Singapore Management University (SMU) and LVMH have established a five-year strategic partnership via the new LVMH-SMU Asia Luxury Brand Research Initiative, which aims to produce and deliver independent and high quality academic research dedicated to the luxury brand sector and the Asian market.

Jointly led by LVMH and SMU, and operated through SMU’s Centre for Marketing Excellence, the LVMH-SMU Asia Luxury Brand Research Initiative is expected to benefit SMU, LVMH and Singapore.

In particular, the Initiative aims to produce independent and high quality academic research through the involvement of a panel of faculty experts and students in a range of activities including case studies, research projects, publications and executive education.  It will promote collaborative research interactions by bringing together researchers, practitioners and students through academic and practitioner seminars, conferences and visiting professorship.  The joint research initiative will also develop a pool of talents by giving students the opportunity to develop strong working knowledge of the luxury industry and to engage in authentic research experiences, as well as by providing internships and career opportunities within the luxury sector.

[Photo: Professor Howard Thomas, Dean of SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business; Professor Srinivas K Reddy, Academic Director of SMU Centre for Marketing Excellence; Professor Arnoud De Meyer, SMU President; Mr Nauman Hasan, Executive Vice President Group Coordination and HR, LVMH South & South East Asia and Australia; and Professor Rajendra Srivastava, SMU Provost & Deputy President (Academic Affairs)

Professor Arnoud De Meyer, President of SMU, said, “Being a premier Asian University for the world of business and management, SMU values collaboration opportunities with the industry.  We are proud to partner with LVMH through the LVMH-SMU Asia Luxury Brand Research Initiative.  The partnership is important for both SMU and Singapore.  I’m deeply convinced that we can learn much from the joint research – not only will the first-hand research data help us better understand the strategic aspects of luxury markets and consumers in Asia, the knowledge gained from this research can also benefit Singapore’s retail sector.”

The research collaboration with SMU is LVMH Group’s first such partnership with a local university in Asia.  It illustrates the Group’s long term commitment to Singapore and exemplifies the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region as a region of quality and great potential.

Mrs Chantal Gaemperle, Group Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Synergies, LVMH said: “As a Group, we are constantly striving for collaborations and on the lookout for great talent.  With SMU’s international reach, recognition for its world-class research and distinguished teaching, we believe that SMU is the perfect partner to produce and deliver high quality academic research dedicated to the luxury sector and the Asian market.  This Agreement also exemplifies the growing importance of Singapore and our strong commitment in developing a pool of talent in this region.”

[Photo: (L-R) Mr Nauman Hasan and Professor Rajendra Srivastava at the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony held in Singapore.]
 
Mr Nauman Hasan, Executive Vice President Group Coordination and HR, LVMH South & South East Asia and Australia, said, “This partnership is not only a significant step forward in further enhancing our research capabilities in Asia but also signifies our long term commitment to Singapore and South East Asia.”
 
About LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
 
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Château Cheval Blanc, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Wen Jun, Belvedere, 10 Cane, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Cape Mentelle, Newton et Numanthia. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Céline, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, Nicholas Kirkwood and Loro Piana. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other promising cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh). LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, la Samaritaine and Royal Van Lent. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Diamond Jewellers Ltd, a joint venture created with the world’s leading diamond group.

[Featured Photo: (L-R) SMU President, Professor Arnoud De Meyer, and Mr Nauman Hasan, Executive Vice President Group Coordination and HR, LVMH South & South East Asia and Australia.]