Special Reports

Nearly two years after the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI, which played a significant role in launching the generative AI revolution, public sentiment toward this technology has begun to crystallize. The initial excitement that saw consumers flocking to use ChatGPT has given way to a more measured perspective as the...

This year has seen a dramatic rise in CEO departures, with 622 chief executives stepping down in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This marks a staggering 50% increase over the same period in 2023, which had already set records for...

A recent survey by Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB) has found that a significant majority of Malaysian Muslims—about 65%—prefer to use banking and investment products that comply with Shariah law. The survey, which included 690 Muslims ranging from 18 to 77 years old, revealed a strong inclination towards financial products...

Seven Arab countries are currently grappling with persistent power outages, causing significant strain on both their populations and economies. While the underlying causes of these electricity shortages differ from nation to nation, the consequences are universally severe, particularly during the sweltering summer months when access to air conditioning is often...

British retailers experienced a lift in sales last month, spurred by the excitement of Euro 2024 and summer discount events, signaling further momentum in the economy. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales in July saw a 0.5% increase, bouncing back from a 0.9% decline in June....

A report from Multiverse, released on August 5, highlights that businesses are experiencing significant productivity losses due to widespread data skills gaps. On average, these gaps result in the equivalent of approximately 25 lost working days per employee each year, specifically related to data-related tasks. The report found that while...

Chile and Turkey have announced their commitment to join the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), marking a significant step in their efforts to address gender pay disparities. With these additions, the total number of governments aligned with EPIC’s goal of achieving equal pay for women and men now stands at...

As the new academic year begins, millions of young adults are heading to college, including a significant number of international students. If current trends persist, around 1 million students from various countries will enroll in U.S. institutions of higher learning this year. These international students make a substantial economic contribution,...

A significant cryptocurrency scandal has rocked South Korea, with the arrest of Byun Young-oh, CEO of the tech company Wacon, who is accused of orchestrating a large-scale Ethereum-related fraud. Alongside an accomplice named Yeom, they allegedly defrauded over 500 victims through a deceptive investment scheme. The fraudulent operation, spearheaded by...

'Casual' workers, who often operate without formal contracts or social protections, remain highly vulnerable across Europe despite the region's lower overall informal employment rates compared to the global average. Informal employment, defined as work without legal protection or social security, continues to be widespread globally. According to 2023 estimates by...