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Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
What's really stopping workers from using AI isn't what you think
From Hollywood to Big Tech, major industries across the U.S. are increasingly going all-in on AI workflow tools, and they're expecting employees to follow suit. Late last month, Business Insider reported that Microsoft has started evaluating some employees on their AI fluency, factoring their competency with AI tools into metrics like performance reviews. But in spite of the growing workplace incentive to adopt AI tools, some employees are actively resisting AI uptake—and their reasons make more sense than you might think. According to a new study conducted by a team of researchers at Peking University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, an emerging phenomenon is actively deterring employees from picking up AI tools, even at companies where doing so is strongly encouraged. Dubbed the 'competence penalty,' this bias leads to AI users being seen as less competent by their peers—regardless of actual performance. It's a perception gap that's especially damaging for women in technical roles. The background The researchers' study was conducted at an unnamed leading tech company. In an article written for the Harvard Business Review (HBR), the study's authors explain that this company had previously rolled out a state-of-the-art AI coding assistant to its developers, which was promised to 'boost productivity significantly.' Still, 12 months later, only 41% of the nearly 30,000 surveyed engineers had even tried the coding assistant. Subscribe to the Daily newsletter. Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters Adoption also varied based on employees' identities. Just 39% of engineers 40 and older were using the tool, alongside a meager 31% of female engineers. That's not for lack of trying on the company's part, either: Rather than throwing their employees into the AI deep end without guidance (a prevalent issue as AI workflow tools become more common), this company offered dedicated AI teams, adoption incentives, and free training. So, researchers set out to understand what was going wrong. The competence penalty To get to the bottom of this lackluster adoption pattern, the study's authors established an experiment with 1,026 engineers from the same company. The engineers were given a snippet of Python code to evaluate. While the code was the exact same for every participant, each was told that it was created under different conditions—including with or without AI and by a male or female engineer. The results showed that, when participants believed a fellow engineer had used AI to write their code, they rated that engineer's competence 9% lower on average. The competence penalty's severity was also dependent on the reported gender of the engineer. If they were described as male, there was only a 6% competence reduction, compared to 13% for those described as female. Further, the reviewer's own identity and stance on AI had an impact on how they rated others. Engineers who hadn't adopted AI themselves were most critical of AI-users, and male non-adopters penalized female AI-users 26% more harshly than their male AI-using counterparts. Through a follow-up study of 919 engineers, the researchers found that many employees were actually innately aware of this competence penalty, and were avoiding AI usage as a result. advertisement 'Those who most feared competence penalties in the tech industry—disproportionately women and older engineers—were precisely those who adopted AI least,' the study's authors write. 'The very groups who might benefit most from productivity-enhancing tools felt they couldn't afford to use them.' 'Women often face extra scrutiny' The study's findings offer a strong counterpoint to the oft-repeated sentiment that AI tools might even the proverbial playing field at work, presenting a one-size-fits-all solution by making everyone more productive. 'Our results suggest that this is not guaranteed and in fact the opposite could be true,' the authors write. 'In our context, which is dominated by young males, making AI equally available increased bias against female engineers.' These results could help explain patterns that have already been observed in AI uptake. According to recent research conducted by Harvard Business School associate professor Rembrand Koning, women are adopting AI tools at a 25% lower rate than men, on average. In an article for Fast Company earlier this month, Kamales Lardi, author of the book Artificial Intelligence For Business, noted that, 'In my experience, women often face extra scrutiny over their skills, capabilities, and technical prowess. There may be a deep-rooted concern that leveraging AI tools may be perceived as cutting corners or reflect poorly on the users' skill level.' How leaders should prepare for the competence penalty Companies like the one in the study shouldn't give up on implementing new AI tools, especially given that agentic AI is predicted to play a huge role in the future of work. Instead, leaders should use this data to put more AI adoption guardrails in place. In their analysis for HBR, the study's authors offer several main steps for managers to consider: Map your organization's penalty hotspots. Leaders should focus on identifying teams where the AI competence penalty might be highest, including those with more women and older engineers reporting to male non-adopters. Monitoring these teams might help to understand where and how the competence penalty is playing out. Convert the influential skeptics. Because non-adopters are the harshest critics of AI users, influential skeptics can have a major impact on the whole team. The study's authors suggest that breaking this cycle requires the skeptics to see respected colleagues successfully using AI without professional consequence. Redesign evaluations to remove the signal. Based on the study's results, flagging a product as 'made with AI' can negatively impact performance reviews. 'The solution is straightforward: Stop signalling AI use in performance evaluations until your culture is ready,' the authors write.
