Your People Are Human Capital, Not Cogs in a Machine In our previous article "How to Rethink Innovation in an AI-Driven World?", we highlighted how creativity, empathy and ethical reasoning remain indispensable in an increasingly automated future. This article takes that exploration even further by delving into the critical question: what happens when these vital human traits are neglected in the relentless pursuit of efficiency and profit maximisation? For many leaders, the global marketplace has reinforced a dangerous perception: that people are ultimately expendable assets. What leaders must grasp is people are not machines. Chronic stress and overwhelm invariably result in burnout, disengagement from work, and high employee turnover. Unlike machines, people carry emotional loads, cognitive limits, and social needs.…
Image by AndriiKoval on Shutterstock There has been a significant shift in the approach businesses take to their operations. No longer is profit the sole driving factor in the corporate world; instead, an increasing emphasis is being placed on ethical business practices. From 'fair trade' to 'sustainable sourcing', there's a growing trend amongst businesses to make ethical decisions - not only because it's the "right thing to do", but because consumers are demanding it. Being Good is Good Business. - Anita Roddick (Founder of The Body Shop) But what exactly do we mean when we talk about ethical business practices, and how are they affecting consumer response? Ethical business practices: Typically includes practices that promote transparency, ensure worker rights, take…
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…
Forging a Unified Culture: How a Century-Old Dutch Business Thrives in APAC Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a century-old European company expanding into Asia with its Managing Director Asia Pacific, Mr Andy Ang. This article delves into their strategic approach to growth, from establishing a solid presence in key Asian markets to building robust systems that support seamless integration. Discover how they are successfully adapting their corporate culture—deeply rooted in family values—while aligning it with the dynamic business environment in Asia. Learn how this company is not only expanding its footprint but also ensuring its legacy and values thrive in a new and diverse region. A story of tradition meeting innovation for sustainable success! Mr Andy…
Image by Michail Petrov on Shitterstock If you've ever wondered how technologies can significantly disrupt existing business models, you're in the right place! In our constantly evolving world, businesses need to stay updated and innovative. The beauty of disruption lies not in the turbulence it creates, but in the novel opportunities it provides for businesses to grow and prosper. This article aims to examine disruptive technologies and their role in fostering business innovation. Before we dive deep, let’s start with an overview of the concept of disruptive technology. "Disruptive Technology", a term coined by Harvard Business School professor Clayton M. Christensen in the late 1990s, refers to an innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate. These…
