Salary Increase Trends in India 2023

India has witnessed tremendous economic growth over the past few decades, resulting in the growth of various industries and job opportunities. Along with this, the salary structure in India has also undergone significant changes. With the increase in competition and the rise in the cost of living, salary increments have …

Focus on GIFT City

To set the scene, Gujarat International Finance Tec City, or “GIFT City”, is situated in Gandhinagar, the capital of the State of Gujarat located just outside Gujarat’s largest city, Ahmedabad.  GIFT City is about a thirty-minute drive from the Ahmedabad airport, which is roughly an hour’s flight from Delhi and …

Indonesia sets Minimum Wages To Increase of 10% For 2023

The Indonesian government has recently announced a minimum wage hike of 10% for 2023, providing additional financial stability to those workers subject to the changes. This initiative is part of a larger plan to combat growing inequality in Indonesia and promote sustainable economic growth, long-term poverty reduction, and improved living …

Outsourcing To India? Advantages For Your Business

With the business environment becoming increasingly competitive, it is essential for teams to focus on core activities for success. Due to this, a common way companies are able to reduce their internal burden while often saving money is via outsourcing. Outsourcing allows companies to keep departments running efficiently without having …

Looking to expand into Vietnam? Now’s the time to do it!

Vietnam is primarily an agricultural nation but it’s come a long way, and it is now looked upon as a symbol of a “success story” in terms of its growth and development. From a nation of extreme poverty, it has reached the much-touted status of a middle-economic country. Although the …

Thailand Incentives – What do they mean for you?

The primary governing agency that is responsible for the promotion of business activity from abroad is the BOI, or the Board of Investment, with regard to Thailand. This is a government entity and provides all the incentives which are necessary to start a business from outside the country. The Board …

Is India on The Path to Becoming a Global EV Hub?

Over the past decade, the electric vehicle industry has grown rapidly with EVs becoming increasingly popular and advanced. With a market size of 8,151 thousand units in 2022, estimates assume that the market will reach an astonishing 39,208 units by 2030. With such a rapid rate of expansion, it is …

India GDP- Solid as a rock

India is on a significant growth path in terms of its economy. There is no denying this fact as the Indian population is young, and with technological advances taking over the country by storm, the Indian economy is set to achieve more than ever thought possible. The level of exposure …

UK – Indonesia: Two countries, one solid relationship

When countries establish relations for trade purposes, the world at large sees benefits, apart from the countries involved. With a view to expanding its tentacles for economic growth as diversely as possible, the United Kingdom is actively engaging with regions in the Asia-Pacific area. A key partner involved in this …

Looking to expand? Thailand could be the marketplace for you!

With a focus on promoting investment and upgrading the local economy, Thailand has recently introduced a new set of incentives. These incentives were issued as a follow-up to Thailand’s Five-Year Investment Promotion Strategy and align with their aim of boosting high-tech industries. The incentives, which were released on the 4th …

Singapore GST rate to increase from January 2023

Are you a business owner in Singapore? It’s time to start preparing for the GST rate increase scheduled for January 2023! The government has decided to raise the Goods and Services Tax from 7% to 8% starting next January, which will impact both big and small businesses. This blog post …

All Things Outsourcing

Regardless of which sector or industry that you work within, you will have undoubtedly come across the term ‘outsourcing’. Outsourcing is that little ray of light that can offer an alternative solution to businesses facing challenging times in the respective marketplace. As an alternative solution to any business problem, those …

Indonesia Data Protection Laws – Laws to Take Notice Of

“DP” stands for data protection. Data protection is a significant part of any company’s framework, and any entity’s functioning. Indonesia has such a law, the “Personal Data Protection Law”, resembling the General Data Protection Regulations established by the European Union, or the EU GDPR. The recent law, states in clear …

FTA Updates – India’s Take on Free Trade Contracts in 2023

India has been a hub for outsourcing and manufacturing for a while now. A nation open to trade and commerce with international partners, it has signed free trade agreements with several countries in the past. At regional and bilateral levels, India’s FTAs span a wide spectrum of contracts with countries. …

Mental Health For Remote Employees

While remote working offers a whole host of benefits in terms of employee comfort, there are also some disadvantages. In particular, the sudden shift from physical offices to remote working has caused many individuals to feel stressed or uneasy which can be seen in both their personal and work life. …

Time to Go Back? Conclusion—Should You Shift To Hybrid Working?

