The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea
By Helen Lewis Unsettling, amusing, and prescient; a much-needed audit of a consuming idea. This is a study of how the measurement and indulgence of “genius” has changed over time. Over the past couple of centuries, the boundaries of genius have been used to justify eugenics, consolidate power, and excuse […]
Your Life Is Manufactured: How We Make Things, Why It Matters and How We Can Do It Better
By Tim Minshall We live in a manufactured world. Unless you are floating naked through space, you are right now in direct contact with multiple manufactured products. How often do we stop to think: where do the things we buy actually come from? There exists a nearly invisible, awe-inspiring global […]
R.PACK Software Suite: The next step in efficiency and control
RECIF Technologies has launched R.PACK, the next-generation software suite designed for RECIF sorters. With an emphasis on usability, efficiency, and innovation, R.PACK introduces a suite of advanced features aimed at simplifying the management of wafer sorting equipment. Built for Speed, Designed for Precision R.PACK enhances operational efficiency for users of […]
Rugged devices drive innovation in harsh industrial environments
Manufacturing environments expose both equipment and processes to constant stress. Heat, vibration, airborne particulates, moisture, and noise all affect how people work and how well operations run. Even in these tough conditions, manufacturers push to improve speed, accuracy and system responsiveness. Rugged devices support these efforts by reducing delays, improving […]
Open source technology in the age of AI
With more organisations deploying gen AI across business functions, a new survey finds that leaders are increasingly turning to open source AI solutions to build out their tech stacks. Open source software has long been a critical part of the technology ecosystem. Commercial software typically requires a commercial license or subscription […]
Trillions to be unlocked in sustainable investment opportunities in Asia
Asia’s robust economic fundamentals present significant opportunities for scaling financing into sustainable development projects, even amid geopolitical headwinds and trade tensions, said policy and business leaders at the inaugural Hong Kong edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability. Against the backdrop of increasing global polarisation and accelerating climate change, Asia […]
Trump’s tariff: A test to Malaysia’s trade resilience
Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das is a Senior Lecturer for the School of Accounting and Finance at Taylor’s Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University. Taylor’s Business School is the leading private business school in Southeast Asia for Business and Management Studies based on the 2025 QS World […]
Smarter growth, lower risk: Rethinking how new factories are built
A tailored, thoughtful combination of cutting-edge technologies, stronger contracting skills, and deep supply chain capabilities can get a new factory up and running—without costly delays. Today’s environment is giving manufacturers even more reasons to reassess their footprint strategies. For some, localisation of production may now seem increasingly attractive—particularly amid rising volatility […]
Zenno Astronautics and ANA Trading rollout superconducting space technologies in Japan
New Zealand-headquartered Zenno Astronautics (Zenno), the space superconductor company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ANA Trading to deploy Zenno’s superconducting technologies for space applications in the Japanese market. ANA Trading is a member of ANA Group, Japan’s leading airline group. With the slogan “Next Stop, Space”, ANA Group has […]
Countries successfully growing their manufacturing – and what they are doing right
From Brazil to Singapore, here’s how six countries are rethinking manufacturing. From the climate crisis and geopolitical headwinds to next-generation technologies, a series of complex challenges are rewriting the rulebook for global value chains. Against this backdrop, what are manufacturers and supply chain companies doing to ensure their operations are […]
Masdar City’s Net-Zero Model Sets Sustainability Benchmark, but AI Holds Key for Aging Cities, Experts Claim
A new white paper from Masdar City highlights the UAE’s leadership in net-zero urban development. Energy experts say that net-zero strategies could also be applied to most cities worldwide, even when the biggest challenge is in retrofitting old existing buildings. Built as a purpose-driven net-zero city, Masdar eliminates the need […]
How manufacturers can adapt to workforce changes through flexible working environments
Liam Merrick, sales engineer, ECI Solutions New Zealand’s manufacturing sector faces a significant challenge amid an ongoing skills and labour shortage. The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) reports that 71 per cent of employers can’t find skilled people, an increase from 40 per cent in 2022, and 90 per cent […]
How to build the skills needed for the age of AI
AI is changing how we work and what skills workers need to thrive in a world of intelligent machines and cognitive computing. Only a sliver of education initiatives are devoted to AI and these are not yet integrated into most education systems. Collaborative initiatives between education and industry can accelerate the transition to a greener, more efficient and inclusive world where jobs and skills development pathways are readily available. New technologies can be exciting and disruptive at the same time. Over the past few years, no innovation has been more contentious than artificial intelligence (AI). It is changing the way we think about when, where and how we work and what skills workers need to thrive in a world of intelligent machines and cognitive computing. But it comes with a colossal caveat. How will it affect jobs and livelihoods? And, what steps can we take now to futureproof our workforces and equip them with the skills and know-how they’ll need to succeed in a more digital, automated and fast-paced jobs market? Job displacement – or job reconfiguration – is a primary concern. Labour-intensive work, such as assembling electronics or automobiles, handling materials and overseeing supply chains – careers that employ tens of millions of workers, which are critical to the economies of many developing countries – will certainly be impacted as AI-powered activities, such as quality control and robotics, replace some jobs. Knowledge-based workers in industries such as banking, marketing, and human resources may already need to skill-up to coexist with sophisticated technologies for financial analysis, algorithmic trading, predictive analytics and software development. AI will massively impact the workforce The IMF recently estimated that almost 40% of jobs will be impacted by AI. This effect varies by a country’s income level, however. About 60% of jobs in advanced economies may […]