OFFICE BEARERS

 


Mr Ernie Koh

PRESIDENT

Chairman

Commune Lifestyle Pte Ltd

Mr Ernie Koh is currently Chairman of Commune Lifestyle Pte Ltd (100% subsidiary of Koda Ltd) and also the Executive Director (Marketing) of Koda Ltd (listed in Singapore Stock Exchange 2001). Ernie has significant experience in international marketing and corporate branding. He is at the helm of the Group’s marketing initiatives, particularly in customer relationship management, client base diversification, trade fairs participation, new product launches and marketing talent recruitment. Ernie is also instrumental in identifying the latest design trends and dealing with changing consumer preferences. Ernie has been with Koda for more than 25 years. During his tenure, he has rapidly expanded Koda’s market share, reaching out to more than 120 customers across more than 40 countries throughout the globe.

Ernie is also actively involved in the business and creative communities and is often invited to present papers in various international conferences globally. He sits on and has served in various capacities in Trade Associations, Committees and Advisory Boards:-

  • Member on MAS Payments Council
  • Member on Committee Against Profiteering (CAP)
  • Member on the Future Economy Council (FEC) Lifestyle Sub-Committee
  • Member on the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD, Employer & Business)
  • Chairman of ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) (2021 – 2023)
  • Member of the Industry Advisory Group for School of Spatial & Product Design (2021 – 2023) at Lasalle College of Arts, Singapore
  • Elected as Council Member of Singapore Business Federation (SBF) for the term
    2020 – 2022)
  • Elected to the 61st Board of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    (SCCCI) for the term 2022 – 2025
  • Member on the Advisory Board in the School of Design at Singapore Polytechnic
    (2015 – 2019)
  • Co-Chairman of the Independent Experts Panel for Furniture Industry by Spring
    Singapore in 2013
  • President of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (“SFIC”) (2012-2016)
  • Vice-Chairman of the SBF Small and Medium Enterprise Committee (SMEC)
  • Member of DesignS (a network of 9 design-centric institutes and associations in
    Singapore)
  • Distinguished member of the Presidential Advisory Commission of Design Business
    Chamber Singapore
  • Chairman, International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd and the SFIC Finance Advisory Committee
  • Chairman, Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) Programme for SFIC

Ernie holds a BSc. in Marketing from the University of Oregon (USA) and an MBA in International Marketing from the San Francisco State University (USA).


Mr Douglas Benjamin

VICE PRESIDENT

Group Chief Executive Officer

FJ Benjamin (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Mr Douglas Benjamin is the Group Chief Executive Officer of F J Benjamin (Singapore) Pte Ltd – one of Asia’s biggest retail brand management groups and distributors of luxury and lifestyle brands. Douglas works closely with Mr Nash Benjamin to coordinate the Group’s activities.

In 2012, Douglas was nominated the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Lifestyle & Retail Category. Douglas also sits on the Board of Directors of SingHealth Fund and a Member of KKH Fund Committee.


Mrs Helen Khoo

HONORARY SECRETARY

Special Advisor to Chairman’s office

Wing Tai Holdings Limited

Mrs Helen Khoo is the Special Advisor to Chairman’s Office, Wing Tai Holdings Limited. She was conferred the Miflora M. Gatchalian Medal for Women Global Quality Leadership Award 2013, Achievers & Leaders Award (Business Leadership) 2012, WDA’s Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications Champion 2010, Retail Leadership Award 2008 and International Management Action Award (IMAA) 2007.

Helen is a Member of the Business & Services Academic Advisory Committee (BSAAC) on curriculum & educational development of ITE, Honorary Secretary of Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), Advisory Board Member of National Museum of Singapore (2022-2024). She chaired WDA’s Retail Industry Skills and Training Council and was a member of Spring Singapore’s Policy Advisory Committee. She was also Board of Director of Civil Service College (2013-2015).

Helen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Hong Kong.


Mr Pang Fu Wei

TREASURER

Group Managing Director

Mothercare (S) Pte Ltd

Mr Pang Fu Wei is the Group Managing Director of Kim Hin International (KHI) – the mother and baby group known for bringing in brands like Mothercare, Cybex, Tommee Tippee, and Jujube to Singapore.

Today, the group operates over 40 Mothercare, Early Learning Centre, and Entertainer stores across Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong whilst its distribution company boasts a portfolio of 35 brands sold to over 700 distribution points around the region.

Fu Wei currently serves on the executive committee of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology; Chinese Language and Culture from Emory University.


 

 

 

 

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

 

Mr R. Dhinakaran

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Managing Director

Jay Gee Enterprises (Pte) Ltd

Mr R Dhinakaran is Managing Director of Jay Gee Group of Companies (Singapore) which retails several leading international fashion and lifestyle brands.

