BCG in the News

The Edge Malaysia

Malaysia’s Moment to Shine

Writing in The Edge Malaysia, BCG’s Nurlin Salleh and Anis Mohd Nor reflect on how Malaysia has evolved since gaining its independence in the 1950s, and look ahead to the country’s future. With its progressive energy transition policies, Malaysia can serve as a model for peer nations seeking to advance their own just transition. As the upcoming ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia has the chance to drive regional progress in digital growth and sustainability. “The nation’s potential for greatness has also never been more apparent,” they add.

The Economic Times

India’s Quest for a Key Spot on Global Manufacturing Map

Writing in The Economic Times, BCG’s Rich Lesser and Rahul Jain discuss India’s goal of raising manufacturing’s GDP contribution from 17% to 25% stressing the need for public-private sector collaboration. They highlight that “India, with a large yet relatively young population, is an attractive market for global majors, homegrown world-class companies, and startups to set up manufacturing hubs that can serve the world.” Recent infrastructure investments underscore India’s potential to be a cost-competitive manufacturing powerhouse amid shifting global supply chains.

CNBC Africa

$2.4 Trillion Required by 2030 to Meet Africa’s Climate Needs

On CNBC Africa and BusinessDayTV, BCG’s Katie Hill discusses how to close Africa’s $2.4 trillion climate finance gap. Amid higher financing costs for green sectors, she notes that attracting funding requires stability, de-risking strategies, and diversified investments. Hill explains that Africa shines in areas such as “vast renewable energy potential, critical minerals, and a young, educated workforce,” which can help companies to address these challenges.

Fortune

Fractional CFOs: A Hot Topic in the C-Suite

In Fortune, BCG’s Hardik Sheth highlights the growing interest in “fractional CFOs”—contract-based financial experts—amid high CFO turnover. Fractional CFO roles are increasingly appealing to retired executives and mid-career professionals seeking diverse experiences, improved work-life balance, and strategic opportunities. Sheth adds that fractional CFO roles at smaller companies enable the opportunity for financial professionals to “bring about more impact and influence” and “speak their mind more easily and more often.”

CNBC

Young Consumers Drive Alcohol-Free Trend

In CNBC, BCG’s Nicol Zhou unpacks the growing trend of a reduction in alcohol consumption in the US. This shift is increasing the popularity—especially among younger consumers—of nonalcoholic “functional beverages,” many of which are marketed as having specific health or cognitive benefits. “People are drinking [functional beverages] because they want more choices,” Zhou notes. “They want to be able to socialize and look cool, feel part of the group, but not necessarily have to consume alcohol.”

Axios

The Rise of Retail Media and GenAI in Marketing

In Axios, BCG’s Lauren Wiener highlights that three out of five CMOs consider themselves the driving force behind GenAI initiatives within their organizations. When it comes to GenAI usage within marketing functions, she notes that “the first sets of use cases have really been around efficiency, like improving the speed and pace of content creation.” Wiener also discusses the challenges posed by the decline of third-party cookies, emphasizing the growing importance of first-party data and strategic partnerships for future success.

Fast Company

The Top 3 Skills You Need to Succeed in an AI-Driven World

Writing for Fast Company, BCG’s Mark Abraham and David Edelman urge young employees to develop three crucial skills to succeed in an AI-driven workplace: curiosity, data savvy, and accountability. In their forthcoming book, Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI, Abraham and Edelman explain that with AI at the forefront of many business operations, asking thought-provoking questions, analyzing data, and taking responsibility for AI outputs are crucial in this quickly changing landscape.

Forbes

Gen Z: The Dangerfield Generation

In her column for Forbes, BCG’s Julia Dhar compares Generation Z to the late Rodney Dangerfield, a comedian whose catchphrase was “I don’t get no respect,” noting that they often feel misunderstood and undervalued. Despite stereotypes of their being fragile and unprepared, Dhar highlights her own observations of Gen Z workers: they value flexibility, seek alignment with employer values, and prioritize mental health. She writes that understanding these traits is crucial for companies as Gen Z becomes an essential part of the workforce.

The Economic Times

Empowering Women in Tech with AI

In The Economic Times, BCG’s Sreyssha George reveals that 90% of women see generative AI as vital for career growth, though only one-third feel ready to use it. According to a report by Nasscom and BCG, senior women in tech lead in GenAI adoption globally, yet India lags with more than 60% gender disparity in AI leadership. To close this gap, the report recommends actions such as building a culture of empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, while simultaneously fostering networking opportunities.

Nikkei Asia

Southeast Asia’s EV Surge

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, BCG’s Alex Dolya and Fahad Anwar highlight Southeast Asia’s growing interest in the electric vehicle (EV) industry as the region seeks to take advantage of shifting global supply chains. In the face of new Western tariffs, EV manufacturers must adopt more advanced technologies, enhance their manufacturing processes, and improve their supply chains. “The focus on cost will be even more significant than it was before,” Dolya says.

Forbes

When Change Is Needed, Your Employees Become Your Customers

In her column for Forbes, BCG’s Julia Dhar highlights the heightened anxiety employees can experience during times of organizational change and how leaders can help their workforce overcome it. “Change isn’t something leaders can demand; rather, it’s something they must earn,” she adds. Dhar urges leaders to treat employees like customers by selling the idea of change, rather than demanding it.

Business Day

Building a Green Future: Upskilling Africa’s Workforce

A report by FSD Africa and BCG, featured in Business Day, outlines how to mobilize Africa’s workforce to accelerate the growth of its green industries. According to the study, Africa’s green economy is predicted to create up to 3.3 million new jobs by 2030. Building Africa’s green workforce will require targeted investments in high-potential sectors and fostering cross-sectional relationships between educational institutions, investors, and the private sector.