You Can’t Control a Complex System, But You Can Influence It We often think in linear terms: cause and effect, input and output. We’re taught to solve problems by tracing a single cause and applying a direct fix. Yet, complex systems—like ecosystems or business organisations—are a network of feedback, interdependence, and tipping points. In nature, change doesn’t happen in isolation. The smallest shift can echo across the entire system. Coral reefs demonstrate this clearly. They rely on intricate relationships, particularly between coral and microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. A seemingly minor increase in ocean temperature—just 1 to 2°C—can trigger a cascade of systemic breakdown in a coral reef. This slight change causes corals to expel the algae they depend on, leading…
AI Is Driving a New Era of Innovation Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming innovation by moving into areas once thought to be uniquely human, such as creative thinking and design. While many leaders focus on AI’s role in optimising operations—cutting costs, streamlining processes, and enhancing customer experiences—its impact goes far deeper. Through the automation of repetitive tasks and rapid pattern recognition, AI has the ability to craft highly personalised solutions and resolve complex problems more efficiently than human teams. Traditionally, innovation relied on human imagination and intuition. In the current innovation landscape, AI co-creates—generating ideas, visuals, and prototypes alongside humans. By rapidly testing and refining countless design options, AI rapidly speeds up innovation cycles and expands what’s possible. This shift…
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…
Bridging Worlds: A Journey of Growth, Innovation, and Relevance With the average company lifespan plummeting from 67 years to just 14—and predictions that half of today’s S&P 500 could vanish in the next decade—staying relevant has never been more critical. This article explores the journey of Araz Najarian and how she supports businesses in staying relevant and purposeful through her work at ELP Network. Founded over 25 years ago, ELP Network emerged from the vision of four individuals— with a combined background of academic expertise, and extensive executive business experience. Together, they set out to bridge these two worlds, creating a practice that would help businesses achieve sustainable growth and maintain relevance in an ever-evolving marketplace. This vision laid the…
Delugs co-founders Chia Pei Qi and Kenneth Kuan’s story is an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs and couples considering a shared business venture. From getting to know each other to building a life and a thriving business together, their journey highlights the importance of mutual respect, aligned goals, and adaptability. As co-founders and partners in life, they’ve mastered the art of balancing personal and professional dynamics, turning challenges into opportunities. Through their experiences, they offer valuable advice to couples: test your compatibility, communicate openly, and ensure your visions align. Chia and Kuan prove that with the right foundation, love and business can not only coexist but flourish together. From Hobby to Handcrafted Luxury For Chia and Kuan, crafting leather goods…
