In Singapore’s dynamic retail environment—shaped by digital disruption, shifting consumer behaviours and intense competition—traditional business strategies are no longer sufficient. Retail professionals are increasingly seeking new ways to differentiate and deliver value. One powerful approach gaining traction is Design Thinking: a creative, human-centred methodology that transforms how businesses tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
The “Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation” programme is designed to equip retail professionals, from the shop floor to the boardroom, with the mindset and tools to innovate meaningfully. Whether you’re aiming to craft more customer-centric strategies, enhance in-store experiences or build resilience in your retail model, this course empowers you to place people at the heart of your decision-making.
Who Should Attend?
This programme is ideal for retail professionals who are ready to challenge assumptions, embrace innovation and lead with empathy. It is particularly relevant for:
- Frontline and Supervisory Professionals: Learn to identify customer pain points and translate day-to-day insights into strategic improvements.
- Managers and Executives: Discover how to bridge operational expertise with innovation to address real business challenges.
- Business Leaders: Gain tools to lead cross-functional teams, drive transformation and foster a culture of creativity and experimentation.
If you are someone who is:
- Seeking to innovate and looking for fresh ways to stay ahead in a competitive market
- Aiming to enhance problem-solving, particularly when addressing complex retail challenges
- Eager to lead change, with a strategic yet human-centred approach
Why Retail Strategy Needs Design Thinking
Design Thinking is not just about creativity – it is a practical framework for delivering strategic impact from a customer-centric perspective. Here is what you will gain from the course:
- Understand Design Thinking and Strategy: Explore the core principles of Design Thinking and why a human-centred mindset is essential for developing effective business strategies in retail.
- Stakeholder-Driven Insights: Use structured tools to gain a deep understanding of the needs, motivations and frustrations of customers, employees and partners.
- Define Strategic Challenges: Apply visual and creative techniques to clearly identify and articulate key business questions.
- Generate Breakthrough Ideas: Move beyond conventional thinking with proven methods that encourage creativity and collaboration.
- Prototype and Test Solutions: Learn how to develop low-cost, high-impact prototypes and collect real feedback to refine your ideas before scaling.
Meet the Trainers
The course is led by three seasoned experts, Dr Daniel Lim, Ms Low Lay Leng and Ms Phyllis Marie Peter, who bring decades of professional experience.
- With over 20 years of experience in public relations, education and organisational development, Ms Low Lay Leng has a diverse background, particularly in Design Thinking.
During her time at Singapore Polytechnic, she held various roles, including educator, leader and strategist, focusing on innovation and growth.
In her last decade there, she developed strategies that encouraged creative collaboration and problem-solving.
Now an independent consultant, Ms Low empowers professionals through hands-on Design Thinking workshops, combining real-world examples, interactive activities, and actionable insights to help participants tackle challenges with innovative solutions.
- Ms Phyllis Marie Peter, a former lawyer turned higher education strategist, brings her analytical and strategic expertise, making her a dynamic mentor in innovation.
In her 34-year career in Higher Education, she excelled in various roles, including teaching, course management and strategic planning.
With over seven years of steering large-scale strategies to foster innovation and growth, she trained teams and individuals to tackle complex challenges creatively.
Now an independent consultant, Ms Phyllis empowers professionals to apply Design Thinking to innovate and adapt, using a practical, interactive approach that ensures participants gain immediate, actionable tools and strategies.
- Dr Daniel Lim is the Academic Dean at Ngee Ann Academy. Armed with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Dr Lim is an experienced educator who has played a pivotal role in shaping education for higher learning.
Prior to his present role at Ngee Ann Academy, Dr Lim was previously a research scientist in a reputable research agency in Singapore and course chair from one of Singapore’s higher institutes of learning.
Dr Lim is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the quality of education at Ngee Ann Academy, ensuring that the institution remains competitive and continues to meet the evolving needs of students and the broader community.
Programme Title:
Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation
Programme Schedule:
Format: Full day workshop, face-to-face
Date:
29 July – 31 July 2025 (Tue – Thu),
30 Sep – 2 Oct 2025 (Tue – Thu)
Duration: 3-day workshop
Location: Ngee Ann Academy, 391A Orchard Road, #25-02A. Ngee Ann City Tower A, Singapore 238873
Certificate: Candidates who demonstrate competency in the course assessment and achieve at least 75% attendance will receive a Statement of Attainment awarded by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
Course Code: TGS-2024049580
Course Funding Period: 07 Oct 2024 – 06 Oct 2026
Programme Fee:
| Course Fee and Government Subsidies | |||
| Individual | SME Sponsored | Non-SME Sponsored | |
| Full Course Fee (For those not eligible for subsidy) |
$900
$981 (with GST) |
$900
$981(with GST) |
$900
$981(with GST) |
| For 21 years old and above
· Singapore Citizens · Permanent Residents |
$450
$531 (with GST) |
$270
$351 (with GST) |
$450
$531 (with GST)
|
| For 40 years old and above
· Singapore Citizens |
$270
$351 (with GST)
|
$270
$351 (with GST |
|
Nett Fee after subsidy/funding
Enjoy up to 70% funding for this Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation Course, with grants available for individuals and companies. This is your chance to upskill and innovate affordably!
With the 70% subsidy from the Singapore Government, a Singapore citizen aged 40 years and above will only need to pay S$270. In addition, they can also use their SkillsFuture credits to cover this portion.
For company sponsored applicants, course fees after subsidies can be further offset by Skillsfuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC). You may wish to check out how to claim your 🌟Skillsfuture Enterprise Credit here.
Enrol now and unlock new possibilities for your business and your career.
Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation is brought to you by Ngee Ann Academy. Contact Ngee Ann Academy’s Admissions Team today to sign up and secure your spot now!
