Data Scientist

DFI Retail Group; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

DFI Retail Group is seeking a seasoned Data Scientist with 5-6 years of experience to bridge core data infrastructure with AI tools. You will build and optimize models on Google Vertex AI while integrating external platforms such as Tencent and SymphonyAI, leveraging GenAI to enhance RAG systems for our AI Agent.

You will own the full ML lifecycle, collaborate with business units, and mentor junior data scientists, driving best practices in MLOps, versioning, and documentation across production

Qualifications

• 5–6 years of hands-on data science or ML experience.
• Strong GenAI background and experience with RAG systems.
• Experience integrating models across multi-platform ecosystems and production environments.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end ML model lifecycle from data analysis to deployment and monitoring.
• Design, deploy and govern models on Vertex AI and manage cross-platform integrations.
• Lead hyperparameter tuning, experiment tracking, and data-driven insight generation.

Skills

Python

R

Spark

Hive

Impala

Pig

Scala

Education

Doctorate/Master in Statistics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Finance, Engineering

Tools

Google Vertex AI

Tencent

SymphonyAI

Job description

We are seeking a seasoned Data Scientist with 5-6 years of experience to drive the development and integration of advanced machine learning and generative AI solutions. The purpose of this role is to bridge our core data infrastructure with a diverse ecosystem of AI tools. You will not only build and optimize models on Google's Vertex AI but will also be instrumental in managing and integrating models from external platforms like Tencent and SymphonyAI and similar ecosystems. A key focus will be leveraging your GenAI expertise to architect and enhance sophisticated RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) functions for our proprietary AI Agent, pushing the boundaries of how we generate insights and automate complex tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-End ML Model Lifecycle: Own the complete lifecycle of machine learning models—from data analysis and feature engineering to model development, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Multi-Platform Model Management: Design, develop, and deploy predictive models primarily on Google Vertex AI. Additionally, manage the integration, performance, and governance of models hosted on external platforms such as Tencent and SymphonyAI and similar ecosystems. Govern the model performance of these models to make sure that each AI deployed to stay performant and relevant for our business needs
• Generative AI & RAG Development: Spearhead the design and implementation of advanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems to power our AI Agent. This includes optimizing data retrieval, fine-tuning embedding models, and improving the quality and accuracy of generated responses.
• Model Optimization & Tuning: Conduct rigorous hyperparameter tuning and experiment tracking to systematically improve model performance, accuracy, and efficiency across all deployed models.
• Data Analysis & Insight Generation: Perform deep-dive data analysis to identify trends, uncover opportunities, and inform model development strategy. Translate complex business problems into data-driven solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with our business functions and to understand requirements, deliver robust back end AI solutions, and integrate data science outputs into production systems and user-facing products.
• Mentorship & Best Practices: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior data scientists. Champion best practices in MLOps, model versioning, and documentation.

Is this your next challenge in ?

The challenge is to:

• Collaborate with business/data analysts and product managers to offer your data science expertise in tackling recognized analytical opportunities, encompassing analytical methodologies, data, and technology needs for various business units and corporate functions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to strategize, pinpoint, and gather data from various systems to aid the analysis.
• Collaborating with the data engineering team to create and automate data workflows, including extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL), to convert raw data for analytical use.
• Collaborating with the machine learning engineering team to implement analytical and optimization solutions that achieve business value.
• Investigate and test emerging technologies from suppliers and pinpoint opportunities to enhance data science functionalities.
• Assist in the advancement of data science practices, including playbooks, standardized frameworks, guidelines, libraries, and tools that enable our data professionals to execute their tasks in an organized and uniform way.
• Participate in our internal analytical community networks and specialized interest groups to enhance employee skills.

Do you have experience in Statistics or Machine Learning?

• Doctorate/Master in Statistics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Finance, Engineering
• Thorough comprehension of statistical analysis, data mining, or machine learning.
• Hands-on experience with extensive structured and unstructured data sets.
• Capacity for analytical thinking and providing outcomes that influence business decision-making.
• Collaborative individual to develop robust business relationships.
• Possess proficiency in one or more of these programming languages or tools: Python, R, Spark, Hive, Impala, Pig, or Scala.
• Familiarity or expertise in an AWS/GCP setting will be advantageous.
• Proficiency in writing production code will be beneficial.Ready to face new challenges and on-the-spot requests that require a swift response.

DFI Retail Group is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to "Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments".

At 30 Jun 2025, the Group and its associates operated over 7,500 outlets and employed over 83,000 people. The Group had total annual revenue in 2024 exceeding US$24.9 billion.

The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including its associates, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, and restaurants.

The Group’s parent company, DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing in the equity shares (transition) category of the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong. DFI Retail Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

DFI Retail Group is responsible for ensuring that all personal information collected from each Candidate presented to DFI Retail Group is used for recruitment purposes only and the data collection process is in accordance with all applicable laws and compliant with the Code of Practice on Human Resource Management.

To find out more about Our Businesses and Our People, please visit our website https://www.dfiretailgroup.com