Singaporeans care deeply about our nation’s heritage and culture. The recent Heritage Awareness Survey 2024 found that 93 percent of respondents consider cultural heritage important, with interest particularly strong among those aged 15 to 34.
For this younger group, heritage is no longer limited to history alone, but extends to craftsmanship, art, artefacts, vernacular languages, and traditional performing arts. One place where this understanding is most tangible is in what we wear. Clothing reflects not only how we live, but where we come from—carrying traditions forward even as they adapt to contemporary life.
With that in mind, a+ invited leaders of three Singaporean apparel businesses to share their evolving roles as cultural custodians. Fong Loo Fern, CYC Tailor’s managing director, as well as Dakshaini Silks’ founder and managing director Rani Kumar were recognised in the inaugural SG Heritage Business Scheme last year for their contributions to our nation’s heritage. Raymond Wong, the co-owner of Rumah Kim Choo, received a Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award from the National Heritage Board in 2024.
In this discussion, Fong elaborates on how CYC Tailor borrows from Singapore’s “can-do” spirit and quest for multicultural harmony to achieve its success.
What is a little-known fact about your brand?
While CYC dresses prominent figures, our origins were humble. My grandparents Chiang Yick Ching and Foo Ah Neok started their business selling tailored shirts by bicycle in 1935.
How does your business strive to convey Singapore’s cultural legacy?
We are deeply inspired by Singapore’s pioneering, “can-do” spirit. Integrity and hard work helped our founder build a lasting enterprise from the ground up. Singapore’s multicultural harmony also inspires us. Our work reflects the diverse and vibrant tapestry of our nation, and we serve clients from all walks of life and for all occasions.
Why is this cultural legacy important?
We have grown along with the nation, dressing our leaders and citizens through decades of change. We are a piece of Singapore’s social and economic history. As we protect this legacy, we are helping to preserve a tangible piece of our country’s “Made in Singapore” history.
How do you impart traditions and techniques?
Our craft is passed down through mentorship. Using a hands-on apprenticeship model, our senior cutters and tailors train the next generation. They learn everything from how to take precise measurements to the subtleties of stitching and finishing. Our tradition of sharing knowledge continues today.
What do you do to keep your products accessible to customers?
While we have a wide variety of fabrics at different price points to suit different budgets, we focus on educating customers about “cost per wear”. Long-term, investing in a durable garment is more economical and sustainable.
Protecting our cultural legacy comes with responsibilities.
Quality craftsmanship is something we cannot compromise on. For example, we don’t solely consider cost when selecting fabric mills. We meticulously vet their quality, ethical production standards, and history to ensure they align with CYC’s values. This commitment to excellence guides every decision we make.
What strategies do you have in place to ensure this mission continues under your next-generation leadership?
Succession is more than a business plan; it’s about instilling values. Whether from the family or professionals, we ensure that the next generation of leaders respects and understands our heritage. This involves formal training, mentorship, and careful documentation of our history and craft.
What is your most memorable customer experience?
Mrs Lee Kuan Yew brought three shirts for Mr Lee after reading about our initiative to collect vintage shirts in 2001. She told me that one of the shirts he wore at the 1965 political rally was very sentimental to him. That shirt was donated to the National Heritage Board.
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