Future-Proofing in an Uncertain World: Preparing for the Storm Before the Sun Economic conditions are shifting rapidly, with rising operating costs, supply chain instability and unpredictable shifts in consumer demand across most industries. Globalisation has accelerated growth and expanded market access for many businesses, but it has also made businesses more susceptible to external shocks - where geopolitical tensions and policy changes such as trade tariffs can rapidly disrupt entire value chains. The interconnectedness of global markets means that disruptions in one region can reverberate worldwide, amplifying financial risk and strategic uncertainty. The global economy no longer moves in cycles of calm and chaos; instead, instability has become constant. In this context, the ability to lead with clarity and composure…
What’s Next for Accounting? Key Shifts Defining the Next Decade Accounting has long been seen as a stable profession, but that image no longer holds. Similar to other industries, it is being reshaped by automation, artificial intelligence (AI), evolving regulatory frameworks, and shifting client expectations. The accounting field is being reshaped by four major trends, impacting how accountants work and the value they provide. Firstly, accountants are increasingly stepping into the role of strategic business advisors. The automation of repetitive and low-skill tasks enables accountants to take on more analytical and strategic responsibilities. As leaders face increasingly complex decisions, accountants are becoming partners in guiding long-term strategy. At the same time, emphasis on sustainability and integrated reporting is pushing companies…
With the enormous growth of wealth in Greater China, many wealth managers are focusing on capturing the High Net Worth (HNW) market in the region. Eric Phua is one of the Market Heads at Pictet Wealth Management who looks at this sector. With more than two decades of career experience in the wealth management space, spanning prestigious financial institutions such as Citibank and UOB, he and his team of bankers specialise in partnering HNW clients in Greater China to manage, preserve and help with the transfer of their wealth across generations. In this interview, Eric shares some insights on his career, the needs of HNW clients, methods of wealth transfer and management, as well as trends in Greater China. Mr…
Mr Leslie Loh, Founder and CEO of Lithan EduCLaaS Digital transformation has been knocking on the doors of businesses, irrespective of their sizes. However, it’s the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that arguably face the most challenges on this journey. As the Founder and CEO of Lithan EduCLaaS, a leading edutech business with a Pan-Asia presence, Leslie Loh has always been keen in the field of education, especially in terms of digital revolution. “Every business needs a differentiated solution. If you don't have one, you're not going to scale. And the way to find your unique solution is through digitalization.” - Leslie Loh Before we dive into digitalization, let's address the Return on Investment (ROI) question. ROI is the holy…
woman shopping online with VR headset and colorful shopping bags are all around Imagine this: customers effortlessly order products through their smartphones, then stroll into a store to collect their items. They employ Augmented Reality (AR) to virtually test products, engage in witty banter with chatbots before human assistance steps in. Are they in a digital daydream or a physical escapade? The truth is, they're immersed in both, surfing the vibrant waves of the 'phygital' experience – an emerging trend that is redefining customer engagement post-pandemic world. Coined by Chris Weil in 2007, the Chairman-CEO of Momentum Worldwide, ‘phygital’ highlights the inextricable links between our tangible surroundings and the virtual spaces we navigate. But how did this fusion of "physical"…