Fashion Value Chain
28-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Intertextile Fringe 2025 Champions Design, Tech & Green Focus
Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2025 is set to elevate the sector's conversation with a redesigned fringe programme, running from 20 – 22 August 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Asia's leading home textiles trade show will present a sector-focused, four-theme initiative: NextGen, Palette, Connector, and Go-Green, inviting international experts to foster creativity, sustainability, and strategic growth. NextGen – The Future of Interior Textiles: Led by circular design advocate Anja Bisgaard Gaede, this segment in the Future & Textile Zone will explore next-gen materials and AI-powered innovations. Attendees can experience: A curated display of over 20 sustainable textiles, from waste-derived to bioengineered materials Hands-on textile previews AI demonstrations for efficient design and production A Textile Hunt game with prizes Palette – Celebrating Creative Expression: Guided sessions with renowned designers Camilla Rudnicki (Denmark) and Akiyuki Sasaki (Japan) will explore East-West design synergies, offering valuable insights into textile aesthetics, trends, and functionality. Connector – Building Global Market Bridges: Industry leaders from Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam will present actionable insights into international partnerships, export dynamics, and textile sector evolution. The Home Textiles x Interior Decoration Summit will address trends like Gen Z preferences, aging-friendly home upgrades, and category innovation. Go-Green – Elevating Sustainable Impact: Professor Yuen of Hong Kong Polytechnic University will lead discussions on green business models and brand transformation. Key presentations include: Patternsfrom Agency (Finland): Manufacturer strategies for a greener future Fu-tex Co Ltd (Hong Kong): Innovation in blackout fabrics via physical weaving Additional highlights include the 31st Intertextile Home Textile Design Carnival, Designer's Pick Awards, 2026/27 Trend Zone, and the 11th Top Business Matching Event. Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, CCPIT-Tex, and CHTA, the 2025 edition positions the show as a hub for strategic dialogue, cutting-edge design, and actionable sustainability in home furnishings. More info:
RTHK
26-07-2025
- Health
- RTHK
Third medical school recommendation to come soon
Third medical school recommendation to come soon Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau says the recommendations will be made before September's Policy Address. File photo: RTHK Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau says a working group will submit its recommendation on the establishment of the city's third medical school to the Chief Executive before the Policy Address in September. Three universities - Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - had earlier submitted proposals to operate the new medical school. Lo said the working group, which comprises six experts, has already met with representatives from all three universities twice. 'We will summarise the proposals from the three universities. The working group will hold another meeting to discuss them. In the short term, we will provide our recommendations to the Chief Executive, who will decide whether to establish a third medical school and which university will run it,' Lo said during a HOY TV programme aired on Saturday. Separately, Lo also mentioned the government's plans to expand no-smoking areas beyond schools and hospitals to include tourist hotspots. Under the '10 tobacco-control measures' unveiled by the Health Bureau in April, one proposal is to extend no-smoking zones to within three metres of entrances to schools and hospitals. It would also empower the Secretary for Health to designate no-smoking areas 'with specific time limits, conditions, or exemptions'. 'We are considering smoking bans in places with many children or students, such as school zones; hospitals and other areas with more elderly people; and also crowded tourist spots,' he said. Lo pointed out that, since March, Shanghai had enforced stricter outdoor smoking regulations at eight popular tourist sites, saying such a move was beneficial to tourism. 'Many tourists dislike being exposed to second-hand smoke... Banning smoking in tourist hotspots could boost tourism,' he said. Lawmakers will resume the second reading of the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill on September 10.
