This evergreen article from Surpiya Sen demonstrates how our cities can be transformed into smart cities that are moving into a new age of connectivity and technology, sustainability and inclusivity with the ability to weather this new age of environmental and economic challenges. We’ve heard much about Smart Cities by now. India’s ambitious initiative to fund the creation of 100 pilot smart cities is intended to accelerate the modification of existing cities across the length and breadth of the country…

As the growing issue of waste was exacerbated by the pandemic, the search for solutions is open to creative ideas. In this article, Supriya Sen shares design principles that have worked in other societies to regenerate the environment. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, when I read last week about ongoing public consultations by NEA on whether “plastic carry-bags in some NTUC grocery outlets in Singapore should charge 5- 10 cents/ bag from mid-2023…” onwards. (link). Like rearranging…

Supriya Sen shares a post on the move to attract, inspire, and support women in leadership positions in industry. Yesterday, I felt privileged to attend a special screening of the moving documentary “Girl Rising”. This is a film framed around a set of true human stories about exploited girls, who each turn their situation around by demanding, and getting support for, their dream of getting an education. So whether it is young Suma, from Nepal,  who through her haunting songs…

Supriya Sen shares an article that is both practical and visionary in its position on financial inclusion.  Whether for large or small financial institutions, one of the real pain points within the financial sector has been that there is a wall of capital chasing far too few bankable projects – which leads to vast unserved needs in developing Asia. Ascribed variously by incumbents to poor capacity, unstable business and regulatory environment or poor bankruptcy regulation, rarely do we blame the…

Supriya Sen shares a stark reminder on the importance of reducing waste.  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, when I read last week about ongoing public consultations by NEA on whether “plastic carry-bags in some NTUC grocery outlets in Singapore should charge 5- 10 cents/ bag from mid-2023…” onwards. (link). Like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic … or throwing bits of candy into the maw of a charging, hungry tiger to stave him off from gulping you…

Supriya Prakash Sen shares a few key takeaways on the dark side of the tech revolution.  Came across this an alarming but important book called “The Internet is NOT the Answer” (2015) by Andrew Keen, a well known commentator based in Silicon Valley. Written by an industry veteran- it is obviously a ringside view, and buttressed by extensive and credible references. This, and others like this, bring to mind three basic issues with the internet based economy as it is…

In this article, Supriya Prakash Sen draws our attention to the ever-growing problem of mass consumerism and how dematerialization could help.  This theme of today’s blog post is in the backdrop of a stunning rise in e-commerce globally – from books to electronics to food to fashion. Sounds great for consumers as well as for Mr. Bezos? Well, maybe- but this dramatic increase in shopping online will only lead to more plastic packaging, more electricity for warehouses, more fuel for…

  Supriya Prakash Sen shares an article that encourages practical, and wholly necessary, steps towards repairing our ecosystems. This young orphaned monkey looking out at us from the ravaged wasteland behind him is symbolic of the shambles we find ourselves in. However, many complain that there is still no consensus on what the Green New Deal should comprise of for the planet as a whole, or what should be the biggest investment priorities for fixing this rapidly worsening situation. Also,…

  It’s always interesting to take a look back while stepping forward. In this older post from Supriya Prakash Sen, the use of AI technology in the workplace was explored. How does it compare to today’s outlook? The news has been awash with provocative articles about the future of jobs in our society. The exponentially advancing nature of Artificially Intelligent machines, after AlphaGo turned out to be a better Go player than any human – combined with the power of…

  Supriya Prakash Sen shares a pertinent reminder on big picture problems that we all face, and offers a solution that could be a small step in financing but a leap towards a sustainable future. In the midst of a pandemic, the past year has been chilling at best, and a nightmare at the worst of times. However, we are lucky to be alive. Now, as vaccines get rolled out, it remains for the survivors to pick up the pieces,…

  Keeping the resolution to be healthier, fitter, and more environmentally conscious is made easy in Supriya Prakash Sen’s vision for cities of the future. Strap up your boots and take a leap of faith towards a brighter future. Walkability can be a financially savvy strategy! Research has shown that designing a city for Walkability yields benefits in terms of the environment, social cohesiveness, health benefits for an ageing society- but what is new is that it can also be…

  Supriya Prakash Sen shares an article that identifies how Digital Business Ecosystems could be the answer to addressing the multiple needs of the consumer, and how COVID-19 has accelerated the need to change. As purchasing behaviors change over time, so too does the landscape that solution providers operate in. In 2020, consumers are spoilt for choice; but consumers are short on time and often overwhelmed by the options on offer. Consequently, the balance of power for businesses has shifted…