Singapore Institute of Retail Studies
Singapore's premier CET institute for retail, empowering over 200,000 learners since 2006. Designated Anchor Provider for Retail by SkillsFuture Singapore.
200,000+
Learners Trained
20
Years of Excellence
15+
Industry Partners
6
Course Categories
Strategic Industry Partners
Course Portfolio Analysis
6 major categories covering the full retail skills spectrum
4 WSQ Certification Programs
Formal qualifications in retail with diplomas and certificates
High Priority
WSQ Certification Programs
Formal qualifications in retail with diplomas and certificates
5 Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
Practical skills for online business and digital engagement
Critical Priority
Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
Practical skills for online business and digital engagement
4 AI, Technology & Innovation
Emerging tech skills for the AI era
Critical Priority
AI, Technology & Innovation
Emerging tech skills for the AI era
5 Critical Core Skills
Essential soft skills and leadership development
High Priority
Critical Core Skills
Essential soft skills and leadership development
5 Masterclasses & Custom Programs
Advanced learning and corporate solutions
Medium Priority
Masterclasses & Custom Programs
Advanced learning and corporate solutions
5 Career Transition Programs
Workforce development and career pathways
High Priority
Career Transition Programs
Workforce development and career pathways
Learner Demographics
Understanding the adult learner profile for targeted program design
Learner Segments
Seeking career transitions or upskilling in digital areas
Front-line staff to managers across all retail levels
SME owners and aspiring online business starters
Polytechnic/ITE graduates entering retail field
Singapore Workforce AI Readiness
24%
Nurturing creative and innovative abilities
27%
Strengthening project management skills
22%
Upskilling in programming and AI literacy
53%
Willing to reskill proactively for AI
Source: Vulcan Post, 2024 - JobStreet Research
AI-Era Skills Roadmap
Critical competencies for retail professionals in the age of AI
Technical Skills
Cognitive Skills
Human Skills
Key Insight: Hybrid Skillset Required
The AI era demands a hybrid skillset - tech literacy (AI, data, digital platforms) paired with higher-order cognitive and social skills. Workers must be comfortable working with AI as a collaborator while excelling at uniquely human aspects of retail: creativity, empathy, and complex judgment.
Competitive Landscape
Market positioning and differentiation opportunities
| Competitor | Focus Areas | SIRS Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| SMU Academy | AI in Marketing, Generative AI, AI for Entrepreneurs | Niche down to retail-specific AI applications |
| NTUC LearningHub | AI Academy, Prompt Engineering, Human skills that complement AI | Integrate AI ethics and responsible AI use |
| Polytechnics | Work-Study Programs, Industry partnerships | Leverage existing industry network for specialized programs |
Strategic Recommendations & Costing
Investment priorities for AI-era curriculum development
1 Expand AI Course Portfolio
Add AI in Customer Service, AI in Supply Chain, Prompt Engineering for Retail Marketing
High Impact
Expand AI Course Portfolio
Add AI in Customer Service, AI in Supply Chain, Prompt Engineering for Retail Marketing
2 Integrate Cofounder OS Platform
Deploy as learning sandbox for project-based learning and productivity skills
High Impact
Integrate Cofounder OS Platform
Deploy as learning sandbox for project-based learning and productivity skills
3 Develop Micro-Learning Content
Bite-sized modules for busy working adults, mobile-accessible
Medium-High Impact
Develop Micro-Learning Content
Bite-sized modules for busy working adults, mobile-accessible
4 Launch AI Ethics & Sustainability Track
Responsible AI use, data privacy, green retail practices
Medium Impact
Launch AI Ethics & Sustainability Track
Responsible AI use, data privacy, green retail practices
Total Strategic Investment (2026)
Combined budget for all recommended initiatives
$340K - $550K
High confidence ROI
Cofounder OS Integration
Position Cofounder OS as a strategic learning sandbox where adult learners apply knowledge to real-world-like projects. Features project management, knowledge sharing, and AI-assisted productivity - mirroring how entrepreneurs operate.
Key Benefits
- - Hands-on project-based learning
- - 21st-century productivity skills
- - Personalized learning journey
- - Alumni network & continuous engagement
Strategic Positioning
- - Tech-enabled learning differentiation
- - Modern brand positioning
- - Blended learning enhancement
- - Learner retention improvement
Sources & References
All data and insights are backed by verified sources
SIRS Official Website
https://www.sirs.edu.sg/
SIRS General Information
https://www.sirs.edu.sg/about-sirs/general-information
SIRS Funded Programmes
https://www.sirs.edu.sg/government-schemes-and-subsidies/funded-programmes
Vulcan Post - Skills for AI Era
https://vulcanpost.com/876133/singaporeans-navigating-ai-industry-skills-jobs/
NTUC - AI Impact on Jobs
https://www.ntuc.org.sg/uportal/news/How-AI-will-affect-jobs-in-Singapore-and-what-NTUC-is-doing-to-help-workers/
RetailWire - AI in Retail Work
https://retailwire.com/discussion/ai-front-line-retail/
SMU Academy - AI Courses
https://academy.smu.edu.sg/ai-courses-singapore
Straits Times - Skills Training
https://www.sirs.edu.sg/resources/news-and-trends/national-retail-initiatives/the-straits-times-skills-training-must-evolve-to-keep-workforce-resilient