The Singapore Shawl was founded on its vision of providing employment and additional income for marginalized women.
Started in 2003 when Shelley Siu, founder, was training retrenched executives, the social enterprise gives women in difficult circumstances a place to learn new skills and gain confidence.
The Singapore Shawl has touched the lives of breast cancer survivors, single mothers, home-bound care-givers, retirees, the retrenched and unemployed.
It positions itself as an exclusive brand of unique, elegant and eco-friendly shawls which feature the flora, fauna, history, art and cultures of Singapore in silk, light wool, cellulose and bamboo.
Not just another shawl, It has graced the shoulders of world leaders, royalty, celebrities and politicians. Often presented as an official gift for national and international events in Singapore and abroad, it has also made its mark as Singapore's "must buy" premium item.
The Singapore Shawl is also active in fund-raising activities for humanitarian causes at home and as far as Geneva. It has partnered DSM for its World Food Programme, the Jane Goodall Foundation, and StandChart Bank's on-going initiative for its "Seeing is Believing" initiative in the prevention of blindness in women and children. The exquisite hand-embellished shawls have helped to raise substantial amounts through the fashion shows and auctions.
Customers have also reported the losses and theft of their highly - valued and exclusive "be-jeweled" shawis!
Now with a small presence in New York, San Francisco and France, The Singapore Shawl shall, in the founder's own words, continue to be a "mantle of blessings" for women who need It - whether for fashion and elegance, or as basic as a means of livelihood.
Regional/International Participation/Commissions:
IMF/World Bank Meetings 2006
ASEAN Summit 2007
Interpol General Assembly 2009
14 APEC WLN 2009, APEC Singapore 2009 Leaders' Week
Singapore Art Museum - The Wu Guanzhong Donation Collection