Affectionately known as Dhina, he was President of the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) from 2016 to March 2022. During his Presidency, Mr Dhina was instrumental in the formulation of the Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises in Singapore as part of the Fair Tenancy Pro Tem Committee and the 5-year Roadmap developed in 2021 for the retail sector. Mr Dhinakaran was appointed Immediate Past President (2022-2024) at SRA’s 44th AGM on 23 Mar 2022 to provide guidance, mentorship and stability to a new team of leaders in the SRA Council.

Dhina sits on and has served in various capacity in Committees, Councils and Advisory Boards and also appointed as Justice of Peace by the Ministry of Home Affairs.:-

  • Committee Against Profiteering (CAP)
  • Council member of the Future Economy Council Lifestyle Sub-Committee
  • Council Member of Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
  • Vice Chairman of Hindu Endowments Board (MCCY)
  • Payment Council of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
  • Member of Board of Trustees of Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
  • Member of the Digitalisation Issues Committee (SBF)
  • The President’s Challenge Steering Committee
  • Member of National Heritage Board – The Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) Advisory Board
  • Council Member of Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (MINDEF) or ACCORD (Employer & Business)
  • Foundation Member of Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities Ltd

He was a former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) and he has also served as a Trustee of SIM University Education Fund, member of the SIM Governing Council, Charity Council of Singapore (MCCY), Singapore Productivity Centre Board, and Vice President of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, Vice Chairman of Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce, Deputy Chairman of Workforce Development Agency and Deputy Chairman of Skills Future Singapore (SSG), Chairman of Audit & Risk Committee, SSG (MOE).

Dhina has shown interest over the years to leverage his skills and experience gained in leading businesses effectively in managing non-profit organisations for social causes as well. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA) of Singapore and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA).


 

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Ms Vivien Lim

COUNCILLOR

General Manager

BHG (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Ms Vivien Lim is both Director and General Manager for BHG (Singapore) Pte Ltd with 30 years of experience in the retail industry.

She leads the company’s strategic direction, business growth, product strategy and store transformation plan.

She started off her career as a Merchandising & Marketing Manager with a retail sports chain and was the General Manager for a couple of Sports retail brands before becoming the Director of Merchandising with Tangs Departmental  store where she transformed their beauty floor on Lev 1 & 4, developed the new merchandising strategy and initiated their new fashion, sports and lifestyle concepts.

Vivien Joined BHG Singapore in June 2019 as Head of Merchandising, she heads up the merchandising department and part of the leadership team to transform BHG Departmental store Singapore into a progressive retailer with their Re-Invention plan. She has recently transformed the Beauty and Home & Living/Kids floor for BHG’s flagship store at Bugis, developed 8 in-house brands and help set up the company’s ecommerce site.


Mr Lester Quah

COUNCILLOR

Advisor

Cold Storage Singapore (1983) Pte Ltd (DFI Retail Group Singapore)

Mr Lester Quah is the Advisor for Cold Storage Singapore (1983) Pte Ltd (DFI Retail Group Singapore).

DFI Retail Group is a leading pan-Asian retailer providing quality and value to Asian consumers. In Singapore, DFI operates well-known brands such as Giant, Cold Storage, CS Fresh, Guardian and 7-Eleven, brands with a focus on providing retail experience and great service; all delivered through a strong store network supported by efficient supply chains.


Ms Rachel Cheng

COUNCILLOR

Managing Director

Eu Yan Sang Singapore Pte Ltd

Ms Rachel Cheng is appointed as the Managing Director of Eu Yan Sang Singapore Pte Ltd.

As the Managing Director, Rachel is responsible for all aspects of our retail business in Singapore.

Rachel brings with her more than 20 years of experience in the Health and Beauty retail industry. Before joining Eu Yan Sang, she was the General Manager of Shiseido Company Limited & held various leadership roles with major retailers such as Watsons Personal Care Stores, Guardian Health & Beauty, Dairy Farm Group, and Sa Sa Cosmetics. She has proven value-added experience across all aspects of the consumer and retail value chain.

She envisioned to continue strengthening the EYS brand in Singapore, increase our competitiveness and maintain the strong growth trajectory.

At the core of business, Rachel will stay focus on the company mission ‘Caring for Mankind’ through the company involvement in aligned initiatives driven purpose.


Mr Jason Lee

COUNCILLOR

Chief Executive Officer

La Parfumerie Pte Ltd

Mr Jason Lee is the Founder and CEO of Scent by SIX, a Singapore grown fragrance label renowned for creating ambient scents, private labels, and conducting scenting workshops for luxury brand names such as Piaget, Lexus and Ritz Carlton. Scent by Six also created the world’s 1st TCM scent for Eu Yan Sang, a customised ambient scent for Singapore Airlines, KrisShop, Fullerton Hotel.

