Speech by Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling at the Singapore Retailers Association 25th Retail Awards Gala Dinner
3 July 2026
Introduction
Good evening. I am delighted to join you tonight as we celebrate the 25th SRA Retail Awards. This evening, we also launch the Singapore Retail Festival 2026. These two significant events reflect the strength and continued vibrancy of Singapore’s retail sector.
The 25th SRA Retail Awards recognise retailers and retail leaders who have contributed to the sector’s growth and transformation. Singapore Retail Festival 2026 showcases the dynamism of our retail sector and celebrates the joy and excitement of shopping.
Transformation and Capability-Building/Development
Retail today goes beyond just sales. It is also about creating meaningful experiences - from physical stores and hands-on activities, to digital platforms, social commerce, and community-building events. Retailers who thrive are those who can engage customers wherever they are, tell compelling brand stories, and foster memorable connections beyond the purchase. It is about bringing several touchpoints together into a seamless and engaging retail experience. Every customer interaction is a chance to deepen customer relationships, build loyalty, and create lasting value.
25th Singapore Retail Awards
This year’s 25th SRA Retail Awards shine a spotlight on both emerging areas of growth and transformation and the people driving them. The “Best Livestream Retailer of the Year” recognises how retailers are using livestreaming creatively to engage customers, strengthen brand connection, and achieve strong commercial outcomes.
Even as we celebrate new capabilities and business models, we also honour those who have shaped Singapore’s retail sector over the years. This year’s Awards include the “Lifetime Outstanding Achievement Award”. It recognises a business leader who has delivered sustained success, built and scaled multiple retail ventures, and raised the bar for retail excellence in Singapore.
Together, tonight’s awardees remind us what it takes to thrive in today’s evolving retail landscape - innovation, resilience, and a strong commitment to excellence. Their achievements reflect hard work, adaptability, and their passion and belief in the future of retail. I hope their stories will inspire more retailers to embrace change, innovate boldly, and seize new opportunities for growth.
Singapore Retail Festival 2026
We are also here to celebrate the launch of the Singapore Retail Festival (SRF) 2026, which will be held from 4th to 26th July. More than a festival, SRF blends physical experiences, community engagement, and social commerce to create meaningful customer journeys.
Supported by Enterprise Singapore, this year’s festival will feature a physical hub at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza with three uniquely themed weekends. This weekend, families and pet owners can enjoy pet-friendly experiences, including light grooming and pet photography. There will also be booths offering a wide range of pet-related lifestyle products. Next weekend, from 10th to 12th July, gamers and avid collectors can look forward to an exciting Pokémon TCG Card Tournament and Cosplay competition. To round off the series, the festival’s final weekend from 17th to 19th July will feature the Singapore debut pop-up of South Korean K-pop Superstar G-Dragon’s iconic 818 BLOOM merchandise. This will be presented alongside other curated lifestyle and wellness booths.
Shoppers can discover new brands, enjoy hands-on activities, and be part of a retail experience that goes beyond shopping. Daily livestreaming sessions will also bring the festival’s energy to online audiences. Hunt the Mouse, an online-to-offline gamification campaign, will further extend the festival experience across the entire Orchard precinct.
Closing Remarks
With more interactive and curated offerings, I am confident that our retail sector will continue to add vibrancy to our precincts. It will also strengthen Singapore’s appeal as a lifestyle destination. Beyond its economic contribution, retail shapes the everyday experiences of Singaporeans. It creates welcoming places where families and communities can shop, dine, and spend time together. The government will continue to work with the retail sector to strengthen and support its transformation. We will also continue to support a pro-family environment in a vibrant retail sector that serves the needs of Singaporean families and communities.
On behalf of MTI and Enterprise Singapore, I would like to thank SRA, the council, sponsors, and partners for your continued commitment to growing Singapore’s retail sector.
My heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners. Your achievements reflect the resilience, innovation, and dedication of Singapore’s retail community.
I wish everyone a wonderful evening and a successful Singapore Retail Festival 2026 ahead. Thank you.
