New industry brand to boost competitiveness of Singapore’s apparel manufacturers globally Launch of Apparel Singapore as a collective brand representing one industry voice that aims to be heard by international buyers in global market With the support from International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and SPRING Singapore, TaFf announced the launch of Apparel Singapore on 16 July 2008 – the industry’s first ever brand that reflects a strategic and unique global marketing collaboration by a group of leading Singapore apparel manufacturers. The landmark occasion was graced by Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, who delivered a keynote address and unveiled the brand logo at the official launch event. click here to read Mr. Lim’s speech The member companies (also known as Brand Ambassadors) that make up Apparel Singapore are established manufacturers in the industry, with proven track records and a strong clientele base. These Brand Ambassadors own and manage multiple production locations in close to 20 countries across regions, whilst consistently delivering the desired value, trust and quality in products that are “made” or “managed” by Singapore. The launch of Apparel Singapore is expected to boost the already long-standing and successful Singapore apparel industry by promoting the manufacturing services, competitiveness, capabilities and offerings of Singapore’s apparel manufacturers to international buyers around the world. A key contributor to the growth of Singapore’s economy, Singapore-based apparel manufacturers registered a combined manufacturing output of about S$6 billion in 2007 and they aim to grow their output by 15% in five years’ time. During his keynote speech, Minister Lim said, “With the elimination of global export quotas, international buyers are now placing even stricter demands on apparel manufacturers in terms of price, quality and delivery time. Global competition in apparel sourcing will intensify. Hence, it is important for us not only to continually upgrade our capabilities, but also to regularly cultivate our existing and potential trading partners in the global arena so that they will have a better appreciation of our apparel manufacturers’ strengths and capabilities.” “Spearheaded by TaFf and supported by SPRING Singapore and IE Singapore, the launch of Apparel Singapore marks a major milestone for the industry. It not only unites the companies that qualify as brand ambassadors, but also serves as a standard that other companies could aspire to,” added Minister Lim. “The best kept secret of the apparel industry is that our manufacturers are already well-established and have been producing clothes for several of the largest and most reputable global brand names out there,” said Mr Benny Pua, President of TaFf. “The key to their success is the ‘Managed by Singapore’ trademark, delivering results with international standards and quality, while abiding to strict social and environmental compliances.” The launch of Apparel Singapore as a collective brand will build a stronger recognition for these players and enhance the growth of the apparel industry. Mr Pua added, “This initiative goes beyond just having a brand out there. It is a united effort that will set the stage for Singapore’s industry competitiveness, talent, innovation and scalability in apparel manufacturing, and ultimately grow Singapore’s share of the world apparel manufacturing business. Overall, we are extremely excited about this launch as we keenly look forward to the extended global footprints that we hope to accomplish with Apparel Singapore.” Apparel Singapore brand ambassadors will work closely with the clients to achieve shared goals and aspirations and to deliver the seal of trust. Due to the nature of the industry where counterfeiting is a constant challenge, members of Apparel Singapore are committed to upholding the clients’ business integrity and reliability by protecting the clients’ intellectual property rights, thus helping clients to maintain their reputation, create more business opportunities, sustain profitability and mitigate brand risks. Currently, member companies that make up Apparel Singapore include Asia Garment Manufacturer Pte Ltd, Bodynits International Pte Ltd, Clovertex Pte Ltd, Ghim Li Global Pte. Ltd., Gimmill Industrial Pte Ltd, Lee Yin Knitting Factory Pte Ltd, Ocean Sky International Limited, SL Global Pte Ltd and Teo Garments Corporation Pte Ltd. Collectively, the players are behind several global brand names including internationally renowned brands like Gap Inc, Liz Claiborne, Esprit, Walt Disney, Nike, Adidas, and Macy’s, just to name a few. These brand names have a strong reputation for excellence and quality. “At Macy’s, we are glad that we’ve been able to rely on our Singapore partners throughout the buying process, from design concept to product development and distribution. I think what buyers also look for are customised services and uncompromised quality. The manufacturers we work with have manufacturing bases with good geographical spread, and that truly reduces our worries with regard to getting fast support and minimizing our trade barrier risks,” said a buyer, Elaine Pang, General Manager, Macy’s Merchandising Group (Singapore Branch). She added, “I think Apparel Singapore will be a great showcase of the collective strengths of the industry. The country has a stable political environment, great infrastructure connectedness, skilled workforce, strategic geographical location and a pro-business environment. All this will give Apparel Singapore an edge to offer tremendous advantages to the global buyers.” For more information about Apparel Singapore, please visit www.apparelsingapore.com. ___________________________________________________________________________________   5th Asia Fashion Federation (AFF) Annual Conference, Bangkok (26 to 28 August 2008) We would like to invite you to join us at the upcoming Asia Fashion Federation (AFF) Conference in Bangkok from 26 to 28 August 2008 where you will have a chance to meet and network with business associates and counterparts from other AFF members’ countries of China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. AFF was founded by China, Japan and Korea in 2003 with the aim at advancing the lifestyles and fashion of each country, promoting fashion businesses, and exporting fashion to European countries, under mutual trust and cooperation. Singapore was the 1st country honored to be invited by the 3 founding members to join AFF in 2006. Subsequently, Singapore hosted the 4th AFF Singapore Conference in conjunction with Singapore Fashion Week 2007. The Annual AFF Conference allows companies and industries from the AFF member countries to come together to share, update and discuss Asian fashion developments and trends as well as to forge business collaborations and initiatives. Click here for more information Click here for Annex 1 Click here for Annex 2 ___________________________________________________________________________________   After 20 years of glitz, Textile & Fashion Federation (Singapore) is currently reviewing the format of Singapore Fashion Week (SFW) to further enhance the interests of the participants and the growth of the Singapore fashion industry. Please kindly be informed that SFW is taking a break this year while we re-organise to bring you a better and bigger event in the years to come. We will notify you the dates for next year once we have the ready information. Thank you for your support to Singapore Fashion Week and we look forward to your participation in 2009. Partners, sponsors and participation who wish to discuss with us on your involvement in SFW2009, please feel free to contact us at sherrinegoh@taff.org.sg _______________________________________________________________________________________   SURVEY REPORT ON THE TEXTILE & APPAREL INDUSTRY IN SINGAPORE Do you wish to understand more about the current operation base? Or are you looking for alternative operating bases for the future? Understand the challenges of Singapore Textile &Garment industry through this survey report. Find out more about the opportunities and threats of the industry and our multiplier impact on supporting industries such as banking and logistics. Get your copy of this informative 64 pages survey report by emailing to Antonia at antonia@taff.org.sg TaFf members: S$100 Non-member (Same Industry): S$300 Non-member (Different Industry): S$1000 Click here for order form _______________________________________________________________________________________   Meeting Room for rental TaFf's meeting room is available for rent at S$50 (members) S$100(non-members) *rental rates are applicable for 1 session only (morning 9am-12pm / afternoon 2-5pm) **Stationery, Whiteboard, Coffee & Tea are available in the meeting room For more enquiries, please contact Antonia at 67358390.