President's Message

In an ever changing global business landscape, the Textile and Fashion industry in Singapore has had to face many challenges.

Having been able to maximise on the cessation of textile quota restrictions in 2005 and capitalize on tariff elimination under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement , they are now poised to be global suppliers of garments and textiles.

It is important for the industry to have a sustainable road map to meet new challenges. Singapore's fashion designers and retailers have been making strong progress up the value chain by leveraging on Singapore's knowledge-based economy, especially through areas such as innovation, design, marketing and technical developments. Moving forward, the industry also realises the importance of its green responsibility and social accountability and is prioritizing both at many levels.

Asean Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) has finally registered officially in Singapore after almost 34 years of existence. Source ASEAN Full Service Alliance (SAFSA) spearheaded by AFTEX, a grouping of textile and garment associations of the 10 ASEAN member countries had its inaugural forum and business to business meetings held in Singapore in 2010. Organised by TaFf, leading global apparel brands, such as Marks & Spencer, H&M, Mango, Polo Ralph Lauren, Guess and VF were in Singapore in June 2010 to participate in the first ever SAFSA Global Forum where ASEAN textile and garment manufacturers met with international labels in a bid to promote Southeast Asia as a fashion hub. Up to 22 MOUs were signed at the event with such international labels as Max Mara, Polo Ralph and Mango.

A new fashion dimension, the Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) - a joint initiative by IE Singapore, SPRING Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board - was conceptualised in 2009 to attract Asian manufacturers, designers and retailers and make Singapore a destination for the exchange for fashion. Singapore's competitive advantages and integrity of the Singapore brand allows for the local and regional textile and fashion businesses to compete successfully in the international market.

On behalf of TaFf, I would like to express my esteem gratitude to the various government agencies, IE Singapore, SPRING Singapore, EDB, MICA, MOM and WDA for their relentless support of TaFf.

I would also like to thank the industry partners who have actively contributed to the various projects and events helmed by TaFf for the benefit of the industry as a whole.