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NEW YORK: A plane crashed in the US state of Missouri on Sunday, killing all 12 people on board, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a statement, Xinhua reported. The crash occurred near Butler Memorial Airport, about 65 miles (106 kilometers) south of Kansas City. Emergency responders received a call about a plane crashing and burning around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant Justin Ewing said. The plane was carrying paratroopers for skydiving. There are no other details at this time, Ewing said. The National Transportation Safety Board said it will investigate the accident. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

12 dead in a plane crash in Missouri, USA

NEW YORK: A plane crashed in the US state of Missouri on Sunday, killing all 12 people on board, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a statement, Xinhua reported. .... read more

WASHINGTON: Up to seven million foreign visitors are expected to arrive in the United States (US) for the FIFA World Cup, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Sunday, according to a CNN report cited by Sputnik/RIA Novosti. "We have five to seven million visitors," Mullin told CNN. The department currently does not see any specific security threats, he said. "Are we safe? Yes, we are going to host one of the safest and best World Cups in the history of this event," Mullin said. The World Cup is being held in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The tournament features 48 teams for the first time. -- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

7 million visitors will arrive for the 2026 World Cup – SU Homeland Security US

WASHINGTON: Up to seven million foreign visitors are expected to arrive in the United States (US) for the FIFA World Cup, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Sunday, .... read more

ISTANBUL, June 15 -- Hamas said on Sunday that it submitted the Palestinian factions' response to a roadmap proposed by the UN's special coordinator for the West Asia peace process, stressing the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Anadolu Ajansi reported. On May 21, Nickolay Mladenov presented the 15-point outline for implementing the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump regarding the Gaza Strip. Mladenov's roadmap outlines mechanisms for implementing issues related to Gaza's future, including reconstruction, disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, the operation of the international stabilisation force, and the rebuilding of the police force. The roadmap emphasised the necessity of "implementing the measures promised at the beginning of the ceasefire, including the crossing of humanitarian aid, fuel, shelters, besides the measures stipulated in the Sharm el-Sheikh understandings, before moving to the next phase." Hamas said "it, along with the Palestinian factions and the mediating countries (Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye), held numerous meetings in Cairo during the past week (starting June 6), which resulted in the formulation of a unified national position, submitted yesterday." It stressed that "the Palestinian factions dealt with the roadmap with a high degree of responsibility and positivity", emphasising "the necessity of full implementation of the first phase, particularly regarding the humanitarian protocol and the cessation of all forms of aggression against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip." Hamas also affirmed "the necessity of full adherence to what is written in the roadmap regarding the entry of the administrative committee, the complete Israeli withdrawal from the Strip." It added that "the Hamas delegation in Cairo is scheduled to continue its meetings with mediators and factions to move forward with implementing what is agreed upon." In September 2025, Trump announced a 20-point plan outlining a ceasefire framework that included the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the formation of a technocratic administration, and the deployment of an international stabilisation force, along with a call for Hamas to disarm. The first phase of the agreement included a truce and prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestinian factions, a permanent ceasefire, as well as a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. Israel, however, has continued to violate the agreement on a near-daily basis. Under the second phase, Israel is expected to carry out further withdrawals from the territory, while an international stabilisation force would assume security responsibilities, including facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. Israel's genocide in Gaza since October 2023 has killed nearly 73,000 Palestinians and injured more than 173,000, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian figures. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Hamas Submits Palestinian Response To Gaza Peace Roadmap

ISTANBUL, June 15 — Hamas said on Sunday that it submitted the Palestinian factions’ response to a roadmap proposed by the UN’s special coordinator for the West Asia peace process, .... read more

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as "irrelevant" and claimed that "the US has won the war in Iran" in a brief telephone interview broadcast by Italian television channel La7 on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump made the statement during a phone call with La7 reporters in Washington. When asked if he had a message for the G7 leaders, Trump said the US did not need outside support. The statement was made ahead of the G7 summit scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17. Regional tensions that began on Feb 28 after Israeli and US attacks on Iran triggered a cycle of military confrontation, counterattacks and diplomatic disputes. Iran and Israel have also exchanged attacks in recent days before easing tensions, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing efforts of regional and international mediators to revive diplomacy and avoid a wider conflict. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Trump calls G7 support “irrelevant”, claims US is winning war in Iran

