Private higher education push: Bangladesh’s finance minister urged private universities to reinvest tax savings into education quality, research and innovation, arguing self-regulation and accountability should replace heavy government control. Seasonal hiring compliance: New Zealand’s MBIE is warning employers using seasonal workers to follow the rules on contracts, wages, leave, record-keeping and breaks after monitoring in ski and summer regions. PE value-creation focus: The 80/20 Institute released a 100-day playbook for PE-backed CEOs, stressing disciplined early execution to drive EBITDA under operational pressure. Workplace flexibility trend: Land O’Lakes is expanding flex scheduling so employees choose days and times, with flex roles drawing more applicants than traditional full-time work. AI and HR messaging: Microsoft’s HR chief Amy Coleman said 4,800 roles cut won’t be replaced by AI, while the company also faces renewed scrutiny over H-1B-related claims. Labour and outsourcing dispute: Liberty Puerto Rico confirmed NOC layoffs, while the union alleges outsourcing breaches the collective bargaining agreement and weakens job security. Skills and inclusion training: Qatar’s QIIB completed a disability-focused employee communication programme with the Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs. Trade skills investment: Afreximbank partnered with IBDL Learning Group to expand AfCFTA-related trade training and certifications.