Triple boost to fashion, new study will chart way ahead

With the aim of promoting Singapore as a hotbed for the latest designs and fashion initiatives, three agencies - International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, SPRING Singapore (SPRING) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) - are joining forces to give a boost to the fashion industry.

A consultancy study will be commissioned to understand the current needs of the industry. To be done in consultation with key players, it will also look at the extra measures needed to elevate the industry.

Mrs Kee Ai Nah, Director of Retail Division, SPRING Singapore, said: "The local fashion landscape has to appeal not only to local but also Asian designers keen to base their creative livelihood here and use Singapore as a springboard to the global runway.

"We should also aim to attract internationally acclaimed design schools to base their Asian operations in Singapore to help nurture local talent and drive the growth of regular fashion events and forums.

"By creating a highly dynamic environment, we hope to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore's fashion industry, as local players take inspiration from all that is happening around. The consultancy study will help to map the way to this goal."

In 2007, visitors spent S$3.5 billion on shopping and this contributed about 35% of the total expenditure by overseas visitors.

Fashion apparel and accessories accounted for the largest share of tourism shopping. This was more than 30% of total visitor expenditure on shopping or S$1.1 billion.

So far, all three agencies have worked in various ways to develop the fashion industry. The current needs of the industry call for a holistic strategy for its future development.

"In the coming months, we will be mapping out the scope of the study and upon its completion, we will be in a better position to reinforce our position as Asia's leading fashion hub," said Mr Andrew Phua, Director of Cluster Development, Tourism Shopping and Dining, at the STB.

Mr Tan Soon Kim, Deputy Director, Lifestyle Division of IE Singapore, said that total trade on apparel had increased by more than 30% over a 10-year period from 1998 to over S$6 billion in 2007.

"As the local fashion environment evolves and in light of the ever-changing landscape and opportunities out there in the global markets, it is imperative for us to continuously improve and innovate to take Singapore fashion to greater heights," he said.

The findings of the study will help the three agencies steer the direction of a new fashion event to be introduced in 2010. The Singapore Fashion Festival will go backstage in 2009 and will not be held. With the two integrated resorts slated to commence operations by 2010, the year will see key tourism milestones like the Youth Olympic Games coming on stream. Singapore's lifestyle landscape is set to be markedly changed and 2010 will provide a suitable platform to launch Singapore's new fashion event.