Malay Mail
17-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Correcting and Replacing: Brand New TV Show "AI for Humans" Officially Premieres Exploring the Limitless Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Hong Kong
Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Mr Simon Chan Sai-Ming, BBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited Dr Rocky Cheng, JP, CEO of Cyberport Ir Tony Wong Chi-kong, JP, Commissioner for Digital Policy, Digital Policy Office The Hon Rosanna LAW Shuk-pui, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism The Hon Mable CHAN, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Mr Victor Tai Sheung-shing, JP, Under Secretary for Housing Mr Hendrick Sin Hon-Tik, MH, JP, Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Funding Scheme Advisory Committee Mr Duncan Yau, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation Constituency) Mr Chris Yeung Chin-pang, Assistant Director (Property Management), Hong Kong Housing Society Professor Alexander Wai Ping-Kong, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University Professor Yike GUO, BSc, PhD, Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Director of the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre Professor Hongxia Yang, Executive Director of PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence and Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ir Professor Thomas Ho On-Sing, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council Mr Alvin Kwock, CEO and Co-Founder of AIFT Mr Guo Yong, Founder and Chairman of China Year (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd Dr Tao Xiaodong, Executive Director of iFLYTEK - Xunfei Healthcare Tech Co Ltd ( Mr Sam Kwong, Senior Director of Product Management, Klook Mr Calvin Ng, CEO of ZA Bank Episode 1: Star-Studded Premiere – Hong Kong's AI Ecosystem Unveiled Sneak Peek: Upcoming Episodes Episode 1 Strengthening Hong Kong's AI Ecosystem through Collaboration：how the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors work in synergy to transform Hong Kong into an AI-powered smart city. Episode 2 AI innovation in Hong Kong and Supercomputing power. Episode 3 & 4 AI applications in the financial sector, improving services, compliance, and efficiency. Episode 5 AI in smart tourism, enabling personalised travel experiences. Episode 6 AI-driven digital transformation in logistics and new opportunities in the low-altitude economy. Episode 7 AI breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and patient management in healthcare. Episode 8 Generative AI's role in arts and culture, preserving traditional Chinese heritage. Episode 9 The AI+ Era: Becoming an irreplaceable talent and seizing opportunities in the AI field! Episode 10 Data Demystified: Practical examples to help you understand the power of data-driven business! Episodes 11-16 AI applications in education, property management, transportation, construction, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Episode 17 AI+ era: Future opportunities and challenges i First-run: Saturdays at 8:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 78 Re-run: Sundays at 6:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 77; Tuesdays at 10:00 PM, HOY TV Channel 78 Online Viewing: Episodes will be available on HOY TV's official online platform: Broadcast ScheduleFirst-run: Saturdays at 8:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 78Re-run: Sundays at 6:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 77; Tuesdays at 10:00 PM, HOY TV Channel 78Online Viewing:Episodes will be available on HOY TV's official online platform: HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - The brand-new TV showwill premiere on 19 July (Saturday) at 8:30 PM on HOY TV Channel 78. This 17-episode series focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), inviting viewers to explore how AI is shaping the future and driving Hong Kong to become a global innovation and technology hub. Supported by Cyberport and hosted by Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-Fung, BBS, MH, JP, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and Cyberport Board Member, the programme brings together over 70 distinguished guests. These include honorable government officials, representatives from key I&T enterprises, Cyberport unicorns, Cyberport-incubated entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academic experts, and investors, who will discuss AI's applications and developments across various series will showcase how Hong Kong leverages AI to advance smart city development, stimulate cross-industry synergy, and facilitate digital transformation across sectors. It offers viewers a comprehensive perspective on how AI is transforming city landscapes, driving industry upgrades, and improving citizens' quality of 70 Distinguished Guests include, including but are not limited to:... And many Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectorsThe highly anticipated first episode will air on 19 July 2025 (Saturday) at 8:30 PM, uncovering the intricate ecosystem of AI development in Hong Kong. The episode focuses on the collaboration between five key sectors: the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors, showcasing how these domains synergise to position Hong Kong as a leading smart city. Viewers will gain insights into how government policies are strengthening research capabilities, accelerating innovation commercialisation, and fostering a comprehensive innovation and technology ecosystem to give Hong Kong a competitive edge in the global tech 1 Highlights:Prominent figures will share their visions, including Professor Sun Dong, JP (Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry), Mr Simon Chan Sai-Ming, BBS, JP (Chairman of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited), Dr Rocky Cheng, JP (CEO of Cyberport), Ir Tony Wong Chi-kong, JP (Commissioner for Digital Policy), The Hon Rosanna LAW Shuk-pui, JP (Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism), The Hon Mable CHAN, JP (Secretary for Transport and Logistics), Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, JP (Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury), Ir Victor Tai Sheung-shing, JP (Under Secretary for Housing). In the second segment, industry leaders such as Mr Calvin Ng (CEO of ZA Bank), Mr Sam Kwong (Senior Director of Product Management at Klook), and Dr Tao Xiaodong (Executive Director of iFLYTEK - Xunfei Healthcare) will discuss diverse AI applications, from finance and healthcare to tourism and explore AI's impact across various sectors in the following episodes,Hashtag: #AIforHumans #HOYTV The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Sustainability Times
