ADDRESS BY MR TEO SER LUCK, MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AT THE FASHIONABLY SUSTAINABLE COMPETITION AND WSQ GRADUATION CEREMONY IN FASHION TECHNOLOGY 2011, ON THURSDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2011, 3:00 PM, AT HORTPARK

Mr Benny Pua, President, Textile and Fashion Federation

Mr Wong Hong Kuan, Chief Executive, Singapore Workforce Development Agency

Mr Patrick Lee, Chairman, Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

I am pleased to be here today to join you at the inaugural Fashionably Sustainable Competition and the WSQ Graduation Ceremony organised by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf).This is a fashion show with a difference, and I look forward to be inspired by how we can be fashionably trendy, and yet environmentally friendly.

Embracing Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion is an emerging trend especially in Western countries, as consumers worldwide become increasingly aware of environmental issues. Global sales of organic cotton apparel and home textile products reached an estimated $4.3 billion in 2009, an increase of 35% over $3.2 billion in 2008.While established markets such as the United Kingdom continue to show strong growth with the market expected to triple[1] in size by 2012, new markets such as Eastern Europe and East Asia have added to the demand.

Singapore’s Textile and Fashion Industry has been quick to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the growing trends towards sustainable fashion. For example, Bodynits International, a home-grown apparel manufacturer that employs over 3,500 workers across Asia, is currently building a “green” factory in Batam for its production plant.This new factory will include a wetland for waste water management, a rain harvesting facility for sanitation and a natural gas generator. These eco-friendly features in the “green” factory help to reduce electricity and water usage. It also helps Bodynits International to save operating costs in the long run and improve productivity.

Sustainability is not only about implementing environment-friendly production processes.It is also about introducing more efficient and productive ways of working to cut waste.In this aspect, Li & Fung and Kohl’s have collaborated with the Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre (TaF.tc), the training arm of TaFf, to train their factory staff in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh. The training has led to more efficient processes, shorter production turnaround time, and lower wastage of resources such as fabric and energy which helps to improve sustainability

I urge more apparel companies to follow the footsteps of companies such as Bodynits International, Li & Fung and Kohl’s in embracing practices to improve sustainability and productivity which will not only protect the environment, but also enhance their business competitiveness.

Sustaining industry competitiveness through Manpower Upgrading

Like many other industries, the Textile and Fashion industry has been greatly affected by the phenomenon of globalisation. In order to compete in the global market, many of the local apparel manufacturers have relocated their production bases to developing countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and China. At the same time, the industry in Singapore has moved up the value chain with emphasis on higher value-added activities in the areas of design and product development, global sourcing, supply chain management and merchandising.

To support these developments, WDA has been spearheading the development of training programmes that will build manpower capabilities to help the Textile & Fashion industry stay competitive and relevant. The Textile and Fashion WSQ framework was developed in October 2009 with the aim of providing a structured Continuous Education and Training (CET) pathway for workers and professionals in the industry. CET is especially important in this industry as many workers rose through the ranks and do not have formal qualifications, In fact, 80% of the workforce has qualifications lower than Diploma level.A CET system centering on WSQ will enable the workers to attain an industry-recognised certification which will enhance their employability and raise the competitiveness of the industry

I am heartened to note that the Textile and Fashion Technology Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Framework has seen a strong take up rate since its roll out in Dec 2009. To date, 1,200 trainees have completed the programme and 180 graduates have attained full qualifications in the WSQ Diploma in Fashion Technology and WSQ Advanced Certificates in Fashion Technology.

Conversion Programme to attract talents to the Textile and Fashion Industry

In addition to WSQ programmes, WDA offered 60 training places in a pilot run under the Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) and the Global Fashion Talent Programme (GFTP). These programmes were developed in response to industry needs to quickly skill-up local talents to fill vacancies in the industry.

Under the PCP,trainees are required to complete a 3-month full time WSQ Diploma in Textile & Fashion Technology course cum 2-month of internship with a host company which will equip them with essential concepts and know-how of the apparel manufacturing industry. This programme is aimed to ensure smooth transition for trainees into a new career in the fashion industry.

The GFTP takes a further step to groom local talents to work in the overseas operations of the local apparel manufacturers. Upon completion of the 3-month full time WSQ Diploma in Textile & Fashion Technology course and a 2-month of local internship, the trainees will be employed by the host company and will undertake a 5-month structured On-the-Job training at the overseas production plant.

Both programmes have seen very good results.100% of the trainees under the PCP and GFTP have been snapped up by companies upon completion of their training and internship.The 37 who have completed the programmes are employed in jobs such as merchandisers, designers and compliance executives.Thirteen more will complete the programmes by end of this year, and I understand that WDA has plans to offer up to 150 more training places for the next three years.

Mr Willy Chow, aged 32, is amongst many trainees who successfully launched a second career in the Textile and Fashion industry with the help of the PCP and GFTP programmes. Mr Chow was a sales coordinator in a hardware company before commencing the GFTP programme in April 2010. He joined the GFTP programme because he was interested in a career in the fashion industry and was keen to gain overseas working experience. Mr Chow was interviewed and identified by Sing Lun Holdings as a potential candidate for a merchandiser vacancy in its Vietnam office before he commenced the GFTP programme. Sing Lun offered him the merchandiser position and posted him to Vietnam after he completed the 3-month WSQ Diploma.When asked for his views on the GFTP programme, Mr Chow said, “As the WSQ Diploma is an industry-based training programme, the skills and knowledge gained are very relevant.The overseas internship also provided me with On-the-Job exposure of the apparel manufacturing industry.”

Another example that I would like to share is that of Mr Noor Afian, who decided to enrol in the PCP because of his motivation to upgrade his skills and learn more about the industry. Afian left his full-time job with Cotton On to pursue the PCP. Upon completion of the conversion programme, he was employed again by Cotton On with a promotion to Assistant In-Store Merchandiser and a pay raise. You will hear more of Afian’s comments on how the PCP has helped his career advancement as well as his supervisor’s testimonial in the video screening later.

With the WSQ Textile & Fashion Technology programmes and conversion initiatives in place, I believe we will be able to nurture a sustainable pool of highly skilled local talents who are equipped with the right skills to support the growth of the Textile & Fashion industry.

Fashionably Sustainable Competition

WDA has been progressive and forward-looking in its approach towards grooming talents to serve industry needs.It has pro-actively included Sustainable Fashion courses in the Textile and Fashion Technology WSQ framework, which reflects the futuristic and forward looking nature of WDA and WSQ.By organising today’s inaugural Fashionably Sustainable Competition, WDA has also shown its ability to not only introduce cutting-edge training, and also develop innovative initiatives with the industry.

I am excited to see how this competition brings eco-friendly solutions in fashion design to the runways.I also understand that the winners will win attractive prizes and a trip to the prestigious Paris Fashion Week, and am looking forward to the day where more local fashion designers are recognised in Singapore and the international fashion arena.

Conclusion

To this end, I strongly encourage all aspiring individuals looking to work in the textile and fashion industry to continue to seek new knowledge and skills.As the industry evolves constantly, new competencies will be required.You make yourself more employable through training and development, by keeping yourselves abreast of the latest trends, and the future, is sustainable fashion.

To the finalists and the WSQ graduates today, my heartiest congratulations to you on your achievements. Thank you.