ISTANBUL: US President Donald Trump dismissed any support from the Group of Seven (G7) as “irrelevant” and claimed that “the US has won the war in Iran” in a brief .... read more

HAIKOU, China, June 12, 2026 -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn The Hainan provincial government invited a group of 15 from Hong Kong — including media professionals, the city's Legislative Council members, cultural and tourism key opinion leaders and online content creators — to take part in a six-day in-depth media tour of the tropical province.         The media tour, formally titled "Chasing Aerospace Dreams, Embracing Hainan FTP: 2026 Hong Kong Media Talents Exchange & Interview Event", was launched at a ceremony in Haikou, capital of China's southernmost Hainan province on June 9. At the launch ceremony, the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Film and Sports presented 10 participants with certificates that appointed them as 2026 Hainan International Tourism Promotion Ambassadors. They are expected to use their media platforms and influence to promote Hainan's tourism resources and showcase the island province's tremendous appeal to global audiences. In total, the 15 participants collectively reach an audience of over 1 million followers across platforms including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok — making them an important channel connecting Hainan with Hong Kong and international visitors. The media group will visit Qionghai, Wanning, Wenchang, Lingshui and other destinations for firsthand exploration and experience of the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, in a bid to present a panoramic view of the FTP's achievements through the lens of Hong Kong media influencers and to further promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and Hong Kong.    -- PRNewswire -- Source: chinadaily.com.cn   

Hainan invites HK influencers on island-wide media tour

HAIKOU, China, June 12, 2026 — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn The Hainan provincial government invited a group of 15 from Hong Kong — including media professionals, the city’s Legislative .... read more

Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz To All Vessels Amid Renewed US Attacks

Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz To All Vessels Amid Renewed US Attacks

ISTANBUL, June 11 — Iran’s military headquarters announced early Thursday the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels amid escalating tensions and hostilities in the region, Anadolu .... read more

WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he intends to support the work of the US Congressional Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein by giving evidence, reported German news agency dpa. In a brief statement before the hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday, Gates said he was glad to attend voluntarily to give evidence. The session in Washington is not open to the public. Gates said he hoped his testimony would be helpful to the committee’s work in achieving “justice for the victims.” He did not disclose any details of his testimony. Republican committee chairman James Comer also said before the questioning began that members of Congress wanted to learn about Gates’ relationship with Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Comer emphasised that there were no allegations of misconduct against Gates. The Oversight Committee in the US House of Representatives is tasked with conducting a political inquiry into the abuse network run by Epstein, the financier and sex offender. Among the files that the US Department of Justice was required by law to publish is a draft email from 2013 that was stored in Epstein’s account and appears to be addressed to Gates. A mere mention of a name in the files does not imply criminal misconduct. A multimillionaire from New York, Epstein ran an abuse ring decades ago, to which many women and minors fell victim. Over several years, Epstein is also said to have abused minors himself, for example in New York and Florida. He died in prison in 2019 at the age of 66. Like many prominent figures from numerous countries, Gates had previously been in contact with Epstein. Months ago, Gates described meetings with Epstein as a mistake. He claimed he had never been to Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, which is said to have been the hub of the abuse ring. The Microsoft co-founder emphasised that he had never met any women there. --BERNAMA-dpa

Bill Gates Says He Wants To Help By Testifying To Epstein Committee

WASHINGTON, June 11 — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he intends to support the work of the US Congressional Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein by giving evidence, reported German news .... read more

