The future of work encompasses changes in work, the workforce, and the workplace with significant changes to be anticipated. One is the rise of smart factories and workplaces, undergirded by technologies like intelligent co-robots, management by algorithm, and the Internet of Things. Another is the emergence of the platform economy, where increasing connectivity has created […]
Due to cancer, stroke, etc., approximately 300,000 people worldwide lose their ability to speak every year. One way to restore the voice is with an electrolarynx device, which generates robotic sound. The University of Tokyo doctoral course student Masaki Takeuchi and his team developed Syrinx, a hands-free electrolarynx. The neck brace allows hands-free operation and […]
This P-Talk discusses how intelligent automation (a combination of robotic process automation and artificial intelligence) in the service sector can offer unprecedented economies of scale and scope, maximizing service-sector productivity, as most costs are incurred in their development. Physical robots cost a fraction of adding to the headcount, and virtual robots can be deployed at […]
This P-Talk shares the findings of the APO Productivity Outlook 2021, a joint APO and Korea Development Institute (KDI) publication. Productivity gains in the manufacturing sector are essential in driving long-term sustainable economic growth regardless of a country’s stage of development. In this session, KDI Senior Research Associate Daehong Kim highlights manufacturing labor productivity patterns […]
Energy efficiency and management are prominent tools under the APO’s Green Productivity framework to strengthen the triple bottom line of productivity, human resources, and environmental performance. Adopting energy-efficient practices has multifaceted benefits such as conservation of natural resources by reducing energy inputs at source, fewer CO2 emissions for a given output, decreasing energy bills, and enhanced […]
According to an article published in The Straits Times on 28 October 2020, about 70% of the 575 SMEs surveyed in Singapore had not yet adopted data analytic solutions and services, with many of them being familiar only with spreadsheets and databases, suggesting a lack of awareness and understanding of advanced data analytics. In business […]
In the current business environment, which is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA), enterprises need to strategize not only to remain competitive and profitable but be resilient to overcome potential predictable and unpredictable threats. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is one such unanticipated occurrence, which besides having serious implications for public health has significantly impacted businesses […]
This P-Talk highlights innovative technologies available for SMEs in the food sector. Yusuf Tokdemir, Agrifood Industry Specialist, Turkey, showcases successful examples of SMEs across the region and explains how to innovate and transform agri-food industry by adopting innovative technologies under Agriculture 4.0 such as the IoT, blockchains, AI and machine learning, and cloud computing. He […]
Food-related business in Asia is increasingly becoming a more dynamic, complex, and highly competitive industry. Sociopolitical and environmental conditions, market forces, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic are compounding those challenges. To overcome them and stay competitive, food businesses must improve and sustain their efficiency and overall productivity. Considering the complex, multifaceted challenges, the public […]
The World Bank’s Groundswell report of 2021 found that climate change could force 216 million people worldwide to move within their countries by 2050 including 49 million in East Asia and the Pacific, 40 million in South Asia, and 5 million in Central Asia. This is due to loss of livability in highly exposed locations, […]
This P-Talk explores micromobility, meaning electric lightweight vehicles, and why it matters for improving productivity, cutting emissions, and increasing the quality of life for people in cities. Oliver Bruce from Micromobility Industries talks about the potential transformative impact of micromobility systems, the opportunities they present for urban residents and manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific, and use […]