FairPrice Group to uplift over 1,000 workers in the wholesale trade and retail sector as SkillFuture Queen Bee

After successfully transforming its Benoi Distribution Centre (BNDC), FairPrice Group (FPG) is now extending its expertise to help about 100 SMEs in its supplier network embark on their own transformation journeys.

FPG has been appointed as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, after signing on 29 October 2025 a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NTUC and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) at FairPrice Hub.

With this appointment, FPG will seek to enhance the capabilities of these SME suppliers in areas such as skills development, business advisory, and safety promotion.

Over 1,000 SME workers are expected to benefit from this collaboration, which will help boost their skills in areas such as automation, leadership development, and workplace safety.

More importantly, workers will also be able to benefit from better wages, improved career development plans, or even greater skills allowances.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who witnessed the signing, shared that while FPG plays a vital role in uplifting communities and ensuring access to affordable essentials, the MOU would also help FPG strengthen its supplier network and drive transformation across the wholesale trade and retail sectors.

“As the sector evolves with the rise of AI and automation, NTUC will help our workers adapt to these changes and equip them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the future economy,” he said.

The FPG SkillsFuture Queen Bee MOU was signed by (front row left to right) NTUC Director Toh Hwee Tin, FPG Human Resources Senior Director Sylvia Lai, and SSG Group Director of Communications and Engagement Group Tan Tow Koon.

Combining FPG’s industry expertise with NTUC’s training solutions

Recognising that workplace safety, work predictability, and operational efficiency are common challenges across the wholesale trade and retail sector, FPG aims to share and transfer its proven best practices to its network of suppliers.

Meanwhile, NTUC can also engage FPG and its network of suppliers to develop a sector-wide Operations Technology Roadmap (OTR). The initiative will help identify common pain points to create targeted, scalable interventions such as customised training solutions.

These solutions can be co-developed with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and may also qualify as transformation projects supported by the Company Training Committee (CTC) Grant.

Suppliers can subsequently embark on projects that enhance both worker and business outcomes.

Those eligible for CTC Grants may be covered up to 70 per cent of the qualifying costs of the transformation projects.

FairPrice Group’s CTC success

FairPrice Group embarked on a CTC Grant project in 2024 to upskill its workers at the BNDC.

The project led to BNDC’s transition into an integrated automated distribution centre, and workers were equipped with the skills to meet evolving operational demands.

Following a 12-week workforce transformation, BNDC successfully standardised over 60 processes, strengthened internal communications, and implemented enhanced workplace safety protocols.

FPG also said that these outcomes were achieved through a ground-up approach, empowering experienced workers to lead change by sharing knowledge and transferring skills to peers through workshops and on-the-floor coaching.

The move fostered a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, while also building confidence and leadership capabilities among workers, FPG added.

Together, these improvements laid the foundation for a more agile and efficient workforce, with productivity gains passed on to workers through wage increases and a more structured career plan.

Driving sectoral transformation through tripartism

FPG is the first tripartite Queen Bee appointed in the wholesale trade and retail sector.

The initiative aligns closely with the national SkillsFuture movement, promoting continuous learning and workforce resilience across various sectors.

SkillsFuture Singapore Chief Executive Tan Kok Yam said: “We are pleased to welcome FairPrice Group as our newest SkillsFuture Queen Bee. Leveraging their extensive network and deep industry expertise, FairPrice Group will enable us to connect with more SMEs across the Wholesale Trade and Retail sectors.

“Through this tripartite partnership with NTUC and FPG, we seek to empower SMEs with the capabilities they need to thrive, and to build a more resilient and skilled workforce.”

FPG CEO Vipul Chawla added that the Group’s purpose extends beyond its business operations.

He said: “Our commitment as Singapore's largest retailer extends far beyond our aisles. As an NTUC impact business and now a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, we are uniting our partners and suppliers to champion industry transformation and growth.”

Mr Vipul added that FPG aims to drive broader change by sharing its experience and resources to create clearer career pathways and better job prospects across the retail sector.

“We do this because our purpose is simple: to make every day better for all in Singapore, securing a resilient supply chain and a brighter, more fulfilling professional future for our people,” he said.

Find out more about NTUC’s Company Training Committee initiative now.