Over 50 retailers lauded for excellence and workforce transformation

Maxi-Cash, BHG, FairPrice, Uniqlo among recipients of awards in various categories

- Annabelle Liang

Workforce Transformation Award at the Singapore Retailers Association gala night on Sept 25. At the ceremony were (from left) Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, Aspial human resource director Jocelyn Chan, Aspial assistant finance director Oh Kwok Fon and Workforce Singapore CEO Dilys Boey. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

(AZMI ATHNI)

Valuing jewellery was once a task that could be entrusted only to specialist employees at pawnbroker Maxi-Cash.

They spent about 10 minutes determining whether an item was genuine, relying on decades of experience and authenticity tests.

Now, the company has deployed scanning machines that can almost instantly determine the presence of precious metals. It plans to train all sales associates at its 47 outlets across the country to authenticate everything from a necklace to a ring.

The technology has already reduced the risk of counterfeits and shortened customer wait times, said Ms Jocelyn Chan, director of human resources and business excellence at Aspial Corporation, which owns Maxi-Cash.

It has also helped in the retention of employees, especially younger staff.

“This expanded scope of work allows sales associates to perform higher-value roles, increasing their earning potential. It also provides a pathway to career development as they possess more skills to take on larger responsibilities,” said Ms Chan.

Maxi-Cash received the Workforce Transformation Award, which was presented at the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) gala night on Sept 25.