OVERVIEW
Background
Singapore retailers are witnessing a seismic shift in how retail operates — driven not by trends alone, but by deeply integrated AI infrastructure. In Hangzhou, China's digital commerce capital, the convergence of artificial intelligence, live commerce, content-driven retail, and platform intelligence has created entirely new operating models.
The Retail TechMaster programme brings Singapore retail leaders on a five-day immersion into the Alibaba ecosystem and Hangzhou's leading retail innovators — to observe, understand, and begin applying these models to the Singapore context.
Outcomes
- Apply AI and digital commerce tools from Hangzhou's leading tech companies to your own retail strategy.
- Understand how to integrate live commerce, content systems, and AI agents into your operations.
- Benchmark your digital retail maturity against China's top operators.
- Leave with a structured plan — the Executive Strategy Canvas — tailored to your business context.
- Build the leadership mindset needed to guide your team through digital and AI transformation.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
What to Expect
Start with Alibaba's AI-powered retail ecosystem — visit Pavilion 9 to understand end-to-end AI in retail, then explore how AI tools are shaping consumer behaviour and driving new operating models in China. Hosted by senior Alibaba advisors.
Explore how live commerce platforms operate at scale at Qianxun Group, and how AI agents enable global business at Accio. See how REST built a digital-first global brand, and review Singapore retail application frameworks.
Discover how Intime Department Store integrates digital tools into physical retail, and visit Jiu Liang Outdoor to see agile merchandising in action, supported by Xingyu AI.
Transition from observation to strategy. Participate in a panel discussion on China's new consumption trends, then work through the Executive Strategy Canvas in a facilitated lab session, closing with a ceremony to mark your transformation journey.
Wrap up with SRA's synthesis session — distilling five days of insights into actionable frameworks. Identify what really works, and what you will take back to Singapore.
Takeaways
- A personalised Executive Strategic Decision Canvas.
- A Singapore-context action plan developed during the programme.
- Peer connections with fellow retail leaders.
BRAND EXPERIENCES
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
17 Aug
Monday
↓
| Time | Programme | Faculty / Host |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–10:30 | Site VisitAlibaba Pavilion 9Bring passport. End-to-end AI-powered retail ecosystem walkthrough. | Professional Museum Docent |
| 10:45–12:00 | FiresideMindset of the Digital Economy | Chandee Zhuang, Co-founder & Senior Advisor, Alibaba Global Initiatives |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30–15:30 | Site VisitFreshippo: Integrated New Retail OperationsAlibaba's New Retail concept blurring online and offline commerce. | Summer Xia, Senior Director, Freshippo |
| 16:00–17:30 | Site VisitTopView: Digital Human & AI-Generated ContentBring a product image or brand asset. AI content at scale for live selling. | Guodong Li, President, TopView Technology |
| 18:00 | Opening Dinner | |
18 Aug
Tuesday
↓
| Time | Programme | Faculty / Host |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–11:30 | Site VisitQianxun Group: Live-Commerce EcosystemNote: Viya is not scheduled. High-volume live selling: planning, execution and optimisation. | Qianxun Group Senior Management |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch near Qianxun Headquarters | |
| 14:00–15:30 | Company VisitREST: Building a Digital-First Global Brand | Zhou Yong, Founder & CEO, REST |
| 15:45–17:00 | Company VisitAccio Work: AI Agents for Global Business | Yang Yuan, Accio Work Platform Lead |
| 17:00–17:30 | WorkshopSingapore Application Review | Jon Chin, Founder & CEO, Cognitive Blend; Chandee Zhuang |
| 18:00 | Networking Dinner | |
19 Aug
Wednesday
↓
| Time | Programme | Faculty / Host |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–11:30 | Site VisitIntime Department StorePhysical retail reimagined with digital integration and consumer intelligence. | Senior Management Team, Intime Retail Group |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch near Intime Department Store | |
| 14:00–17:00 | Company VisitJiu Liang Outdoor & Xingyu AIAgile merchandising in action, supported by AI technology. | Vince Xia, Founder & CEO, Jiu Liang Outdoor |
| 17:00–17:30 | WorkshopSingapore Application Review | Jon Chin, Founder & CEO, Cognitive Blend; Chandee Zhuang |
| 18:00 | Dinner | |
20 Aug
Thursday
↓
| Time | Programme | Faculty / Host |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–11:30 | Panel DiscussionChina's New Consumption Trends | Dan, Senior Advisor, Alibaba; Xi Jiang, Dean, Hangzhou New Retail Research Institute; Jon Chin |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch Break | |
| 14:00–17:00 | Strategy LabExecutive Strategy Lab: From Hangzhou Insights to Leadership ActionExecutive Strategic Decision Canvas — facilitated lab session turning insights into a Singapore business action plan. | Jon Chin, Founder & CEO, Cognitive Blend; Jasmine Huang, Partner, Cognitive Blend |
| 17:15–17:30 | Closing Ceremony | |
| 17:30 onwards | Free & Easy | |
21 Aug
Friday
↓
| Time | Programme | Faculty / Host |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–11:30 | SRA SessionWhat Really Works? — SRA Synthesis SessionDistilling five days of insights into actionable frameworks. Identify what you will bring back to Singapore. | Stephen Sing, Executive Director, SRA |
| 12:00–13:30 | Closing & Lunch — Free & Easy | |
| After 13:30 | Departure / Optional Extension | Check out before hotel deadline |
Programme Fees
| Participant | Funding | Fee (incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Participant Capped at 2 pax per company | 70% SWDA Funding | S$3,315 (After 70% Funding) |
| 2nd Participant | 30% SWDA Funding | S$6,715 (After 30% Funding) |
Full fee: S$8,500 per pax before GST
Includes: Hotel accommodation, ground transport, meals.
Excludes: Airfares, airport transfer, visa.
The organiser reserves the right to make any amendments to the programme subject to availability.