Foreword
I am excited by the vision our leaders painted for Singapore — a dynamic global city of the East, just as London is to Europe and New York City is to North America. We have the infrastructure, a pro-business environment, good quality of life and, most importantly, a people with a cosmopolitan mindset and who welcomes diversity, to realise this vision.
Singapore is working on every front to make our city a better living environment for all. We are creating economic opportunities, building world class arts and sports venues, bringing in major conferences and events, and developing two Integrated Resorts that will reshape the tourism landscape.
Retail, too, has a definite role in making Singapore a dynamic and global city. Singapore has always been at the crossroads of world trade, and here, consumers can buy almost anything. The fundamentals are therefore strong for the industry. As a result, the retail landscape too has visibly shifted over the past two years. We saw new concepts coming up, such as VivoCity and the Retail Warehouses at Tampines. We are also expecting new and major developments at Orchard Turn, Jurong Point II and Marina Bay.
Moving forward, I am confident that retail will become an even more professional and innovative trade. Our polytechnics and universities are starting to deliver courses specialising in retail. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) is enhancing the skills of the retail workforce through the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system. The Government is pushing the services industry, including retail, to Go-the-Extra Mile for Service (GEM). The sheer size of this combined effort will throw up many more leaders, entrepreneurs and skilled workers who will propel the growth of this industry.
I congratulate Angie Tang and Sarah Lim for authoring this book, Retail Operations: How to Run Your Own Store, 2nd Edition. The contents cover practical topics that help retailers to enhance their business operations.
In addition, the “I need help...” sections expounded at the end of every chapter highlight pertinent retail issues. I am certain that this book adds to the effort to grow our retail industry.
Ong Ye Kung
Chief Executive
Workforce Development Agency Singapore