We are excited to feature Low Ngai Yuen, Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer at AEON, in our Speaker Interview series. With extensive experience in retail, global sourcing, and marketing, Low Ngai is a dynamic leader driving innovation at AEON. She is passionate about integrating technology with retail, enhancing customer engagement, and building sustainable ecosystems. At the Global Virtual MarTech Summit on 19 February 2025, she will join the Panel Discussion | [Data Integration] Connecting the Dots for a Unified Customer View, where she will share her expertise on data-driven marketing strategies, AI-powered personalisation, and the future of retailtainment.
About AEON
AEON is a leading retail group headquartered in Japan, operating a diverse range of businesses, including supermarkets, shopping malls, convenience stores, financial services, and e-commerce. With a strong presence across Asia, AEON is known for its customer-centric approach, high-quality products, and commitment to sustainability. The company continues to expand its footprint, offering innovative retail experiences and enhancing communities through its extensive network of stores and services.
Quick Q&A with Low Ngai Yuen
Could you please give us a quick introduction of yourself?
I’m Low Ngai Yuen, and I like to think of myself as a professional juggler—not in the circus sense (though some days feel that way), but in the art of managing retail, global sourcing, products development from foodline, softline to hardline; and marketing at AEON. As Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer, I balance innovation with the sheer joy of making customers happy. There is also ecosystem building that I am very excited about, and occasionally, I also have to convince people that retail is far from dead—it’s just evolving at breakneck speed.
Why did you choose to participate in this summit?
Because saying no to a MarTech summit is like refusing free WiFi—unthinkable! More seriously, I believe that marketing and technology are like peanut butter and chocolate—great on their own but game-changing when combined. The chance to exchange ideas, steal (I mean, borrow) insights, and discuss the future of retail with brilliant minds is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
What is the one MarTech decision you made in 2024 that you’re most proud of?
In 2024, we made many plans for MarTech use in the future e.g, an upcoming loyalty program from just “earn and burn” into a full-blown engagement engine. Instead of just rewarding spending, we created a playground where customers could interact, contribute, and shape their own retail experience— gamification, personalised perks, and AI-driven customer journeys. It’s like turning a supermarket trip into a mini adventure. Also, what we have done and piloted in 2024 is using the platform of AEON Fashion Preview (AFP) into a digital-first retailtainment event where influencers and KOLs play a role in driving product desirability, with some live interactions to boost conversion rates.
In the upcoming AFP’s February 2025 edition, we will host TikTok live sessions with exclusive Seloka Raya promotions, giveaways and real-time customer interactions. Let’s see the responses from viewers on whether they are keen to shop directly from the livestream, meant to blend entertainment with instant gratification. We are definitely about driving higher engagement rates, studying the efficacy of conversion-driven content and expanding the digital shopping footprint.
How do you see AI and automation shaping the future of data integration and customer personalisation in retail?
AI and automation are like personal shoppers who actually know what you want—before you do! We’re moving beyond “people who bought this also bought that” to predictive models that understand customer moods, seasonal behaviours, and even the likelihood of impulse purchases (because, let’s be real, we all have those moments). Imagine walking into a store (or opening an app) where the deals, products, and recommendations feel eerily perfect—that’s AI-driven personalisation at its finest.
The future? AI will predict when you’re this close to running out of your favourite shampoo and gently nudge you with a timely promo. Or better yet, send it straight to your doorstep. Convenience, thy name is automation.
What upcoming developments in your industry are you most eager to explore? What trends or shifts in the market are you most looking forward to this year, and how do you plan to stay ahead of the curve?
Three things excite me:
- Retailtainment & Livestream Commerce – If TikTok has taught us anything, it’s that shopping needs to be entertaining. We’re bringing that energy into AEON with live commerce, interactive in-store experiences, and digital storytelling that makes customers feel like they’re part of something bigger.
- Hyper-Personalisation via AI – We’re going from “spray-and-pray” marketing to precision-guided customer engagement. This means AI-driven campaigns that hit the right person at the right time—without being creepy. (Well, too creepy.)
- Sustainable & Conscious Consumption – Today’s customers want more than just products; they want purpose. I’m excited to push forward sustainable retail initiatives, ensuring we don’t just sell things, but also values that matter.
How do I stay ahead of the curve? By never assuming we know everything. We ask questions, experiment (a lot), and, when in doubt, let data (and a little bit of gut instinct) lead the way. And, of course, I attend summits like this—because the best way to predict the future is to build it together.
A huge thank you to Low Ngai Yuen for sharing her valuable insights! Her forward-thinking approach to retail and marketing highlights how brands can leverage technology to enhance customer experiences and drive business growth. Don’t miss her session at the Global Virtual MarTech Summit on 19 February 2025, where she will dive deeper into the role of AI in streamlining data management, retailtainment, and the future of digital commerce!
Join Us Now!
We are looking forward to meeting you Virtually on 19 February 2025!
➡ Get free tickets now! https://themartechsummit.com/global-virtual-summit-february#registration
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Last updated: February 2025
