Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Imagine - It's the dawn of the 21st century. The economy is booming, dot-coms are soaring high, and among them, a particular star shines the brightest - Enron. An energy company that at its peak carried a worth of about $70 billion. But within a span of few years, this magnificent empire crumbled into nothing, drowning in a sea of fraud and deceit. "The Enron scandal drew attention to accounting and corporate fraud, as its shareholders lost $74 billion in the four years leading up to its bankruptcy, and its employees lost billions in pension benefits." What truly unfolded in this financially catastrophic event known as the Enron Scandal? You're about to uncover this riveting and…
Image by Hitesh Choudharya via Unsplash Many have touted the arrival of blockchain technology as the next frontier in business operations, a pioneering breakthrough that possesses the potential to transform conventional procedures across industries. Often associated primarily with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the application of blockchain goes far beyond this investment phenomenon. To understand blockchain technology's potential impact, we must first examine the fundamentals of this groundbreaking approach. At its core, blockchain is a decentralized system where all transactions or digital events get consolidated into 'blocks' and distributed across a network of computers, referred to as 'nodes'. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. The unique attribute of this system is its ability for self-audit - a quality that…
Australia has long been a popular destination for investment among Asian communities, and the past century has witnessed significant growth through the migration of Asian populations to Australia. Singaporeans are amongst those communities drawn to investment opportunities in Australia for many reasons, including but not limited to the benefit derived from its geographical proximity and historical ties with Australia, which have contributed to the close relationship fostered between the two countries. In investment and financial planning, trusts are often considered one of the most effective tools for achieving tax and succession planning goals. To help our readers better understand how trusts are used in wealth structuring and planning, we are pleased to introduce Rachael Grabovic, who shares her insights into…
Decarbonization and Sustainability Reporting: Shaping a Resilient Future for the Built Environment In today's world of heightened environmental awareness and the urgent need for sustainable practices, innovative solutions within the built environment have taken center stage. While energy-efficient technologies play a vital role, operational excellence has become the cornerstone of effective carbon reduction efforts in this sector. Six years ago, the acquisition of a company in the built environment industry brought about significant organizational changes. This decision created a void in the market, but it also created an opportunity for forward-thinking professionals. Recognizing the growing need for expertise in sustainability, a group of experienced professionals from the advisory services division came together to establish DeltaQ. Rooted in energy management within…
The Leader’s Role in Everyday Learning The future of work is evolving faster than most organisations can redesign their training strategies. Technology is accelerating, careers are lasting longer, roles are constantly being reshaped, and work itself is becoming more flexible and fragmented. In a landscape that never stops shifting, the ability to learn is what enables people and organisations to keep moving forward. The traditional career ladder has given way to a far more fluid and unpredictable landscape. Careers no longer move neatly upward, rung by rung. Instead, they look more like a maze full of twists, dead ends, unexpected openings, and opportunities that appear only when you turn a corner. You navigate the maze by exploring, backtracking, trying new…
