DFS Venture Singapore (DFS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of a Retail Centre of Excellence (Retail CoE).

 

The world’s largest travel retailer is cooperating with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and SPRING Singapore to build the retail industry’s capabilities in consumer understanding through specialised consumer insights and analytics, branding, marketing and channel and product assortment development.

 

In a press release, DFS says it will base an in-house team in Singapore to develop DFS’ key areas of focus, which include consumer insights and analytics and partner with local educational institutions to design a specialised retail management programme.

 

RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS

The retailer says it will also undertake research collaborations and provide internships for fast track industry integration and career opportunities. EDB and SPRING Singapore will facilitate the identification and introduction of partners to develop the relevant capabilities and initiatives for DFS to scale this to a national level.

 

The MOU was signed by Executive Vice President, Global Business Services, DFS Group Limited Robert Yap; Managing Director of EDB Yeoh Keat Chuan; and the CEO of SPRING Singapore Tan Kai Hoe. The event was also witnessed by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry and National Development, Lee Yi Shyan; and COO, DFS Group Limited Michael Schriver.

 

[TOP IMAGE: From left to right: Craig McKenna, Managing Director, Asia South, DFS Venture Singapore; Yeoh Keat Chuan, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board; Michael Schriver, COO, DFS Group Limited; Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry and National Development; Robert Yap, Executive Vice President, Global Business Services, DFS Group Limited; Tan Kai Hoe, Chief Executive, SPRING Singapore; Rachel Tan, General Manager, DFS Galleria Singapore].