Over the last two years during the Covid19 pandemic, Jason worked closely with clients and patients of the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to raise awareness on mental health issues, in particular depression, and co-created a yuzu-themed scent collection called Hikaru.

An active volunteer and member of the grassroots community, Jason serves as the Assistant Secretary at the Bukit Batok Community Club Management Committee and the Building Fund Committee of the Bukit Batok Community Club of the People’s Association. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the SAFRA Toa Payoh Club.

Jason graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Economics (National University of Singapore) in 2008 and a MSc in Tecnopreneurship and Innovation (Nanyang Technological University of Singapore) in 2010. Nicknamed ‘The Perfume Man’, Jason is a laureate of Prestige 40 Under 40 (2020).


Mr Alwyn Chong

COUNCILLOR

Regional Managing Director

Luxasia Pte Ltd

 

Mr Alwyn Chong started his career in brand management in 2002 with LUXASIA Singapore, he then spearheaded the company’s entry into China where he spent 6 years developing the market based in Shanghai.

In 2017, Alwyn assumed the role of Managing Director and oversaw the development of the Southeast Asian markets. He spearheaded the retail development and expansion of the group.

In 2015, Alwyn co-founded _&Co., a company specialising in museum stores and F&B, focusing on collaborations between Artists, Designers, Makers and across cultures and borders. He is also the co-owner and director at Foreign Policy Design Group, an international branding agency headquartered in Singapore.

From April 2021, Alwyn also leads the Jollibee Malaysia operations, a partnership between Jollibee Foods Corporation and LUXASIA Group, as their Managing Director.


Mrs Wong Sioe Hong

COUNCILLOR

Executive Chairman

Metro (Private) Ltd

Mrs Wong Sioe Hong was appointed Executive Chairman of Metro (Pte) Ltd with effect from 1 October 2012. As Executive Chairman, she serves as the key strategist of the Group’s retail operations and is responsible for charting the future direction of this division. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Mrs Wong also holds the positions of Vice Chairman of the Orchard Road Business Association.

She first joined Metro’s retail organization in 1971 and had served as the Managing Director of Metro (Private) Limited from 1994 to 2012, overseeing the overall retail operations of the Group in both Singapore and Indonesia. Mrs Wong has played an instrumental role in transforming the Metro retail arm into a major retail operator in Singapore and will continue to oversee the Group’s retail expansion in the region.

Mrs Wong holds a Bachelor of Science (Commerce) from the University of Santa Clara, USA.


Ms Elaine Heng

COUNCILLOR

Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer & Chief Executive Officer (Retail Business)

Fairprice Group

Ms Elaine Heng is both Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of FairPrice Group (FPG) and Chief Executive Officer for Retail Business at FairPrice Group (FPG). FPG comprises NTUC FairPrice, NTUC Foodfare, Kopitiam, and NTUC Link.

As Deputy Group CEO of FPG, Elaine supports the Group CEO in driving key strategic initiatives across the group to leverage and synergise the different business units and functions.

In her role as CEO of Retail Business, she oversees overall business, strategy, management and success of the Co-operative’s retail business comprising FairPrice supermarkets, hypermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores across eight banners. Adopting customer-centricity, operational excellence and data-driven performance in rethinking retail, she has been instrumental in transforming FairPrice and in ensuring its leadership position.

Prior to joining FairPrice Group in 2017, Elaine was responsible for the performance of the sales and service force across Branch Banking business in thirteen countries. She has 20 years of retail banking experience.


Ms Lynn Tan

COUNCILLOR

2nd Deputy Chief Executive Officer

OSIM International Pte Ltd

Ms Lynn Tan is the 2nd Deputy CEO of OSIM International Pte Ltd, a pioneer and global leader in branded healthy lifestyle products always at the forefront of innovation and development of the most comprehensive range of products.

Lynn is responsible for the management and operations of the Group’s business in Singapore, Malaysia, International Business Development and Global e-Commerce. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce – BCom, Marketing from Curtin University.


Mr Kenneth Aruldoss

COUNCILLOR

Managing Director

Pertama Merchandising Pte Ltd (Harvey Norman)

Mr. Kenneth Aruldoss has been the Managing Director of the Harvey Norman Asia division since 2015, and is responsible for providing overall strategic and operational executive direction for Harvey Norman Asia. He has 30 years of experience in the retail sector in the areas of sales, management and business ownership.

Kenneth is a founding member of the Singapore Management University Retail Centre of Excellence (RCOE) and also an advisory member of James Cook University, Singapore.


