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MANILA, June 4 (Bernama-PNA) -- Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday assured the public that it remains fully operational amidst reports that its operations have been stopped due to unpaid fees, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. “AirAsia Philippines assures the travelling public that it remains fully operational, with flights and services continuing as scheduled across its network, subject to normal operational considerations such as weather and other standard factors affecting airline operations,” it said in a statement. The statement was issued amid reports that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has ordered the airline to halt operations at all government-managed airports over PHP270 million in unpaid fees. According to reports, AirAsia owes CAAP around PHP271.94 million in air navigation, landing, parking, and passenger service charges accumulated from 2021 through May 2026. CAAP, however, has yet to issue an official statement. -- BERNAMA-PNA

Airasia PH Says It Remains Fully Operational

MANILA, June 4 (Bernama-PNA) — Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday assured the public that it remains fully operational amidst reports that its operations have been stopped due to unpaid .... read more

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported . "Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate: Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of energy and food to all Southeast Asian countries," Lavrov said in a video message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Philippines. Diplomatic relations with the Philippines began on June 2, 1976, while the exchange of embassies between the two countries took place in 1977. --BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

Russia remains a reliable energy supplier to Southeast Asia – Lavrov

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on .... read more

CANBERRA: Australia's population reached 28 million on Tuesday, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua reported. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that based on current growth trends, the country's population will reach 28 million at around 6am Australian Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, two years after its population will surpass 27 million in 2024. According to the ABS, on average, one person from overseas arrives to settle in Australia every 59 seconds, while one birth is recorded every two minutes and 16 seconds. The bureau also estimates that one death occurs every three minutes and 33 seconds, while one resident migrates from Australia to live overseas every two minutes and 35 seconds. ABS projects that the country's population will reach 30 million people by 2031. Meanwhile, the ABS is scheduled to conduct the first national population census since 2021 next August. --BERNAMA-XINHUA

Australia’s population reaches 28 million

CANBERRA: Australia’s population reached 28 million on Tuesday, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua reported. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that based on current growth trends, .... read more

EU considers temporary freeze on Russian oil price limits following West Asian conflict – Report

MOSCOW: The European Union (EU) is considering temporarily freezing price caps on Russian crude oil due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported citing a Bloomberg report on .... read more

INDONESIA 1.INDONESIA, FRANCE BACK TWO-STATE SOLUTION FOR PALESTINIAN INDEPENDENCE -- ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia and France share similar views on Middle East stability, backing a two-state solution as essential for Palestinian independence and regional peace. 2.PRABOWO BACKS NEW FRANCE-INDONESIA BUSINESS COUNCIL -- ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the establishment of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council as a strategic step to strengthen economic and investment ties between the two countries. MYANMAR 1.PRESIDENT PLANS INDIA VISIT TO WARM UP TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing will pay an official visit to India to bolster bilateral ties and expand business cooperation. He is making the visit at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 2.PREPARATION FOR MONSOON RICE CULTIVATION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Rice Federation briefed industry players on the implementation of the rice export zone this monsoon season. Financing, the use of high-quality pure seeds and organic fertilisers were also discussed. PHILIPPINES 1.JAPAN COMMITS TO DEFENCE EQUIPMENT TRANSFER TO BOOST PHILIPPINES’ CAPABILITIES- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY Japan has pledged to beef up its defence cooperation with the Philippines through the provision of military equipment and technology aimed at enhancing the Philippine forces’ capabilities. 2.PHILIPPINES, JAPAN VOW TO DEVELOP ‘WORLD-CLASS’ LUZON ECONOMIC CORRIDOR -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to transform the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into a “world-class economic hub,” recognising its strategic role in strengthening regional economic architecture and global supply chain resilience. SINGAPORE 1.NEW PMA RULES KICK IN JUN 1, BUT SOME USERS SAY THEY WILL NOT COMPLY - CNA Some personal mobility aid (PMA) users have told CNA that they will continue riding devices that breach tightened rules taking effect on Jun 1, despite the risk of enforcement action. 2.VIETNAMESE PRESIDENT TO LAM IN SINGAPORE FOR FOUR-DAY STATE VISIT -- THE STRAITS TIMES Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in Singapore on May 28 for a state visit as part of his first tour of Asean countries since becoming head of state. THAILAND 1.THAI NAVY BUYS AIRBUS C295 AIRCRAFT TO BOOST SEA OPERATIONS -- THE NATION The Royal Thai Navy will acquire two Airbus C295 aircraft to strengthen maritime transport, patrol, rescue and Medevac operations. 2.RISING INFLATION FEARS PRESSURE BULLION PRICE -- BANGKOK POST Global gold prices could drop to US$4,200 an ounce in this cycle, translating to a domestic price of around 66,000 baht, as the market has begun pricing in the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike in the second half of the year amid rising US inflation, says the Gold Traders Association (GTA). VIETNAM 1.DONG THAP STRIVING TO BANISH “YELLOW CARD” -- VIETNAMPLUS The Dong Thap province has not recorded any illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing case since 2024 as the government tightens regulations. Vietnam is trying to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted soon. 2.DIRECT FLIGHT CONNECTING HO CHI MINH, PHUKET -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam Airlines on Thursday announced a new direct flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket starting July 2. There will be four round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. -- BERNAMA

