Thought Leadership

Take a peek at the bestselling titles in the business section of a bookstore and you will find a slew of books dispensing tips on being a good boss, daring to lead, or even adapting principles from the battlefield to win control of the boardroom. Mastering good leadership, in a time when major corporations remain dominated by cults of personality, is a perennial fixation for those striving to build a successful business.

From robots that deliver amenities to guests in hotel rooms, to recommendations for the best sushi by Siri — the smart assistant that dispenses helpful reminders and tips from iOS — it’s a fact that artificial intelligence (A.I.) has pervaded our everyday lives. While today’s digital generation may already be familiar with the benefits of A.I., the rapid rise of machine learning raises important questions about the impact of such technology on our future.

It’s no secret the world we live in is caught up in a maelstrom of change. To manage this rise of emerging trends and disruptions — in society, the economy and the environment — institutions of higher education can no longer remain insular bastions of age-old knowledge. Instead, universities of today have multiple roles to play, said Professor Lily Kong at her inaugural address on 12 February, as the newly appointed President of SMU.