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential filmmakers, Bharathiraja, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 following health complications. Fondly known as "Iyakkunar Imayam" (Director Supreme), Bharathiraja's death was confirmed by the Tamil Film Producers Council. He reportedly breathed his last at his residence in Chennai after battling prolonged health issues, including lung infections and respiratory complications. His health had reportedly declined significantly over the past year, particularly following the death of his only son, Manoj Bharathiraja, who passed away from a heart attack at the age of 48. Born on July 17, 1941, Bharathiraja was widely regarded as a pioneering force in Tamil cinema. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he transformed the industry's storytelling style by moving away from studio-bound productions and bringing authentic rural landscapes, cultures and characters to the forefront of Indian cinema. His groundbreaking directorial debut, 16 Vayathinile, released in 1977, revolutionised Tamil filmmaking and is still considered one of the most important films in Indian cinema history. The film introduced a new wave of realism that influenced generations of filmmakers. Bharathiraja's unique vision helped launch and shape the careers of numerous actors who later became icons of Indian cinema. Throughout his illustrious career, he worked with legendary stars such as Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Sivaji Ganesan. His emphasis on natural performances and realistic storytelling earned him widespread admiration from audiences and critics alike. Beyond directing, Bharathiraja also established himself as a respected actor in later years. His final screen appearance was in the Malayalam film Thudarum, while the unreleased film Pulavar is expected to be his last acting project. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian arts and culture, Bharathiraja was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. More than a filmmaker, Bharathiraja was a visionary who reshaped Tamil cinema by giving a voice to rural India and bringing authenticity to the silver screen. His films captured the emotions, struggles and aspirations of ordinary people, creating stories that resonated across generations. With his passing, Indian cinema loses not only a celebrated director but also a cultural icon whose influence will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences for years to come. His remarkable body of work remains a timeless testament to his artistry, innovation and enduring impact on the world of cinema. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Tamil Cinema Legend Bharathiraja Dies at 84, Leaving Behind an Enduring Legacy

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential filmmakers, Bharathiraja, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 following health complications. Fondly .... read more

LONDON: Ireland's opposition party has urged the government to support a motion calling for the country to refuse to play in a football match against Israel, according to media reports on Tuesday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Sinn Fein sports spokeswoman Joanna Byrne told reporters in Dublin that the government and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) needed to "do the right thing" and "refuse to get involved", according to public broadcaster RTE. The move comes ahead of a Sinn Fein motion due to be debated later on Tuesday and a motion by the Social Democrats on Wednesday, amid public protests in Ireland over the country's upcoming international football match against Israel. The FAI said on Monday that its board of directors continued to meet to "discuss the operational aspects" of hosting the Nations League men's international football match scheduled to take place on Oct 4 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Meanwhile, Social Democrat MP Sinead Gibney said the proposal to move the Ireland-Israel match to a neutral venue would "put us in the most difficult position", as "all the pressure would be put on the players." "And that's something we wanted to avoid from day one," he said. Gibney said the government should “bar or exclude Israel from any international sporting competition” and that “tremendous” public sentiment was being expressed through the “Stop the Match campaign”. The Social Democratic Party politician said he considered the actions of government officials who said they would not attend any such matches to be "extremely hypocritical". People Before Profit-Solidarity MPs Richard Boyd Barrett, Ruth Coppinger and Paul Murphy also voiced similar concerns, with Barrett insisting that “simply moving it to neutral territory is not enough.” Commenting on leaked suggestions that the FAI was open to moving the match from Dublin to Hungary, he insisted: "Our message is clear, the match should be cancelled completely and should not take place at a neutral venue." Labour Party MP Duncan Smith also stated that the match should be boycotted. Aontu party leader Peadar Toibin said he did not think the match should continue and insisted his party would support the opposition motion. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Irish government urged to support motion to boycott soccer match with Israel

LONDON: Ireland’s opposition party has urged the government to support a motion calling for the country to refuse to play in a football match against Israel, according to media reports .... read more