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam : May 29, 2026

INDONESIA 1.INDONESIA, FRANCE BACK TWO-STATE SOLUTION FOR PALESTINIAN INDEPENDENCE — ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia and France share similar views on Middle East stability, backing a two-state solution as .... read more

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, in addition to praising the group's contributions to social and cultural life in the country, reported Anadolu Agency. In a congratulatory message published by the Kremlin, Putin said the celebration, rooted in centuries-old Islamic traditions, "calls its adherents to goodness, justice, mercy and piety." "Adhering to the teachings and traditions of your ancestors, you celebrate this festival widely, thus returning believers to the origins of Islam," he said. Putin also noted the active role played by Islamic organizations in the life of society in Russia, highlighting their efforts to strengthen family values, foster patriotism among the younger generation, and implement educational and welfare initiatives. "And of course, your activities aimed at supporting the country's fighters and their family members are greatly appreciated and deserve the highest appreciation," he said. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Putin wishes Muslims a happy Eid al-Adha

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, in addition to praising the group’s contributions to social and cultural life in the country, reported Anadolu .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- Five of the seven people trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos for about a week are alive, healthy and in good spirits, although rescuers say the extraction operation remains difficult and dangerous. One of the Thailand-based divers involved in the mission, Mikko Paasi, said the five survivors were found in the terminal chamber of the cave after days of intensive search efforts by rescue teams. Posting on Facebook, Paasi said the operation had been “far from easy” and praised all teams involved in the rescue mission. “After a week of hard teamwork, we finally found five of the missing seven miners trapped in a Laotian flooded mine. “For me and @benzscout (Norrased Palasing), we need to dive straight back and bring the miners more supplies to help them regain strength and get ready for the way out,” the Finnish diver wrote. Paasi, one of the rescuers involved in the dramatic 2018 rescue of 12 boys and their football coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand, added that the extraction operation was still ahead and is not going to be easy. Sharing his relief after the discovery, Paasi wrote: “Those who say it can’t be done, shouldn’t interrupt people doing it. What a feeling!” Attached to the post was a video showing the five survivors being asked their names and about their condition, with most replying that they were fine but hungry. Earlier, the head of the Thai rescue team, Kengkard Bongkawong, said: “As of 4.30 pm (0930 GMT), we found five people. We will continue searching for the other two,” Reuters reported. Meanwhile, another Thai volunteer rescuer, Chakrakrit Taengtung, also posted a video on Facebook showing Norrased and Paasi with the five survivors cheering and raising their arms in the air. Seven Laotian villagers were reported to have entered a cave in central Xaysomboun province and became trapped on May 20 after water levels began to rise, media reports said. -- BERNAMA

Five Of Seven Trapped In Laos Cave Found Healthy And In Good Spirits

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Five of the seven people trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos for about a week are alive, healthy and in good spirits, although rescuers .... read more

