When I first heard about the "Be The Change Summit 2023" from our lecturers, I knew I couldn't miss this opportunity. The event, organized by the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC), took place at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre on August 1st, 2023, and it revolved around crucial themes such as sustainability, culture, technology, and talent in the fashion industry.
The summit comprised four panel talks, each featuring a blend of local and international industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners. As a Fashion Marketing student, I decided to attend all the talks, and they proved to be incredibly enlightening. One of the major takeaways for me was the fashion industry's imperative to shift its focus towards "doing less bad" by conserving resources, encouraging reduced consumption, and adopting less harmful manufacturing processes. Simultaneously, the industry should also strive to "do more good" by embracing eco-friendly materials and artisanal practices. The summit strongly advocated responsible consumption, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility among consumers, brands, and governments to make sustainable choices.
The significance of heritage crafts and culture in fashion came to the forefront during discussions. It was stressed that engaging with cultural workers and securing supply chains were pivotal. Dr. Joseph Lo, a UNESCO consultant and Asia-Pacific advisor to the World Craft Council, highlighted the challenge of bringing Asian craftsmanship into the limelight. He proposed thinking of intangible heritage in terms of the experience economy rather than just a product. Dr. Lo also suggested innovative approaches, such as combining "Traditional Design and New Form" or "New Techniques and Traditional Form."
Mr. Edward Chen, LinkedIn's Head of Enterprise and New Business, pointed out a notable trend in the fashion workforce. The global pandemic has heightened awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, leading to a surge in interest in "Sustainable Fashion" among companies and employers when seeking talent.
The summit also featured an exhibition that I found intriguing. I had the chance to speak with the founder of Telaship, Ms. Amrita, who shared details about their biodegradable fabric collection crafted by collaborating artisans in India. The fabric, made from milk and fruit waste, felt incredibly soft and smooth to the touch. Additionally, I had a delightful surprise when I ran into my classmate, Quinn from Lasalle College of the Arts, during the event. Sherina and I also couldn't resist trying out the slow-motion camera for some fun shots.
In summary, attending the Be the Change Summit 2023 was an invaluable experience for me. The knowledge I gained from the event will undoubtedly be beneficial for my future endeavors in the world of fashion.
References:
Be the change summit 2023. (2023). Singapore Fashion Council - Singapore Fashion Council. https://www.sgfashioncouncil.org.sg/be-the-change-summit-2023/
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