Magazines Archives - 2007 June

IN a first of its kind industry initiative, the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) has joined forces with government bodies SPRING Singapore and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to launch the National Retail Scholarship programme.

At the programme launch last month, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Lee Yi Shyan hailed the retail sector as an important contributor not only to the economy but also to the quality of life in Singapore. “We must, therefore, invest in people to drive the retail industry forward. Only then can Singapore retailers compete against the best in New York, London and Milan,” he added.

Over the next five years, 16 scholarships will be awarded annually, with two for diploma, 10 for degree and four for MBA programmes, totalling S$1.7 million (US$1.1 million) in value. Together with world-renowned retail institutions like the UK’s University of Stirling, the courses will groom the scholars into retail professionals and act as an incentive to keep retailers in the business. It is hoped that the programme will alleviate the misperception of low career possibilities in retail.

On completion of their respective courses scholars have to serve a two-year bond working in any area of the industry. The application deadline for the scholarships is 6 July 2007. Details can be found at www.wda.gov.sg or www.retail.org.sg.