Background

The RTS (Rapid Transit System) is set to transform cross-border business and workforce dynamics between Singapore and Johor, enabling greater labour mobility, decentralised retail operations, and shifts in job distribution. To stay competitive, Singapore’s retail sector must adapt by redesigning workforce strategies, developing cross-border talent pipelines, and adopting shared service models. The Hong Kong–Shenzhen corridor offers a useful reference, where Hong Kong retailers have successfully responded to Shenzhen’s rise by adjusting workforce structures and cross-border operations. A study trip to these cities provides Singaporean retail leaders with valuable insights into managing workforce disruptions and opportunities in a regionalised retail landscape.

 

Outcomes

Participants will create a strategic plan for cross-border retail workforce transformation, focusing on job redesign, talent deployment, and service innovation. The plan must include two redesigned roles affecting local employees, reskilling needs, technology integration, and transformation timelines, drawing insights from automation and omnichannel retailing to support regional workforce integration.

 

Trip Highlights

High-Level Engagements with Hong Kong Institutions

Direct interactions with Invest Hong Kong, HKTDC, and Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA) provide strategic insights into government policies, retail incentives, and opportunities for Singapore businesses expanding into Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Cross-Border Trade and Innovation Dialogue

Engagements in Shenzhen highlight policy direction, tech innovation, and cross-border retail strategies led by government officials and associations like the Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association, deepening understanding of regional collaboration models.

Immersive Market Visits to Flagship Malls and Retail Concepts

Guided visits to innovation-driven destinations like K11 Musea, Harbour City and Sha Tin New Town Plaza in Hong Kong, and Kaledo Mall and Huawei Smart Retail Lab offer a firsthand look at successful omnichannel integration, customer engagement strategies, and retail-tech adoption.

Panel Discussions with Leading Retailers and Industry Experts

Thought-provoking panels hosted by major players like Maxim’s Group, Lane Crawford and KPMG unpack how established brands adapt to disruption, build resilience, and navigate competition from Shenzhen.

Opportunities for Regional Partnerships and Business Development

Networking sessions and business dinners with senior leaders from Hong Kong and Shenzhen’s retail ecosystem open doors for ongoing partnerships, joint ventures, and future projects aligned with Singapore’s retail sector transformation.

Programme Details

Date

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 to Fri, 29 Aug 2025

The programme will start from Sun, 24 Aug 2025, 5pm with dinner at the hotel we are staying at (Hopewell Hotel, Wanchai). The programme will end on Fri, 29 Aug 2025, 2pm in Shenzhen. Participants will have the option to fly out directly from Shenzhen, or take the coach back to Hong Kong and fly out from there instead.

Fee and Funding

SGD 8,500 (per participant)

SGD 7,500 (for 2nd participant from the same company, with shared accommodation)

WSG will provide 70% funding for up to 2 pax (Singapore Citizens and PRs only) per retail company. Companies could check with SRA on your eligibility. While accommodation is covered, you would have to book and pay for your own air tickets.