APEX hails new breed of retail sales professionals

MANILA, Philippines - The Academy for Professional Excellence or APEX, the Philippines’ first and only innovative continuing education and training institution in retailing, held its first graduation ceremony last Oct. 24 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Since it started operations in April 2011, the academy has trained and developed almost 1,000 retail professionals.

Jerry Sy, executive director for importation and construction of stores and offices of the Primer Group of Companies and the event’s major sponsor, delivered the keynote address.

His story inspired everyone to pursue their dreams with passion, discipline, and courage to take responsibility for the results.

Sy also emphasized the importance of valuing oneself and utilizing one’s talents as important factors toward success.

The president and CEO of the Primer Group of Companies, Jimmy Thai, also took the chance to congratulate its graduates whom he called the company’s business partners.

He said, “You are business people more than just sales associates or customer service professionals.  This country needs more people like you.”

Jacky Quintos, chief operating officer of the Primer Group of Companies, in his closing remarks, encouraged the graduates to spread the word on how APEX has helped them not only how to sell better and become retail professionals but also how to manage their lives well.

Also on hand to witness the event were Ralph Funtila, vice president for human resources and administration, and Jona Ang, assistant vice president for human resources and administration, both of the Primer Group of Companies; and Maan Palabrica, APEX Academy director.

APEX offers training and development programs designed around relevant competencies required of retail professionals from entry-level to managers building industry-specific competencies and character.

Its out-of-the-box and interactive training approaches ensure total learning immersion experience. 

APEX provides real-life training environment that result in immediate application of acquired knowledge and skills and guaranteed employability after graduation.