Editor's Note

The Pandemic Has Birthed a Generation of Business-Driven Individuals Who Are Adaptable to 4IR Technology and Sustainability.

“We do not make changes for the sake of making them, but we never fail to make a change when once it is demonstrated that the new way is better than the old way.” - Henry Ford  

One thing the pandemic has thought us is to be proactive in our business strategies to overcome challenges. Our society has changed rapidly since the economic crisis of 2008-2009 and now, more than a decade later, technology has become more prevalent than ever before. Flexibility and adaptability are keywords that will determine business success. 


As the need for 4IR technologies vastly increases, this is a prime opportunity for smart startups and sustainability-conscious investors to capitalise on emerging technologies and trends. A data-driven approach, backed by AI and relevant technologies will future-proof businesses, come what may. Having said that, one must be cognisant of the organisation’s needs and goals before jumping on the bandwagon. Adopting technology is a long-term strategy that involves time, expertise and effort. 


The future of business is an exciting one. The surge of interest in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) heralds the boom of NFT platforms, becoming part of the ever-growing digital economy. Web3.0 and the Metaverse are expected to further drive inclusivity, especially for those with limited knowledge in business and tech. These will usher in an age of significant advancements in the management of digital assets, online identities and how we experience the internet of the future. 


One thing’s for certain: We will continue to face more and more disruptions, be it blockchain technology or something as unforeseen as a pandemic. As the world recoups from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that the resulting innovations will better help us weather the storm and uncertainties of the future. 


Hence, in this edition of Fourth Leap, we take a look at green human resource management, NFTs, the gig economy, the importance of reskilling with a deep focus on the human element and how technology can set us apart from our competitors. 


Stay tuned as we share the world's progress with you, dear reader, from the keen minds of leaders, scholars, and independent thinkers. We are certain that our contributors will pique your interests and perhaps spark a need to connect and have a conversation. So feel free to reach out to us and happy reading! 

Sritharan Vellasamy

sri@wordlabs.com.my