SMU, NUS and A*STAR will be involved in setting up of the Retail Centre of Excellence by DFS Venture, EDB and SPRING Singapore. Singapore will be the first to set up a centre which focuses on the development of its retail industry.and conducts studies on consumers, branding and marketing, as well as product development. The initiative will help Singapore attract, develop and retain regional talents in the retail field. The two universities will be conducting joint research and develop programmes to nurture retail professionals.