Mr Ng Whye Keong

COUNCILLOR

Group Director

Pet Lovers Centre Pte Ltd

Mr Ng Whye Keong is the Group Director of Pet Lovers Centre (PLC). He joined PLC in 2011, supporting the company in finance and human resources as it expanded. A pioneer in the pet food and accessory retail industry in Singapore, PLC is a household name today, known for its ability to offer its customers the widest and freshest range, coupled with prompt and warm service. To date, it is the largest pet chain store within Singapore and Malaysia.

Whye Keong holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours in Actuarial Studies) from the London School of Economics and Political Science.


Ms Pauline Ng

COUNCILLOR

Founder & Managing Director

Porcelain Pte Ltd

Ms Pauline Ng founded Porcelain, a successful skincare cult brand in 2009. She conceptualised Singapore’s first smart spa in 2018 and the latest concept store at Paragon utilises tech and innovation to enhance consumer engagement, satisfaction and experience. Porcelain landed the prestigious World Luxury Spa Awards for 7 consecutive years from 2013 to 2019, and has been featured in Louis Vuitton City Guide, BBC, Forbes, etc.

At 26, Pauline led Porcelain to cross the S$1 million mark in revenue, while continuing to push the boundaries within. Under her leadership, Porcelain grew from a 2-man team to a company of 50 today.

Pauline is the youngest winner of the inaugural Teochew Entrepreneur Award in 2016, after being selected as one of the BBC’s “30 under 30” women in November 2015. She also clinched the “Winner of the Pulsar” category in the Women Entrepreneur Awards 2018.

She graduated with a BBM in Corporate Communications from the Singapore Management University.


Mr Lionel Chng

COUNCILLOR

Managing Director, Customer Success

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd

Mr Lionel Chng is the Managing Director to Customer Success in the Singtel Consumer team. He leads both Consumer Sales and Customer Care, delighting our customer experience through exciting 5G experience and driving digitalisation of omni-channel touchpoints to deliver excellent customer service.

Lionel brings with him more than 30 years of experience in sales and management in the FMCG, telecommunications, consumer electronics and IT industries, and has held various key national and regional leadership positions in P&G, Maxis, Nokia and Samsung, and most recently in HP Inc as the Managing Director of HP Singapore, Chief of Staff to the regional President and regional Head of Sales Operations in Greater Asia. He has extensive experience in retail, trade marketing and sales across multiple channels of consumer, SMB and enterprise. He is also the author of the book “Thrive in Extraordinary Times”.

He holds a Bachelor of Business and Marketing Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his MBA from the University of Bath, UK.


Mr Jeremy Taylor

COUNCILLOR

Managing Director

Stevetay Pte Ltd (Cash Converters)

Mr Jeremy Taylor is the Managing Director of Stevetay Pte Ltd (Cash Converters). Cash Converters is the world’s largest chain of physical secondhand stores. Cash Converters operates 14 retail stores in Singapore and Malaysia with a strong online presence.

Jeremy obtained a BSc Honours Degree in Managerial and Administrative Studies from Aston University in Birmingham, UK.


Mr Norman Ho

COUNCILLOR

Group General Manager

The Hour Glass Limited

Mr Norman Ho is the Group General Manager of The Hour Glass Limited. He joined the company in January 2019 and is responsible for business planning, operations management and development of the Group’s policies and procedures. The Hour Glass Ltd is a leading specialty luxury watch retailer with an established presence in twelve key cities in the Asia Pacific region.

Norman holds a Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours) from Nanyang Technological University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Melbourne and is a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.


Ms Yvon Bock

CO-OPT COUNCILLOR

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Hegen Pte Ltd

Ms Yvon Bock is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hegen, Singapore’s leading mother and baby care brand with an international presence in over 17 markets. Prior to launching Hegen in 2015, Yvon worked in the banking sector, before growing her parents’ business, Fitson, which has been developing mother and baby care products for over 30 years. Motivated by her own breastfeeding experiences, Yvon created Hegen as an innovative eco-system addressing the difficulties many breastfeeding mothers go through.

In 2018, Yvon was presented with the prestigious Nova award at the Women’s Entrepreneur Awards – recognising female entrepreneurs who have demonstrated outstanding qualities in developing and growing the business. In 2021, Yvon was presented with the Asia’s Women Empowerment Award by the Fortune Times – recognising women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and career-mindedness.



Mr Joshua Koh

CO-OPT COUNCILLOR

Executive Committee Member

Koda Ltd

Mr Joshua Koh is the Executive Committee Member of Koda Ltd and Chief Executive Officer of Commune Lifestyle Pte Ltd (Commune).

Commune is a local Singapore furniture retail company with close to 50 stores worldwide. It is a furniture company focused on the design and production of functional and stylish furniture using sustainable and safe materials, for use in urban apartments. In 2013, Commune was the recipient of the “New Entry of the Year” award bestowed by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council and also won the Gold Award at the Singapore Furniture Industry Awards. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Western Australia and an MBA from INSEAD.