Over the past year, many companies have started to incorporate a new style of working which involves a combination of online and physical methods. Specifically, by calling employees into the office for a few days a week, a sort of hybrid working model has been introduced. This model allows employees …

Time to Go Back? Part 2—The Benefits of Remote Working

With the sudden onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, many companies were left with inadequate working structures to function online. Without the ability to come to the office, businesses had to gradually shift to online working methods, which has now caused a paradigm shift. As of 2022, more than …

Time to Go Back? Part 1—The Benefits of Physical Offices

While the pandemic may have led to the shift, remote working has become the norm for many companies across the globe. Whether this involves multinational corporations or young startups, working from home has managed to stick around for longer than many expected. Although, over the past year, many companies have …

UGC Draft Guidelines for Foreign Branch Campuses Unveiled

The much-awaited draft rules for establishing and operating campuses overseas in India have been revealed. The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued the Draft Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India Regulations on 5 January, 2023. As India aims to reach a 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio(GER) from 27.3% currently by 2035 as …

India-Australia ECTA to come into effect December 29, 2022

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement (ECTA) is set to come into effect on December 29, 2022. This starts in a new age of increased bilateral trade and investment between two countries that are major players in the Indo-Pacific region. The timing could not be better for businesses interested in …

The COP 27 Recap

The 27th Conference of Parties (COP27), saw meetings between hundreds of highly influential people from various parts of the world in Egypt. The focal point of the deliberations was to instill a renewed solidarity to deliver the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. The COP27 summit was organised at …

Moonlighting Part 2 – How to Navigate This HR Challenge?

Acknowledging the challenges of ‘Moonlighting’ In our previous blog post, we threw light on employee ‘Moonlighting’ and introduced the importance of making policy changes to deal with this HR challenge. It’s becoming increasingly common for disgruntled employees (44 percent of employed Americans) to switch to side hustle or freelance work …

Not so plastic fantastic

Today when you go home, take a look around. A lot of items being used must be either made out of plastic or contain elements of plastic. Even in the use-and-throw items, the packaging is mostly made out of plastic. Then there’s the menace of the household staple, the carrier …

Sustainable, Resource-Efficient Cities: Future of Urban Development

Sustainable Cities Can Better Handle the Weight and Pressures of Climate Change Poor urban planning in countries worldwide has a major impact on a cities ability to withstand climate change and natural disasters. Globalisation is taking place at an unprecedented rate. A doubled urban population and tripled urbanised land area …

Solutions Day – Going green today for a better tomorrow

On the 17th of November the delegates at COP 27 will all be discussing possible and potential solutions to some of the climate change challenges that the world currently faces. Innovators will gather alongside representatives from governmental and financial institutions, to share experiences and exchange ideas on how best to …

India to lead in “Climate Change” efforts

India a global powerhouse India’s energy needs have been increasing rapidly over the past few decades. According to Government estimates, 1.5 million MW of additional capacity was added to the existing grid between 2000 and 2010 alone, accounting for almost 25 per cent of the country’s total installed capacity. India …

COP27 – Energy Day – Hydrogen Hubs

Perhaps, among the most important days of the COP27summit is Energy Day. Most issues that relate to sustainability are linked with energy. “Green hydrogen” regulations and policies are pondered over and act as a catalyst in the production sources that result in sustainability. Energy Day is important as it marks …

COP 27- Gender Day – Top women in Sustainability

Climate change affects everyone across the world. But it is also true that climate change and food insecurity affects women and girls disproportionately. This is due to a number of reasons. For instance, globally and specifically in marginalised communities women are responsible for acquiring food and fuel for their families. …

GIFT-IFSC Regulations allowing set-up of Campuses and Centers by Foreign Universities and Educational Institutions

Background While presenting the Union Budget for FY (Financial Year) 2022-23, the Hon’ble Finance Minister proposed to allow the entry of world-class foreign universities and institutions in GIFT-IFSC (‘Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Center), to offer courses in subjects connected to financial management, fintech, science, technology, engineering, …

The importance of Gender Day at COP 27

Each year, the Conference of Parties or COP as it is commonly known, is held in a different part of the world and has a new theme respectively attached to it. This year, COP27 is set to be held in Egypt, in the city of Sharm El Sheikh. COP27 will …

Gender Day – Female Representation in Climate is the Need of the Hour

In the negotiations at last year’s COP in Glasgow, the previous president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, described male participation in the global climate negotiations aptly. She stated the male dominance as being too “…pale and stale’”. In this year’s COP27, five hundred global leaders have echoed the call for a …

Agriculture can use technology to become climate resilient. But how?

Agriculture meets our most basic need of hunger and employs millions across the world. Any threat to this would snowball into a bigger, global crisis. Climate change poses a huge threat to agriculture and its associated processes. The majority of countries in the developing world survive mainly through agriculture. The …

Decarbonisation Day – Greenhouse gasses have got to go!