04-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'This Defies Everything We Knew': Sun-Powered Sponge Turns Saltwater Into Freshwater Without Using a Single Watt of Electricity
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Researchers developed a sponge-like aerogel that transforms seawater into freshwater using only sunlight. that transforms seawater into freshwater using only sunlight. ☀️ This innovative technology provides a sustainable and low-energy solution for desalination , addressing global water scarcity. , addressing global water scarcity. 🔬 The aerogel features microscopic air pockets and is created from a paste of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers. and is created from a paste of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers. 🌍 The material's scalability and efficiency offer a promising path for widespread implementation, potentially benefiting millions worldwide. Our planet, though abundant in water, faces a daunting challenge: the overwhelming majority of it is too salty for human consumption. In a world where freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce, innovative solutions are desperately needed. Enter a groundbreaking technology developed by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This innovation, a sponge-like aerogel material, offers a promising path to low-energy, sustainable desalination by transforming seawater into drinkable freshwater using nothing more than the power of sunlight. As global water scarcity becomes an ever-pressing issue, the development of such technologies could prove vital for our future. Material with Tiny Air Pockets Our planet is abundant in water, yet most of it is too salty for human use. With the global population on the rise and freshwater resources dwindling, the need for effective desalination technology has never been more critical. Traditional desalination plants, while effective, require substantial amounts of energy, posing significant environmental challenges. This new development involves a sponge-like aerogel material with microscopic air pockets capable of converting saltwater into freshwater using only sunlight and a simple plastic cover. This innovative approach is not only energy-efficient but also environmentally responsible, providing a potential solution to global water scarcity. The material, an aerogel as opposed to a hydrogel, is more rigid, allowing for efficient movement of water vapor. Created from a paste of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers, it is 3D printed layer by layer, forming uniform vertical holes just 20 micrometers wide. This unique structure is what enables the aerogel to effectively transform salty seawater into drinkable water. 'America's First Nuclear Reactor in 50 Years': This Ultra-Compact Power Source Will Deliver Electricity Where No Grid Can Reach Shows Promise in Testing The aerogel's efficiency remains consistent regardless of its size, an important factor for scalability. Researchers tested square pieces of the material ranging from 0.4 inches to 3 inches wide, finding that the evaporation rate of water was equally efficient across all sizes. This consistency is crucial for scaling up the technology to meet larger demands. In practical testing, the aerogel was placed in a cup of seawater, covered with a curved plastic lid, and left in natural sunlight. The sun heats the material, causing water to evaporate while leaving salt behind. The resulting clean water vapor condenses on the plastic cover, eventually dripping into a container as fresh water. After six hours of sunlight exposure, this simple setup produced approximately 3 tablespoons of fresh, drinkable water. While this amount may seem small, the scalability of the technique holds promise for broader applications. According to researcher Xi Shen, the aerogel allows full-capacity desalination at any size, presenting a simple and scalable solution for energy-free desalination. 'Dirty Water, Clean Power': New Tech Breakthrough Lets Electrolyzers Produce Hydrogen Without Needing Pure Water Sources Global Implications and Future Prospects Desalination is essential for the approximately 300 million people across 150 countries who rely on it for their daily water needs. As water scarcity continues to intensify, innovations like the aerogel material are crucial. Solar-powered desalination techniques have been gaining traction in recent years, with notable advancements from institutions like MIT, which developed a system operating in sync with the sun's intensity. This new technology could play a significant role in alleviating global water shortages, providing a sustainable source of drinking water without the environmental impact of traditional methods. By harnessing the power of the sun, this aerogel material exemplifies the potential of renewable energy solutions in addressing pressing global challenges. As researchers continue to refine and scale this technology, the possibility of widespread implementation grows. The aerogel's ability to efficiently desalinate water at any size creates opportunities for diverse applications, from small-scale personal use to large-scale municipal systems. 'Carbon Transfer Achieved at Sea': Shanghai Stuns the World With First-Ever Ship-to-Ship CO2 Operation in Open Waters Challenges and the Road Ahead While the aerogel material demonstrates significant potential, challenges remain in terms of widespread adoption and integration into existing water systems. Scaling the technology for mass production and ensuring its economic viability are key hurdles that researchers must overcome. Additionally, continued research is needed to optimize the material's efficiency and durability, ensuring it can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and various environmental conditions. As the technology evolves, collaboration between researchers, governments, and industries will be essential to facilitate its adoption and maximize its impact. Despite these challenges, the aerogel material represents a promising step forward in the quest for sustainable water solutions. Its innovative design and reliance on renewable energy sources make it a compelling option for addressing global water shortages in an environmentally friendly manner. As we look to the future, the success of this technology could inspire further innovations in the field of water purification. How might this aerogel material transform our understanding of water resources and our ability to harness nature's power for sustainable solutions? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
