Post by KPMG Singapore

In a world where information is easily accessible, it will no longer be sufficient for professionals and organisations to simply have deep domain knowledge. They will also need to sharpen their sense of discernment and critically evaluate the content they engage with. These were key themes shared by leaders at the launch of Read to Lead: Building an AI-Ready Mind, a joint initiative by KPMG in Singapore and the National Library Board to bring reading into the workplace and equip PMETs and business leaders with professional discernment skills. The launch was officiated by Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information. In her opening address, Sze Yeng Lee highlighted that our professional value increasingly lies in our ability to connect ideas, exercise judgement and translate knowledge into real-world decisions — a capability strengthened through reading. This echoed what she shared at KPMG's Management Group Update earlier in the morning, attended by around 900 of the firm's leaders, where she spoke about the importance of lived experience and cross-domain knowledge in helping us stay innovative. In the same vein, guest speaker Warren Fernandez — Head of the National Security Studies Programme and Editor of RSIS Publications at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies — noted the importance of critical reading and judgement in an AI-driven world. At the NLB launch, speakers also highlighted the need to read intentionally — not only to gain knowledge, but also to pause and reflect. In a conversation with KPMG’s Poh Jee Voo, Warren highlighted that reading helps us to develop perspective and use AI as a sounding board, because the technology’s value hinges on the questions we ask and our ability to critically evaluate AI outcomes. Building on this, Gerry Chng, Prof Simon Chesterman, Yan Yuan Sng and Mervin Ang explored the need to embed trust and governance into AI-enabled decision-making. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in how we work, organisations must cultivate meaningful human oversight and strengthen accountability, they said. Read to Lead kicks off with Knowledge Week as its first phase, running from 14 to 16 July at Asia Square, the KPMG Clubhouse and the National Library Building. For the full list of activities, visit https://lnkd.in/g5W5jPCR #KPMGSingapore #NeverDoneInnovating #BeInFront NLB Singapore