A monthly round-up of what the ICMR team is reading, watching, and listening to. Recommendations are based on what the team finds interesting or thought-provoking, and are not representative of ICMR’s views.

Daniel Markovits’ Meritocracy Debate at the Oxford Union

In this ten-minute clip filmed at the Oxford Union debates, Yale law professor Daniel Markovits – the author of The Meritocracy Trap – argues that meritocracy is a myth used to uphold the power of the elites. He argues that meritocracy, which is supposed to reward talent and effort, has become a system that actually entrenches inequality. It creates a cycle where wealthier families can afford elite education and opportunities for their children, making it increasingly difficult for others to break in. This not only leads to a widening income gap and eroding middle class, it also  burdens the elite as the pressure to constantly achieve  leads to burnout and a lack of fulfillment, trapping even those who seem to benefit from the system.

Thriving workplaces: How employers can improve productivity and change lives

The report emphasises the critical importance of investing in employee health to enhance productivity and drive economic growth, potentially unlocking up to $11.7 trillion globally. It highlights current challenges like burnout and poor health among workers, advocating for tailored health initiatives. By prioritising well-being, organisations can improve returns, reduce healthcare costs, and foster a resilient workforce. The report outlines practical strategies for developing a healthier workplace culture, essential for long-term organisational success.

Is Gen AI delivering on its promise to boost employee productivity in Asia? 

Mercer’s Global Talent Trends 2024/2025 takes a look at the use of Gen AI in the workplace. Their findings suggest that while the adoption rate is satisfactory, and that the majority of users claim it enhances productivity, there is one major issue: use of Gen AI has led to an increased workload. Despite this, and other challenges that are raised in the report, there remains the need to unlock human potential.

China’s silver economy is reshaping the country’s travel and hospitality

China’s rapidly ageing population has led to a rising Silver Economy, including the tourism industry. This demographic shift has prompted businesses to tailor services to senior travelers, such as bed-and-breakfasts offering health management and traditional Chinese medicine services, as well as the introduction of “silver trains” equipped with medical facilities to enhance travel experiences for the elderly. This article invites us to consider Malaysia’s preparedness to accommodate Silver Tourism.

Rethinking Podcast with Adam Grant –“An interview with Sam Altman on the Future of AI and Humanity”

In this podcast, both Adam and Sam discuss and reflect on the kind of skills needed and what human intelligence will mean as AI rapidly progresses.  In an AI-driven world, human intelligence isn’t about having all the right answers anymore- it’s about asking the right questions, connecting the dots from seemingly disparate ideas and, synthesizing insights.  Leaders will need to know how to integrate AI for organisational adaptation to empower their people to tackle more complex and impactful challenges as expectations rise with continued technological advances.

AI don’t trust you

The article “(A)I Don’t Trust You” from The Decision Lab explores the challenges organizations face in adopting artificial intelligence (AI), particularly concerning trust and reliability. It highlights issues such as AI’s unpredictability, the occurrence of hallucinations where AI generates plausible sounding but false information, and privacy concerns regarding data usage. Additionally, the article addresses the steep learning curve associated with AI implementation and the lack of in-house expertise, leading to a significant “AI trust gap” within organizations. To mitigate these challenges, the article emphasizes the importance of integrating AI intentionally, ensuring it enhances decision-making processes rather than merely automating tasks.

Chip war: South Korean think tank finds China ahead in key semiconductor technologies

 With the U.S. intensifying its semiconductor-focused trade policies, whereby there is a shift from “oil-centric” to now a “chip-centric” strategy, global players are recalibrating their positions to hedge against certain risks. The latest South Korean think tank report suggest that China has made significant strides in their semiconductor technologies, which challenges the U.S.’s containment efforts.

As tariffs and export controls reshape the global supply chains, it is crucial to monitor how other nations respond, adapt, and strategise in this rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.