SINGAPORE, June 9 -- Singapore authorities will intensify enforcement operations against illegal gambling and football betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which runs from June 11 to July 19. Singapore’s Home Ministry said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) would conduct regular enforcement operations against illegal gambling operators, including those who assist gambling syndicates. “To combat illegal online gambling, SPF issues directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act requiring online service providers to restrict access to illegal online gambling services and advertisements, including illegal football betting,” it said in a statement on Tuesday. SPF would also work with stakeholders to terminate local phone numbers used to advertise illegal gambling services and block bank accounts and credit card payments linked to illegal online gambling, the ministry said. Under the Gambling Control Act, all gambling activities in Singapore are illegal unless authorised, licensed or exempted. According to the ministry, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) would intensify public education efforts during the World Cup season, while the National Crime Prevention Council would separately launch a public education campaign to raise awareness of the risks and penalties associated with illegal betting activities. The campaign will include advertisements and banners online and in physical spaces, as well as the distribution of anti-illegal betting collateral at community events. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams, the largest number in the prestigious tournament's history since it was first held in Uruguay in 1930. --BERNAMA

Singapore To Step Up Crackdown On Illegal Gambling During Fifa World Cup 2026

SINGAPORE, June 9 — Singapore authorities will intensify enforcement operations against illegal gambling and football betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which runs from June 11 to July 19. .... read more

Latest News

SEPANG: The operation of Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) which connects Shah Alam, Selangor with surrounding areas is expected to begin at the end of this month, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. He said the start date of operations would be announced in two weeks and the project was currently in the final phase of trial operations. "After various tests have been carried out and trial operations have been finalised, we are confident that operations (LRT3) can commence," he told reporters after chairing the 62nd Annual General Meeting of the Road Safety Council here today. Meanwhile, Loke said the Bill (RUU) establishing the Malaysian Transport Safety Board (MTSB) will not be tabled in the Parliament session which begins next week. "MTSB has received Cabinet approval, but we are now discussing with the Public Service Department to look at staffing and so on." "This bill will be brought to the next sitting because at this sitting, there is one bill, namely the amendment to the Road Transport Act, which we are giving priority," he said. Loke said the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has also identified individuals to be appointed to the MTSB, which will be finalized in the near future. In another development, Loke said the MOT would hold discussions with e-hailing operators on the possibility of implementing additional safety measures to protect the safety of their drivers. Among the suggestions raised is the installation of dashboard cameras ( dashcams ) in e-hailing vehicles, but this needs to take into account passenger privacy concerns. "In terms of safety measures, we will discuss further with the operator to see what other actions they can take to protect drivers." "In terms of safety, drivers and passengers are equally important. So we have to ensure a balance between the two," he said. -- BERNAMA

LRT3 expected to start operating by the end of June – Loke

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 15 -- About 7,000 to 8,000 Rohingya were sent to third countries each year through intergovernmental cooperation, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail. However, he said the process has now stalled due to various constraints faced by the countries involved. He said the Rohingya ethnic issue was an international issue stemming from the political and security situation in Myanmar, causing Malaysia to accept their presence on humanitarian grounds. "Malaysia has government-to-government (G2G) cooperation with several countries that allows Rohingya refugees to be temporarily housed before being sent to third countries that need their labor or professional services. "Recently, the process of resettling Rohingyas to third countries has faced several constraints, causing their movement to the country to be halted, thus raising various issues that require the attention of all parties," he told reporters after the launch of the Fight Against Scam: Two Teams, One Goal, here, today. Mohd Khalid said that apart from that, Malaysia also took into account the humanitarian aspect in dealing with the issue, in addition to ensuring that national security continues to be maintained. "Everyone who comes to this country must follow the laws and regulations that have been set. These people are subject to our laws. If they commit an offence, we will take action just like we do against anyone else who comes to our country," he said. He said about 215,000 Rohingya are registered with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) while local authorities also have their records in collaboration with the Immigration Department to facilitate monitoring. "We know where they are and what their jobs are. So if any crime occurs involving them, it will be easy for us to take action when we know their location and so on," he said. Commenting on crime trends involving the community, Mohd Khalid said the involvement of the Rohingya ethnic group in crime was low, with 89 individuals recorded as being involved in criminal cases for the period 2024 to this year, which is 0.02 percent of the overall crime statistics in the country. In this regard, he reminded the public not to make statements that could affect public safety and order, while stressing that enforcement action would be taken against any individual who violates the law regardless of nationality. The media last Saturday reported that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the rate of resettlement to third countries by the UNHCR was too low for refugees, including the Rohingya, which was one of the reasons why the group remained in the midst of local communities for a long time. Meanwhile, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the state recorded 192 cases involving 300 arrests of Rohingya between 2025 and May 2026 involving violent and property crimes. He said the police always take consistent and continuous enforcement action and are not based on current sentiment. "The police always work closely with strategic agency partners, for example the Immigration Department and Local Authorities (PBT), we work together to exchange information and carry out integrated operations," he said at a press conference by the Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department, here, today. Shazeli said last year six integrated operations were carried out throughout the state of Selangor to address the issue. Commenting on the issue of demolition of illegal settlements, he said discussions on the matter were being held with the local authorities involved so that further, more constructive action could be taken in line with legal provisions. – BERNAMA

