The Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore, with cooperation from International Enterprise
Singapore and SPRING Singapore, have launched Apparel Singapore as a brand to represent a group of
major Singapore apparel manufacturers in their strategic and global marketing efforts. Member
companies, also known as brand ambassadors, include established, successful Singapore-based apparel
manufacturers that also operate production facilities in nearly 20 countries.
As a promotional agency, Apparel Singapore will tout the capabilities, manufacturing
services, offerings and competitiveness of the country’s apparel makers to the global market. in
hopes of increasing the industry’s output — which totaled US$6 billion in 2007 — by 15 percent over
the next five years.
“Not many people know that the largest suppliers for international brands like Nike, Macy’s
and GAP are actually apparel manufacturers based in Singapore,” said Lim Hng Kiang, minister for
trade and industry, in remarks made at the official launching ceremony. “They have been able to
ride the wave of globalization by offering an integrated global sourcing solution to established
global retailers and buyers. Our [textile and apparel] companies have been able to provide
flexibility and customization of service offerings to these global customers by leveraging on the
cost-effective manufacturing locations in China, Southeast Asia and South Asia, and basing their
headquarter functions in Singapore.”
September/October 2008