Companies and large enterprises are responsible for creating the characteristic “carbon footprint” that is a subject of much pessimism in the arena of environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, since the time of the Paris Agreement, to COP27, several companies belonging to energy-centric sectors have adopted policies to start to decrease their carbon …

Finance Day – The colour of money

The green finance market has been growing rapidly, and it’s expected to be worth $2.36 trillion by 2023. Green finance simply means any targeted financial efforts that have sustainability as a major goal. Sustainable Development Goals are a priority that benefits everyone. One way to help bring these goals to …

COP27 – Science Day – Healthcare Industry: A Climate Change Criminal Or Victim?

The healthcare industry is currently facing unprecedented pressures with post COVID-19 financial ramifications, inflation and global labor shortages. At the same time, the need for a robust, equitable and resistant healthcare system has never been higher. Post pandemic, there have been several transformative changes and innovation breakthroughs in the healthcare …

COP27 – Decarbonisation Day – Food and Fertiliser

Forging ahead with any and all ways to decarbonise the environment is on everyone’s mind. This is an urgent aim for individuals, companies, industries, forums and global summits like COP27. If the world could decarbonise in a day, all our environmental problems would practically be over. As lovely as this …

COP27: Green Energy its benefits on employment

We have been repeatedly told that “The future is in your hands’ when it comes to climate change, this note of caution has been passed from generation to generation but with climate change and its impacts ringing loudly in our ears the statement becomes more poignant than ever. Tackling climate …

COP27 – Science Day: Watch and wait

The climate summit is officially on! With stakeholders from all walks of life, scientists may make contributions that hold the keys to the protection of Mother Earth at this year’s COP 27 summit. Countries have pledged to do their bit, both large and small, but unfortunately, these promises have not …

COP27 Science Day – Green Windows

The path to a sustainable future, especially in developing nations, starts with sustainable technology. Even more important than this crucial fact is that emerging nations are riddled with a number of issues that defeat sustainability in general. These include over population and pollution among others. A lack of education and …

Climate Change, finance and everything in between

Climate change is slowly but surely eating into the future of our world. Much has been said about how the Earth will be hotter, yet there would be more floods. It threatens agriculture, leaving millions across the globe vulnerable and susceptible to hunger. If things carry on as they are …

CSR India Amendment – A Boost to Impact Assessment for Large Firms

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) of India, has recently made an amendment to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) regulations. The amendment means that certain existing provisions have now been relaxed.  CSR has typically been a bone of contention for many businesses due to the strict rules that surround it. …

Free Trade Agreement FAQ

Negotiations are underway in regard to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and are expected to reach their conclusion by the end of this year. A potential deadline for the FTA discussions to come is Diwali, which takes place on 24th October 2022. In 2021, the UK and India entered …

FCRA Rules For Non Profit – The Latest Updates

The FCRA, also known as the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules of 2011 has been amended. This amendment, also known as the ‘New Rules’,  came into effect starting the 1st of July 2022. The government has made use of the powers that have been conferred to it under Section 48 of …

New Places, New Faces, and A Lot Learned!

By Susmita Sen When borders were closed and restrictions were well in place to stop a rampant virus in its tracks, the world was forced to sit still and take time to think. With clear minds and an outlook that changed for many of us, we embark on new journeys …

What is a market entry strategy?

Expanding into new markets can be difficult to navigate without appropriate research and planning. This is especially true when entering international markets, which can have different laws, procedures and cultural expectations. However, if you want to grow your business and boost your revenue, it is something you will have to …

Localisation and NGOs: Different interpretations, different outcomes

NGOs perform important work wherever their mission takes them. International NGOs, in particular, have the resources and reach to influence and improve lives across the globe. However, acceptance of such help and cooperation in all improvement efforts depends on the reception at specific sites. This article aims at understanding localisation …

Top Tips for Your International Expansion Strategy

Going global is an enormous opportunity for any organisation and is a well-travelled road for many companies who have navigated it successfully. For plenty of others though, the journey has been filled with pitfalls, potholes, stalled endeavours and plenty of high-profile crashes. International expansion requires a solid strategy for structured …

5 Reasons to Grow in Indonesia

Indonesia is already known around the world as the largest archipelago. There are more than 300 ethnic groups, breathtaking scenery and an abundance of natural resources. However, there is much more to Indonesia than just being a popular tourist destination. Situated close to large economies, like China, India, Singapore and …

News Alert – Apex Court confirms the FCRA Amendment of 2020

On Friday 8th April 2022 the Supreme Court declared the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020, legal. The Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Amendment Act imposes new regulations for non-profit organisations acting independently of any government (INGOs). It is now mandatory for INGOs to receive all foreign funds into SBI accounts. Challenges …

The Benefits Of Using The Aadhar Scheme

Your Aadhar is your 12-digit unique identification number, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India. This number is provided to Indian residents provided they meet certain conditions for identification, as has been laid out by the authority. Individuals, provided they are residents of the country, regardless of their age …

How to benefit from nonprofit aid localisation as an INGO

International aid supports emergency relief, public health, climate change and other outcomes in order to bring a level of parity across international borders. Localising aid is the next step in the process, ensuring that local communities have more agency and make the most of funding from international sources. For a …

Seamless Is Now a Proud Member of British Expertise International

Seamless’ announces membership with British Expertise International. Seamless, part of Sannam S4 Group, is a strategic partner for businesses ready to explore, enter, and expand globally. Their team of experts helps clients from start to end. Be it from localisation to globalisation, Seamless helps corporate and nonprofit organisations build growth …

The top seven challenges of doing business in Malaysia… and how to overcome them.

South East Asian gem, Malaysia, is fast becoming one of the standout business capitals of the world. With typical growth rates of over 4%, Malaysia outperforms many high-income countries with only 1-2% economic growth rates. Malaysia is a financially competitive industrialising location, offering fantastic economic growth, modern infrastructure, technological innovativeness …

Nuances of Market Entry for Global Nonprofits

Catering to overseas markets can take place in a wide range of ways as every market has its own compliances and regulations that need to be explored before making any final decisions. Regardless of jurisdiction, there are usually 5 options that an organisation can choose from when expanding into a …

Raising Australia’s economic growth forecast for 2022

Good news for the Australian economy After the Australian economy shrunk by 1.9% in the third quarter last year, due to widespread lockdowns and the Delta variant, it looks like things are set to change with a swift recovery forecast by economists. The Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg said, “The market …

Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) Amendment (India)

As per the latest notification from The Indian Ministry of Labour and Employment, in concern with the powers conferred by Section 7 of the Indian Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952,  vide notification no. G.S.R 299E, dated 28th April 2021, has amended few benefits which can be availed …

Barriers and perceptions that can limit locally-led humanitarian action

The advantages of local engagement in creating viable – and measurably effective – humanitarian projects are unquestionable. However, when International Non-Government Organisations need to make substantial inroads, it has become apparent that real change comes from the tangible involvement of local agencies and relevant individuals. Roles and Responsibilities The main …

Salaries 2022: The India Story

The past year has been another tough one for most businesses in India, with the pandemic hitting the country hard. The second and third waves of Covid-19 continued to disrupt businesses, economies, and livelihoods, and most of us have had to juggle work, family, and personal time every day throughout …

The Spring Statement at a glance: changes you should know

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak unveiled a mini-budget during his Spring Statement delivery. The changes to the budget come at a time of multiple crises – rising fuel costs and the ramifications of Brexit and Covid as well as the Ukraine situation – with many calling on the government …

Tips for international small business export

Expanding your small business overseas is a rewarding venture, but you need to get it done right the first time to succeed. Luckily for you, here at the Seamless brand, we know everything about small business export and expanding into international markets, guaranteeing you get the help you need. To …

Overcoming the top 5 accounting challenges of international expansion

Building a global presence is a great goal – but it doesn’t happen overnight. Your business might be a real force in your original market, but that success won’t automatically be transferred into foreign markets. When companies expand internationally, they typically face significant challenges. Here are some of them, and …

How Australian business is bouncing back after the pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic may not be over, but we’re already starting to see signs that businesses across Australia are recovering from the effects of the pandemic so far. While some smaller businesses have, unfortunately, suffered a great deal under the restrictions that have been introduced around the world, on the …

Hiring overseas? Boost your success rates with these tips

When you’re tasked with hiring the best talent in a highly competitive marketplace, the pressure is on. Throw in overseas recruitment to the mix and the challenge intensifies! However, there are strategies you can take to greatly improve your results – in terms of time to hire, cost to hire …

India’s Budget 2021 Key Highlights

In the Union Budget presented by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February 2021, few key proposals have been given to support the Corporates and the compliance regime which as follows: New version of MCA21 3.0 will be launched during the year 2021-22 which will include data analytics, artificial …

A guide to going global as a nonprofit

Expanding and managing your operations overseas as a nonprofit organisation isn’t an easy fit There’s a lot of thorough planning and research involved, and costs can quickly add up, making it harder to tackle global expansion as a charitable company. Luckily for you, here at Seamless, we’ve been helping nonprofit …