Deportation of thousands of Rohingya to third countries every year has stopped – IGP

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Communications Minister and Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has welcomed the successful launch of the Dengue-Free Community (KomBeD) Programme and Mega Anti-Aedes Gotong-Royong initiative, describing it as an important step towards strengthening community involvement in dengue prevention and control efforts. The programme, organised by the Lembah Pantai Health Office in collaboration with the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency, was held on Sunday (June 14) and brought together government agencies, strategic partners and local residents in a united effort to combat the spread of dengue fever. The event also featured the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda (ANMS) Roadshow for Lembah Pantai, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle practices and enhancing public awareness of health-related issues within the community. Fahmi said the initiative reflects the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment, while encouraging greater public participation in efforts to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. "Community engagement remains a key component in the fight against dengue. Through programmes such as KomBeD and the Mega Anti-Aedes Gotong-Royong, residents are empowered to take proactive measures in protecting their neighbourhoods and families from dengue outbreaks," he said. He expressed hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for building a more aware, proactive and committed community capable of sustaining a cleaner, healthier and dengue-free environment. Fahmi also extended his appreciation to all participating agencies, strategic partners and members of the local community for their cooperation and dedication in ensuring the success of the programme. "The commitment shown by all stakeholders demonstrates that effective public health initiatives require strong collaboration between the government, community leaders and residents. Together, we can create healthier communities and reduce the threat posed by dengue," he added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB FAHMI FADZIL

Datuk Fahmi Commends Community Participation in Dengue-Free Community Launch and Mega Anti-Aedes Campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today described the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bukit Kiara Permanent Housing Project as a historic milestone that reflects the MADANI Government's commitment to justice, dignity and the welfare of the people. Speaking at the ceremony, Anwar said the project marks the end of a 44-year struggle for residents of Rumah Panjang Bukit Kiara, who have lived in temporary settlements under challenging conditions while awaiting a permanent housing solution. "This is a meaningful and joyous moment, not only for the residents of Rumah Panjang Bukit Kiara, but also proof that an administration guided by MADANI values will always place justice, courtesy and the dignity of the people at the forefront," he said. The Prime Minister noted that the project represents a concrete step towards resolving a long-standing issue that has affected generations of residents and demonstrates the government's determination to ensure citizens receive their rightful access to proper housing. He said the process of addressing the matter required careful consideration and collaboration among various stakeholders to identify the best possible solution while safeguarding the interests of the affected community. Anwar also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in making the project a reality, stressing that the experience underscored the importance of respecting legislative processes and upholding the role of national institutions. "The rights and welfare of those in need must continue to be protected, with justice enjoyed by all citizens regardless of race, religion or background," he said. He added that the government's efforts to uplift the urban poor would remain a priority, in line with its commitment to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the nation's development agenda. According to Anwar, development must be inclusive and benefit all levels of society, as true national progress can only be achieved when every citizen is able to participate in and benefit from economic and social advancement. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister also announced a RM1 million grant to assist longhouse residents transitioning into their new homes. The allocation will be used to provide residential maintenance subsidies for a period of three years and will be managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). He said the initiative forms part of the MADANI Government's ongoing commitment to preserving the welfare and quality of life of residents after they relocate to their new permanent housing units. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