HYDERABAD, May 27 -- India has heightened Ebola watch at its airports after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the latest outbreak of the disease in parts of Africa as a public health emergency. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be adopted at airports, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said in a post on X on Tuesday. Airports have strengthened health surveillance measures for passengers arriving from or transiting through affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan, with mandatory self-declaration and health screening protocols in place, the top airport operator said. India on Sunday issued a travel advisory for its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. There were more than 900 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the DRC and 220 suspected deaths, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus said on Monday. -- BERNAMA

India Strengthens Ebola Surveillance At Airports

HYDERABAD, May 27 — India has heightened Ebola watch at its airports after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the latest outbreak of the disease in parts of Africa as .... read more

GAZA: Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are set to celebrate Eid al-Adha for the third consecutive year amid what officials and residents describe as dire humanitarian conditions. In addition, widespread livestock shortages and soaring prices have also left most families unable to afford sacrificial animals, reported Qatar News Agency (QNA). The region's Ministry of Agriculture has reported that the livestock sector has been devastated by the ongoing war since October 2023, claiming the destruction of farms, veterinary facilities and food storage sites, as well as the killing of a large number of animals. According to the ministry, imports of live animals, food and veterinary medicines have dropped to "zero" due to the continued closure of crossings. Officials said Gaza previously received between 10,000 and 20,000 cows and 30,000 to 40,000 sheep each year ahead of Eid al-Adha, but this year supplies have completely declined, affecting the market. Traders and breeders say the number of remaining livestock has fallen sharply, with some traders estimating sheep availability at no more than 10 percent of pre-war levels and stressing that rising feed costs are driving many to abandon the sector. A livestock trader told the Qatar News Agency (QNA) he lost his farm and dozens of cows during the war and now only has a fraction of his previous stock, illustrating the difficulty of keeping animals safe in the face of prolonged insecurity. Prices, according to traders, have soared, with some traders reporting a sheep that previously cost around US$300 is now selling for between US$4,000 and US$5,000. Residents said the crisis meant traditional Eid celebrations could not take place. A mother of five who is homeless and living in a tent and struggling to feed her children, said the festival now brings "sadness rather than joy." Another resident said many families had not had the opportunity to see fresh meat for years, due to high prices, while others said they were now relying on limited food aid and getting by with prayer and fasting in the first days of Zulhijjah. Calls for international organizations to launch cross-border victim assistance programs intensified, as hopes continued to be pinned on an end to the conflict and relief from the blockade. -- BERNAMA-QNA

Eid al-Adha in Gaza without sacrificial animals, crisis worsens

GAZA: Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are set to celebrate Eid al-Adha for the third consecutive year amid what officials and residents describe as dire humanitarian conditions. In addition, widespread .... read more

PHNOM PENH, May 26 -- Rescue teams are still trying to rescue seven villagers from a remote village in Phonxay district, Xaysomboun province, central Laos who have been trapped in a flooded cave for almost six days. Vientiane Times reported that the victims, believed to be illegally mining gold, were trapped in the cave on May 20 after the water level began to rise. "The rescue operation is very challenging as the water level in the cave continues to rise due to continuous rain." "Lao and Thai rescue teams are working non-stop to reach trapped villagers." "However, flooding, challenging terrain and bad weather slowed down operations and forced rescuers to act with caution," said Vice Chairman of the Xaysomboun Provincial Administrative Committee, Phetsamai Phoxayavong, on Monday, according to the Vientiane Times. He is also the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Committee. Experts said the cave is believed to be over 100 metres deep, while its steep entrance posed a major challenge for rescue workers. The monsoon that is currently hitting the country has brought heavy rains and hampered rescue efforts due to still high water levels, while difficult road conditions are also complicating operations. Phetsamai said that as of 8pm Monday, preparations were underway for another rescue attempt despite facing various challenges. -- BERNAMA

Seven Laotians still trapped in cave, rescue operation continues

PHNOM PENH, May 26 — Rescue teams are still trying to rescue seven villagers from a remote village in Phonxay district, Xaysomboun province, central Laos who have been trapped in .... 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