ASIA PACIFIC. The Duty Free World Council (DFWC) Academy China will be formally launched at TFWA Asia Pacific in Singapore next week.
In recognition of the importance of the Chinese duty free market, all Academy courses will be available in Mandarin, in addition to English and Spanish, from 8 May 2023.
In partnership with Amberich International (HK) Ltd and Ceventas Pty Ltd, a platform has been created through which students can enrol and access DFWC Academy courses in Mandarin, and which will provide support in Mandarin where needed.
The DFWC noted: “The lack of availability of highly trained staff is a constraint on development in the duty and tax free market in some areas in China. The creation of the DFWCA China platform is a major step to help address this challenge.
“DFWC Academy courses are intended to complement retailers and brands’ in-house training programmes. The flagship Certificate in Duty Free and Travel Retail is designed primarily for frontline retail staff and provides a holistic overview of the global industry, the specific characteristics of the channel, and deep insights into shoppers’ expectations and behaviours.”
DFWC President Sarah Branquinho said, “This is an exciting development for the Council and the Academy, and is testimony to the Council’s commitment to raising industry standards globally. Attracting and retaining highly competent and motivated talent within our industry is critical to its long-term development and is a significant global challenge today. The provision of Academy courses in Mandarin will help address this challenge in the fast-growing Chinese market.”
Amberich ex-Managing Director Jason Cao, now the Ambassador of DFWC Academy China, stated: “We are very excited that the DFWC Academy China Certificate programme is officially launching in May at TFWA Singapore after one year of hard work. Amberich’s talent development team are proud to partner with the DFWC, in the creation of the DFWC Academy China learning platform.”
As reported, Cao was recently named Vice President of Global Consumer Boutique (Hainan) Trading Co, operator of Haikou-based travel retailer GDF Plaza.
A DFWC Academy information booth will be open at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore on 8-11 May.
For further information on the Academy and its courses please visit https://www.dfwc.academy, and for courses in Mandarin please visit http://www.dfwca.cn 