Bukit Kiara Permanent Housing Project Ends 44-Year Wait for Longhouse Residents – PM Anwar

LONDON, 15 June  -- AI is rapidly reshaping the skills employers want most from workers – increasing the emphasis on human skills such as judgement, creativity and leadership – as companies most able to use AI continue to expand hiring faster than their peers, according to PwC's 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer, released today.  The Barometer, which analysed more than one billion job ads across six continents, also finds that AI is driving a 'two-track' global labour market in which 'professionalised' roles – in which AI automates routine tasks so human judgement and expertise are emphasized – are growing faster than roles 'democratised' by AI – in which AI makes the role itself easier for non-experts to perform. 'Professionalised' roles (such as radiologists or recruiters) are seeing twice the growth in available jobs and 42% faster salary growth than those categorised as 'democratised' (such as IT service managers or medical secretaries). At the entry level, AI appears to be increasing demand for more 'senior' skills from junior workers. Based on 2.4 million entry-level jobs analysed in the US, entry-level roles most exposed to AI are now seven times more likely to require traditionally senior-level 'human-intensive' skills like leadership, creativity or face-to-face interactions. Job openings for these 'seniorised' entry-level roles have grown 35% since 2019, while other entry-level roles shrank 10%. Joe Atkinson, Global Chief AI Officer, PwC, said: "Across the global economy, we're beginning to see a new divide emerge between different models for talent and value creation. The companies seeing the greatest returns on AI are using it to amplify human expertise, accelerate innovation and create entirely new sources of value. As a result, they are pulling further ahead on productivity and growth than companies that focus primarily on automation." AI is driving a productivity boom – and "super-star" companies most able to use AI are pulling ahead significantly The report finds widening divergence between companies most and least exposed to AI. Companies operating in the most AI-exposed sectors recorded 34% productivity growth in 2025 relative to 2018, compared to 24% for the companies least able to use AI. Within this group, a pronounced "super-star" effect is emerging. The top 20% of the most AI-exposed companies achieved average labour productivity growth of 163% relative to 2018 – nearly five times higher than the most AI-exposed companies overall. Perhaps most surprisingly, headcount growth at the most AI-exposed companies is outpacing growth at the least AI-exposed companies – 52% relative to 36% in 2025, based on 2018 baseline levels. Average wage premium for AI skills hits 62% as AI job postings eclipse broader labour market growth As companies continue to boost productivity with AI, the average wage premium for workers with AI skills continued to surge higher – hitting 62%, up from 57% last year. The wage premium varies by industry: as high as 118% in some sectors, such as consumer markets, and 16% in government and public sector work. Jobs requiring specific AI skills – such as prompt engineering or machine learning – have also soared, growing roughly eight times (69%) as fast as the overall jobs market, at 9%. The number of AI jobs is almost twice as high as 2024, with growth in AI jobs outpacing all jobs since 2015.  Sectors including technology, media and telecommunications (11%) and professional services (6%) sectors saw the highest share in AI job growth – with health at the lowest end (less than 1%) Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, said: "The traditional relationship between experience and expertise is changing. AI is removing some of the routine work that once acted as an apprenticeship, while increasing demand for judgement, leadership and adaptability much earlier in careers. Organisations need to rethink how they develop talent if they want people to thrive in this new environment." Notes to Editors About PwC 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer  PwC's 2026 AI Jobs Barometer analysed more than one billion jobs advertisements in 27 countries and territories. The Barometer combines large-scale labour market, company financial and occupational task data to understand how AI is reshaping jobs, skills, wages and productivity across the global economy. Additionally, this year's Barometer includes targeted analysis of entry-level roles, including how the skill requirements of early-career jobs are changing in highly AI-exposed occupations. You can read the full report and learn more about the methodology and key takeaways at www.pwc.com. About PwC  At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 364,000 people in 136 countries and 137 territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com. --  PRNewswire -- Source: PwC

AI reshapes global labour market into two distinct paths, rewarding human skills: PwC 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer