Recruit Holdings (6098.T), the Japanese parent company of Indeed and Glassdoor, is set to cut around 1,300 jobs across both platforms as it shifts focus toward artificial intelligence, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters. The layoffs, which account for about 6% of the HR technology division, will primarily impact employees in the U.S. and affect teams such as R&D, growth, and people and sustainability. However, all departments and multiple countries will be affected.

Although no exact reason was cited for the cuts, Recruit CEO Hisayuki “Deko” Idekoba noted that AI is transforming the industry, and the company must evolve to provide better experiences for both job seekers and employers. This move follows a broader trend, as U.S. tech firms like Meta and Microsoft have also made workforce reductions to focus more heavily on AI and manage economic slowdowns.

As part of the restructuring, Recruit will merge Glassdoor’s operations into Indeed. Consequently, Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong will leave the company on October 1. Additionally, LaFawn Davis, Indeed’s Chief People and Sustainability Officer, will step down on September 1, with Ayano Senaha, Recruit’s COO, stepping into the role. Recruit, which bought Indeed in 2012 and Glassdoor in 2018, currently employs around 20,000 people in its HR tech unit. Earlier in 2024, Indeed announced 1,000 job cuts, following a 2023 move to slash 2,200 roles—15% of its workforce.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Ukraine is set to become the first country in Europe to offer Starlink-powered mobile services, according to Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov. The leading Ukrainian telecom operator plans to roll out messaging services by the end of 2024 and launch full mobile satellite broadband by mid-2026. This initiative stems from an agreement with SpaceX, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, enabling the use of its direct-to-cell satellite network in Ukraine. Field tests are already underway. These direct-to-cell devices connect directly to satellites with built-in modems, acting like mobile towers in space to transmit signals straight to smartphones.

Komarov explained that the initial rollout will include over-the-top (OTT) messaging services—such as WhatsApp and Signal—by year’s end. Broader services like mobile satellite broadband and voice calls are expected by the second quarter of 2026. While SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment, U.S. telecom company T-Mobile previously announced it would begin offering satellite-to-cell data services using Starlink in October.

Komarov made these remarks in Rome before attending a Ukraine recovery conference hosted by Italy. The event, the fourth of its kind since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, will also see President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in attendance. Komarov stated his primary goal is to support the Ukrainian government and forge new partnerships, including with Italian companies interested in expanding into Ukraine.

Kyivstar, a subsidiary of telecoms group VEON, is also progressing toward a listing on the U.S. NASDAQ stock exchange. Komarov hopes the listing will be completed in the third quarter of this year, calling it a historic first for a Ukrainian company going public on a U.S. exchange during wartime. He also noted that Ukraine’s telecom infrastructure has become more resilient despite Russia’s intensified attacks. Even during widespread blackouts—such as those caused last year by strikes on power and transmission facilities—the network can now operate for up to 10 hours without external power.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters

Meta Platforms has acquired an approximate 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, according to a source familiar with the matter. The move highlights Meta’s growing interest in artificial intelligence-driven wearable technology as it continues to expand its presence in the smart glasses market. EssilorLuxottica, a global eyewear leader, and Meta have already collaborated on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which combine classic Ray-Ban designs with advanced tech features such as cameras, open-ear speakers, and AI capabilities. These glasses have seen strong market reception since their launch in 2023.

Meta's latest investment, reportedly worth around €3 billion (approximately $3.5 billion), indicates the company’s long-term commitment to the wearables segment. Industry reports suggest Meta could further raise its stake in EssilorLuxottica to 5% in the future. While EssilorLuxottica declined to comment on the transaction, Meta has not yet responded to inquiries.

In a related development, Meta recently partnered with Oakley to introduce a new line of smart eyewear called “Oakley Meta HSTN,” featuring hands-free cameras, water resistance, and integrated Meta AI. These developments align with Meta’s broader strategy of embedding AI and immersive technologies into everyday consumer products. EssilorLuxottica’s CEO has indicated plans to expand smart glasses production and deepen collaborations with Meta across more brands. With liquidity and innovation flowing into the wearable tech space, this strategic investment is likely to accelerate the evolution of AI-integrated consumer eyewear.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

French IT services giant Capgemini has agreed to acquire technology outsourcing firm WNS for $3.3 billion, aiming to enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) for improving business efficiency. The agreed price of $76.50 per WNS share marks a 17% premium over its July 3 closing price and excludes WNS’s financial debt, Capgemini announced on Monday.

This acquisition will enable Capgemini to build a specialized consulting service focused on helping businesses optimize operations and reduce costs using AI technologies, including generative and agent-based AI. The company expects this area to see significant investment growth. Reuters first reported Capgemini’s interest in India-based WNS—known for its business process outsourcing and data analytics services—in April.

"WNS adds strong, high-margin, and resilient Digital Business Process Services to our portfolio and strengthens our position in the U.S. market," said Capgemini CEO Aiman Ezzat. WNS serves major global clients like Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, and United Airlines. During a call with analysts and media, Ezzat noted that the deal opens up immediate cross-selling opportunities, particularly in the U.S. and U.K. He also highlighted the potential to leverage WNS’s platform expertise, especially with clients in the banking and insurance sectors.

Capgemini expects the transaction, set to close by the end of 2025, to immediately contribute to its revenue and operating margin. The company projects the acquisition will increase its adjusted earnings per share by 4% in 2026 before synergies, and by 7% in 2027 after synergies—without affecting its 2025 financial outlook. Despite the announcement, Capgemini shares fell 4% by 0822 GMT, hitting their lowest point in over two months.
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More businesses will receive support to safeguard sensitive information, as the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) pledges to subsidize up to 50% of the cost for adopting privacy-enhancing technologies. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng speak with Denise Wong, Deputy Commissioner of the Personal Data Protection Commission, to explore these technologies and how Singapore is developing its strategy for emerging tech, particularly generative AI.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Microsoft has announced plans to lay off up to 9,000 employees in its latest round of job cuts this year. The move comes as the company looks to reduce costs while increasing investments in artificial intelligence. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman spoke with Bob O'Donnell, president and chief analyst at TECHnalysis Research, to explore how the AI boom is shaping tech companies' business strategies.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters

With wearable devices like the Oura Ring becoming increasingly common, some users report feeling more anxious due to constant access to data about their bodies. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng talk to Dr. Jay Lee, a sports psychologist at the Singapore Sports and Medicine Centre, about the fine line between healthy self-tracking and unhealthy obsession.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Technology has instructed telecom providers to block Telegram due to its lack of cooperation in addressing alleged crimes by its users. This led Daniel Martin and Justine Moss to ask Associate Professor Natalie Pang from NUS’s Department of Communications and New Media whether a messaging app could one day be banned in Singapore.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.