GfK Singapore and Singapore Opticianry Practitioners sign MOU agreement

Sep 11 2009

GfK Singapore and the Singapore Opticianry Practitioners (SOP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a better understanding of the rapidly changing optical retail market in Singapore.

Through GfK's comprehensive research program and sophisticated tracking services, the SOP, which was established in 2006, will be equipped with the latest optical market trends, paving a significant move forward in providing the products and services needed to expand the optical industry in Singapore. As an Optometrists and Opticians Board (OOB) accredited Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provider, SOP has been actively collaborating with educational institutes as well as health authorities in conducting courses and seminars for opticians. Through this latest venture with GfK Singapore, SOP aims to further its high standards of ethical conduct.

According to the President of SOP, Mr. Steve Lim while providing opportunities to its members and advocating Corporate Social Responsibility through regular eye screening for members of the public remains a priority, but the industry must also learn to survive in a changing market landscape.

"Optical practitioners are currently facing challenges understanding the changing consumer buying behaviour and competing with new entrants to the market and the rapid expansion of large chain stores. This collaboration with GfK Singapore is a timely move as we need to have a better view of our industry. This is now possible with GfK's reliable tracking capabilities and the very latest data on the Singapore optics market. Apart from providing the best products and services required, this partnership is crucial in allowing us to plan our business models to accommodate today's sophisticated consumer market," said Mr Lim.

GfK Asia Regional Commercial Director, Mr. Stanley Kee, said with the current upbeat performance in the Singapore economy, members of the SOP association will benefit from information that highlights the gaps in the current optics market.

"This MOU will enable SOP to provide their members with information from a business centric perspective. More importantly, both SOP and GfK will set a platform of co-operation, supporting each other in mutually beneficial programs including seminars. Globally, GfK has been monitoring the optical products marketplace since 1995 and supports the industry in numerous ways and this latest partnership with SOP affirms GfK's dedication to the industry," said Mr Kee.

This latest partnership will add and build on existing partnerships GfK Asia established in other Asian markets, including Korea, Malaysia and China, where the company has set up partnerships with KOA -- Korea Optical Association, MAPO -- Malaysia Association of Practicing Opticians, SOOA -- Shanghai Optometric and Optical Association, respectively.

Source: http://www.gfkrt.com