Singapore’s retail sector is facing intensifying pressure. While nearly 90% of registered retail entities are locally owned, the rapid expansion of Chinese brands across F&B, fashion, beauty and lifestyle has sharpened competition in malls and prime retail spaces. But beyond brand visibility, the real strain lies in a cost environment and competitive model that increasingly rewards scale, speed and capital strength.

Dr Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, joins the Breakfast Show to examine whether this moment marks a passing competitive wave or a longer-term reset of Singapore’s retail landscape, and what it will take for local SMEs to stay resilient in a market that is evolving faster than ever.

Singapore&rsquo;s retail sector is facing intensifying pressure. While nearly 90% of registered retail entities are locally owned, the rapid expansion of Chinese brands across F&amp;B, fashion, beauty and lifestyle has sharpened competition in malls and prime retail spaces. But beyond brand visibility, the real strain lies in a cost environment and competitive model that increasingly rewards scale, speed and capital strength.
Dr Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, joins the Breakfast Show to examine whether this moment marks a passing competitive wave or a longer-term reset of Singapore&rsquo;s retail landscape, and what it will take for local SMEs to stay resilient in a market that is evolving faster than ever.

From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore — and your place in it.

Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

And it’s not just talk — it’s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let’s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore &mdash; and your place in it.
Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; and what&rsquo;s worth your attention.
And it&rsquo;s not just talk &mdash; it&rsquo;s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let&rsquo;s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.