Working at Sheng Siong Group: Company History, Culture, Benefits, and Leadership

Sheng Siong Group received the Plaque of Commendation at the NTUC May Day Awards 2023 in acknowledgment of its steadfast commitment to employee welfare and provision of competitive wages. In this article from Aniday, let's discover about working at Sheng Siong Group Singapore: Company History, Culture, Benefits, and Leadership. 

General Information

Sheng Siong Group Ltd. oversees a Singaporean supermarket chain with 68 outlets, offering a variety of wet and dry shopping options. The company provides fresh produce, processed food, toiletries, and household items through its 23 house brands, totaling over 1,600 products. 

Beginning as a modest provision shop in Ang Mo Kio, Sheng Siong has evolved into a leading retailer in Singapore, now boasting over 60 stores across the island and employing more than 3,500 individuals.

Company History 

• Sheng Siong, founded by Mr. Lim Hock Chee and brothers, is a Singaporean supermarket chain.

• Started in 1985 with a single shophouse, it has grown to 37 stores, mainly supermarkets, in Singapore.

• Initially focused on providing no-frills products, Sheng Siong accepted lower profit margins, employed fewer staff, and avoided in-house plastic bags to increase sales.

• Recognized as a top 500 retail enterprise in 2007 and the third-largest retailer in Singapore.

• Sheng Siong Group Ltd. has been publicly listed on the SGX (code: OV8) since August 17, 2011.

• Lim brothers, with a net worth of $545 million as of July 2014, ranked 45th on Forbes Singapore's 50 Richest list.

• In October 2013, Sheng Siong received the Solar Pioneer Award for environmental efforts.

Milestones 

• 1985: First Sheng Siong outlet launched in Ang Mo Kio.

• 1988: Second outlet opened in Bedok.

• 1995: Expanded to a third outlet in Woodlands, the first supermarket offering both "wet and dry" shopping.

• 2003: Three-in-one wet/dry market, supermarket, and food court opened at Tekka Mall (now known as The Verge).

• 2007: Launched the "Sheng Siong Show" on Mediacorp Channel 8 & Toggle Live. Became the third-largest retailer in Singapore based on annual sales revenue from 2007 to 2013.

• 2011: New Headquarters cum Distribution Centre opened at Mandai Link. Sheng Siong Group Limited listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange.

Company Culture 

Sheng Siong’s culture fosters, aids, and elevates each employee, guaranteeing competitive wages, comprehensive welfare, and appreciation for their contributions.

The remarkable commitment of Sheng Siong Group to employee well-being was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Plaque of Commendation at the NTUC May Day Awards 2023. This recognition attests to their steadfast dedication to their employees' welfare and the positive influence they have on their lives.

Leading by Example

CEO Lim Hock Chee, 62, who believes in leading by example. Dressed like his staff, he actively participates in daily tasks and emphasizes: “Here at Sheng Siong, there are no superiors. All of us are employees. The success we enjoy today is the result of our collective efforts.”

• Sheng Siong supports employees' children’s education with a tailored allowance scheme based on each child's educational level.

• The company provides assistance to employees experiencing financial difficulties, with a focus on supporting single parents.

• These initiatives underscore Sheng Siong's commitment to the well-being of its employees and the support of their families.

Fair Compensation

• Sheng Siong leads in fair compensation through the early adoption of the Retail Progressive Wage Model (PWM) to raise basic salaries.

• The acceleration of the implementation allows workers to receive higher wages within the first year, demonstrating the company's commitment to employees' financial well-being.

• Lifelong learning is a core value; Sheng Siong invests in employee education by sending them for courses to acquire new skills.

• This commitment empowers the workforce with knowledge and skills, ensuring adaptability and success in the dynamic industry.

Hand-on Approach

• The CEO displayed hands-on leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering unwavering support to his team.

• He emphasized the importance of the team's ability to cover for each other, especially in tasks aligned with their expertise.

• This hands-on approach showcases the CEO'ss dedication and highlights the unity within the company during challenging times.

A family-like working environment 

• Sheng Siong fosters a family-like work environment beyond financial support and leadership.

• Staff members express gratitude for the company's understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic, including two salary increases.

• Sheng Siong's commitment goes beyond the workplace; employees share personal interactions, such as attending weddings and discussing permanent residency, showcasing genuine care.

• The company's continuous efforts create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.

• Sheng Siong's story serves as a global inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of valuing employees and achieving success through a culture of care and support.

Employee benefits 

• Salary: High base salaries based on roles, responsibilities, and market benchmarks.

• Bonuses: Performance bonuses based on individual or company performance (up to 16 months bonus), Monthly bonus, Pre-Distributed Bonus, Balance Bonus

• Employee Benefits: Hospitalization insurance coverage, Health Screening.

• Retirement and Savings: Employee Savings or Retirement Plans. 

• Leave Policies: Annual leave, sick leave

• Employee Recognition: Recognition programs or awards for outstanding performance.

• Free Lunch 

Company Leadership

• Lim Hock Eng - Executive Chairman: Hock Eng Lim is the founder of Sheng Siong Group Ltd. and Sheng Siong Supermarket Pte Ltd. Currently, the­ role of Executive Chairman at She­ng Siong Group Ltd. is served by him. He's also the­ Chairman of Sheng Siong Supermarket Pte­ Ltd., a branch of Sheng Siong Group Ltd. 

• Lim Hock Chee - Chief Executive Officer : The chief office­r, Lim Hock Chee, heads She­ng Siong Group. Listed on the mainboard, he bagge­d the "Best CEO" award. He triumphe­d in the category where­ companies valued from $300 million to just under $1 billion. The­ award ceremony was the Singapore­ Corporate Awards.

• Lim Hock Leng - Managing Director: managing director and co-founder of Sheng Siong.

In Summary 

In summary, Sheng Siong's culture is centered on elevating every employee, providing competitive wages, comprehensive welfare, and recognizing their contributions.This story serves as a global inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of valuing employees and fostering a culture of care and support. Aniday hopes that after reading this article, you gain insight into Working at Sheng Siong Group Singapore: Company History, Culture, Benefits, and Leadership.