AS Watson appoints 31 tech partners for AI retail push
Wed, 8th Jul 2026 (Today)
AS Watson has appointed 31 global strategic technology partners for the next stage of its AI-led O+O retail programme, including EY, Microsoft and Oracle.
The appointments are part of its Technology Partnership Programme, launched in 2017 and expanded from project delivery into a broader collaboration model across its international business.
AS Watson is increasing investment in technology, data and artificial intelligence as it looks to apply AI across customer engagement, digital commerce, operations, analytics and staff productivity, rather than limiting it to standalone projects.
It describes O+O as a model that links offline and online retail activity across stores and digital channels. The group operates more than 17,000 stores under 12 retail brands in 31 markets and employs 130,000 people globally.
Revenue for the 2025 fiscal year was more than USD $26 billion, according to AS Watson. Its O+O platforms serve more than 6 billion shoppers annually.
AI focus
Dr. Malina Ngai outlined how the retailer sees the technology shift across the business.
"AI is not a standalone technology layer. It is a core capability that runs across the organisation. Our priority is to use AI to remove friction, accelerate execution and help our people focus on creating value for customers. Our 31 global technology partners play a critical role in this journey. Together, we are combining data, technology and human judgement to build a more agile, scalable and future-ready organisation," said Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO, AS Watson.
The programme's stated priorities include AI-led automation, personalised O+O services, data and analytics, cyber resilience, technology platforms and productivity.
Several named partners described relationships that have developed over several years, suggesting the latest appointments formalise existing ties as much as they add new suppliers.
Willy Wong of EY said the work had expanded from digital customer tools and loyalty systems to broader business change.
"For many years, EY has been honoured to serve as AS Watson's trusted technology consultant. The journey has evolved from building state-of-the-art mobile experiences and loyalty programmes that connected markets across Asia and streamlined internal operations, to leveraging data, advanced analytics and AI to drive comprehensive business transformation today. It remains a privilege to witness this incredible growth firsthand and to have played a part in this shared success," said Willy Wong, Partner, Ernst & Young Advisory Services.
Oliver Wyman also pointed to a long-running relationship centred on data and retail operations.
"It has been a privilege to collaborate with AS Watson over the years to push the boundaries of innovation. Oliver Wyman combines agentic AI with advanced analytics and retail expertise to unlock the full power of data together with AS Watson teams. We look forward to further advancing AS Watson's O+O customer proposition to create connected, frictionless experiences for millions of shoppers worldwide," said Pedro Yip, Partner and Head of Consumer, Telco and Technology Practise (Asia Pacific), Oliver Wyman.
Partner network
Microsoft said its work with the retailer includes process changes linked to AI tools and software development support.
"Microsoft is honoured to partner closely with AS Watson in transforming the retail landscape. We are deeply committed to helping AS Watson co-invent new processes through the power of AI and the development of agentic platforms. By collaborating on these AI opportunities and leveraging innovative tools like GitHub Copilot, we look forward to empowering the next-generation retail experience together," said Kelvin Tse, Enterprise Sales Director, Microsoft Hong Kong.
Oracle said the relationship centres on platform redesign and process changes using its cloud systems.
"We are incredibly excited about this relationship with AS Watson, focusing not only on platform redesign but also on process optimisation. We look forward to delivering innovative solutions, incorporating AI and best practices to leverage the data within our cloud platform, ultimately enhancing the well-being of AS Watson's workforce," said Dora Lui, Senior Vice President, Customer Success Services, Oracle.
Other partners highlighted supply chains, security and store operations. Slimstock said the relationship has focused on product availability, while Akamai described a partnership that began with product implementation and later shifted to longer-term security work.
"Since 2014, our collaboration has successfully evolved from a tactical product implementation into a highly strategic, forward-looking alliance. Over the years, we have steadily expanded our security footprint to match the incredible scale of AS Watson's digital acceleration. Our recent agreement marks a shift from shorter-term cycles to a long-term strategic commitment, proving that our partnership has matured into a resilient foundation for the future," said John Bradshaw, CTO, Akamai.
NCR Voyix said the next phase of its work with AS Watson would focus on store operations and links between physical and digital retail.
"AS Watson and NCR Voyix have built a strong partnership over many years, working closely together to support store operations and deliver customer experiences. We are excited to enter this next phase of our collaboration, bringing innovative technologies into stores that simplify operations, empower store teams, and create stronger connections between physical and digital retail," said Darren Wilson, President, Retail and Payments, NCR Voyix.