Case Study

Sheng Siong Supermarket in Singapore: A unique values-based advantage?

19 pages
January 2025
Reference: IMD-7-2589

Founded by Lim Hock Chee in 1985, Sheng Siong has evolved from a humble grocery store into a leading supermarket chain in Singapore, renowned for its cost-effective pricing and commitment to customer satisfaction. Mr Lim’s unique philosophy, which emphasizes self-cultivation, perseverance and positivity, has been instrumental in shaping Sheng Siong’s culture and driving its success. Under his guidance, Sheng Siong has grown to over 74 stores, expanded into China and embraced digital innovation while staying true to its heartland roots. However, with evolving consumer behavior and increasing competition from online platforms, Sheng Siong faces new challenges. Can Mr Lim’s philosophy continue to inspire innovation and guide Sheng Siong toward sustained growth and success in the future?

Learning Objective
  • Examine the link between founders’ values and company practices: By closely looking at the case, participants will see how the founders’ personal beliefs have become part of the company’s way of doing things.
  • Understand the benefits of a values-based culture: Participants will see how the company’s culture, built on the founders’ values, gives it a special advantage.
  • Assess the risks of relying too much on founders’ values: Although the founders’ values have helped the company thrive, participants will also explore the dangers of depending too heavily on just one set of values.
  • Recognize the special strengths of family businesses: By comparing the case study with non-family businesses, participants will obtain a clear picture of the unique benefits family-owned companies enjoy.
Keywords
Family Business, Customer Centricity, Leadership, Founder, Organizational Values, Impact, Organizational Culture
Settings
Asia, Singapore
Sheng Siong Group, Consumer Services, Retail
1985-2023
Type
Field Research
Copyright
© 2025
Available Languages
English
Related material
Teaching note
Case clearing houses
IMD case studies are distributed through case clearing houses. In order to browse the collection and purchase copies please visit the links below.

The Case Centre

Cranfield University

Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]

Harvard Business School Publishing

60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]

Asia Pacific Case Center

NUCB Business School

1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Discover our latest research
IMD's faculty and research teams publish articles, case studies, books and reports on a wide range of topics