10 Business Lessons in Love Intelligence
By Andy Ng, Speaker Trainer, Author of Love
Intelligence and 爱的智慧
In the age of AI, automation, and
algorithm-driven businesses, something interesting is happening in Singapore.
One supermarket chain continues to win the
hearts of ordinary people.
Not because it has the most glamorous
stores.
Not because it sells luxury imported products.
But because people trust it.
That company is Sheng Siong.
Many businesses today compete using
technology, scale, or marketing budgets.
Sheng Siong competes using something far more powerful.
Human
understanding.
In my work researching businesses that
succeed over the long term, I study a concept called Love Intelligence (LQ).
Love Intelligence does not mean emotional
softness.
It means understanding people deeply and
creating value for everyone in the ecosystem — customers, employees,
suppliers, partners, government, and society.
When I studied Sheng Siong, I realised
something fascinating.
Without necessarily calling it that, Sheng
Siong practices many principles of Love Intelligence in business.
Here are 10 reasons why Sheng Siong
continues to win the trust of Singaporeans.
1. They Serve Real People, Not Just
Market Segments
Many supermarkets chase premium branding.
Sheng Siong chose a different path.
They serve the heartland families of
Singapore.
Fresh fish. Fresh vegetables. Affordable
daily necessities.
This is Love Intelligence in action.
Real care starts with understanding real
needs.
2. They Understand the Pain of Rising
Living Costs
When inflation rises, businesses often
raise prices.
Sheng Siong has repeatedly introduced
measures such as discounts and affordable house brands.
This signals something powerful.
"We know life is not easy. We stand
with you."
That builds trust.
3. They Combine Wet Market Warmth with
Supermarket Efficiency
Customers can buy: fresh seafood, fresh vegetables, dry
groceries, household goods, etc All in one place.
This is not just convenience.
It reflects deep understanding of how
Asian families actually shop.
Love Intelligence always begins with
understanding behaviour.
4. Their Staff Feel Human, Not Robotic
Visit a Sheng Siong outlet and you will
notice something.
Many staff members are friendly, familiar,
and approachable.
Customers feel like they are interacting
with people, not systems.
In an AI age, this human touch becomes a
competitive advantage.
5. They Take Care of Employees
Sheng Siong is known for rewarding
employees, recognising long service, and investing in training.
When employees feel respected, something
magical happens.
They treat customers better.
This is a simple equation:
Care for employees → Care for customers.
6. They Run an Extremely Efficient
Backend
Behind the friendly stores is a highly
disciplined operation.
Centralised distribution, food safety
systems, processing facilities, supply chain efficiency
Love Intelligence is not just about
kindness.
It is about competence combined with
care.
7. They Treat Suppliers as Long-Term
Partners
Many retailers squeeze suppliers for the
lowest price.
Sheng Siong focuses on long-term
collaboration and ethical standards.
They work with suppliers on standards,
capability building, and operational improvements.
That builds a healthy ecosystem.
In Love Intelligence, we call this Connection.
8. They Work Well with Government
In Singapore, responsible businesses
cooperate with national priorities.
Sheng Siong integrates initiatives such as:
CDC vouchers, food safety regulations, SME capability programs, community
initiatives
This creates trust not only with customers,
but also with institutions.
9. They Contribute to Society
Beyond business, Sheng Siong actively
supports:
community programmes, low-income families, charitable
initiatives, migrant worker support
Their philosophy can be summarised simply:
A good business must also be a good
neighbour.
10. They Grow with Discipline
Some companies expand aggressively and
collapse.
Sheng Siong expands carefully.
New stores are opened with strong demand.
Supply chains are strengthened before scaling.
This reflects long-term thinking.
And long-term thinking is a hallmark of
responsible leadership.
The Hidden Secret: Relationship Capital
When we step back, something becomes clear.
Sheng Siong did not succeed only because of
pricing or logistics.
They succeeded because they built relationship
capital.
Customers trust them.
Suppliers respect them.
Employees stay loyal.
Communities appreciate them.
That is the true power of Love
Intelligence.
The Leadership Question
In today's AI world, many companies are
becoming more efficient but less human.
The real challenge is not technology. The
real challenge is this:
How do we grow a business without losing
our humanity?
Sheng Siong may already hold part of the
answer.
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