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Case Study

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

By Marleen Dieleman, Yunfei Feng and Yu Jing Gan

19 pages

January 2025

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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

Available Languages

English

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