The article focused on the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 which was recently introduced in Singapore and which was designed to protect Singaporeans from harassment and related antisocial behaviors, including in the workplace. Caroline commented on swearing in the workplace and whether it can constitute abusive and insulting behavior under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014. Caroline stressed the fact that each case is different and depends how abusive and insulting behavior is defined and in what context swearing is used. You can view the complete article here: Swearing at work – when is disciplinary action justified by HRD, 3 March 2015

March 2015- “Workplace bullying – what you need to know” by the HRD Magazine

Caroline Berube was quoted in the article titled “Workplace bullying – what you need to know” which was published on the Human Resources Director (HRD) Magazine-Singapore. The article focused on the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 and the Protection from Harassment Bill which were recently introduced in Singapore. Caroline commented on the fact that in practice, both have not yet been utilized and that people are still getting educated about them.  You can view the complete article here: Workplace bullying – what you need to know by HRD, 4 March 2015

March 2015- “Born in Canada, Legally Reborn in China” by SheThePeople.Tv

Caroline Berube’s brief interview was featured on the SheThePeople.Tv. SheThePeople is a website platform for women that aims to create a space that inspires women, strengthens their efforts, exchanges leadership ideas, fosters networking and reinforces women’s ability to contribute to growth. Caroline’s article titled “Born in Canada, Legally Reborn in China” was featured as part of their expert series. You can view the complete article here:

Fall 2014- The Primerus 180 Magazine, Caroline Berube’s message as the Chair of the Primerus Business Law Institute- Asia Pacific

Caroline Berube was appointed as the chair of the Primerus Business Law Institute- Asia Pacific (PBLI-AP). Her term has officially commenced at the Primerus  Global Conference in Monterey in October 2014. Caroline is excited about her term and talked about her initiatives for the 2015, as well as the Primerus Annual Asia Pacific meeting which will be held in Singapore from April 1st-2nd, 2015 in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Singapore. You can view messages from all the incoming chairs published in the Primerus 180 Magaine Fall 2014 issue here: PRI_180_Fall2014_InstituteChairLetters

November 2014- “Female lawyers require more flexibility” by Charlotte Clarke

Caroline Berube was quoted in the article titled “Female lawyers require more flexibility” which was published on the Financial Times Limited website and authored by Charlotte Clarke. Caroline commented on the likeliness of significant change for female lawyers within the industry. You can read the complete article here.

GTDT Market Intelligence – Mergers & Acquisitions – China, November 2014

Caroline Berube was interviewed for the Getting the Deal Through Mergers & Acquisitions questionnaire. Market Intelligence – M&A features a series of engaging and analytical written interviews presenting analysis and opinions of M&A and related market activity, current developments and trends worldwide. Caroline was interviewed for M&A in China. You can view the complete interview here: China

October 2014- Banque Martin Maurel Press Release

Caroline Berube was mentioned in the latest Banque Martin Maurel press release in regards to the “Doing Business in China” series for its clients. There were about 30 participants at the last presentation delivered by Caroline on employment law, partnerships and protection of intellectual property rights. Additionally, Philippe Bourguignon, from Bank of China France, presented about the role of the Chinese currency within the international trade. You can view the article which was published in French here: Doing Business In China

October 2014- “Failures in crisis management central to Malaysia Airlines delisting” by Stephen Mulrenan

Caroline Berube was quoted in the article titled “Failures in crisis management central to Malaysia Airlines delisting” which was published on the International Bar Association’s (IBA) website and authored by Stephen Mulrenan. Caroline commented Malaysia Airlines’ decision to delist as well as shareholder activism. You can read the complete article here. 

Fall 2014- Women of Influence Magazine – “A Day in the Life” feature

Caroline Berube, the Managing Partner of HJM Asia Law, was featured in the “Women of Influence” magazine Fall 2014 issue. HJM Asia Law has offices in both China and Singapore and Caroline divides her time between both locations. The magazine’s article on “A Day in the Life” features Caroline’s typical day in Singapore.

“My work involves dealing with CEOs, CFOs and COOs in different sectors based all over the world. They grow their business in eastern markets and intend to reduce running costs of their home base. Our clients are mostly overseas, but some have headquarters in Singapore.”

You can view the full article below:

The article is now live here: https://www.womenofinfluence.ca/2014/11/13/day-life-caroline-berube-canadian-lawyer-singapore/

IBA Asia Pacific Forum Newsletter, August 2014

Caroline Berube, the Managing Partner of HJM, is a senior vice-chair for Asia-Pacific Regional Forum for International Bar Association (IBA). Part of her duties include being the editor of the frequent APF newsletter. This issue focused on the upcoming IBA Annual Conference in Tokyo and various sessions organized by the APF Committee. You can view the August 2014 newsletter here: Asia Pacific Forum News (August 2014)

August 2014- “Alibaba listing raises questions for Hong Kong exchange” by Stephen Mulrenan

Caroline Berube was quoted in the article titled “Alibaba listing raises questions for Hong Kong exchange” which was published on the International Bar Association (IBA) website and written by Stephen Mulrenan. Caroline expressed her views on the stock market and adapting HKEx regulations. You can read the complete article here: http://www.ibanet.org/Article/Detail.aspx?ArticleUid=2FF8E4CA-80FB-4EED-A2F7-D47FDA4E3962

Asia Pacific Regional Forum News, September 2013

Caroline Berube, the Managing Partner of HJM, is the vice-chair for the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum for the International Bar Association (IBA). Part of her duties include being the editor of the frequent APF newsletter. This issue outlines the APF Committee’s sessions at the IBA Annual Conference in Boston in October 2013. You can read more on the newsletter here: Asia Pacific Forum News (Sept 2013)