APTEXPO 2024, the global platform for top decision-makers in textiles, apparel, fashion and their supply chains, has concluded its inaugural edition after an exciting three days of activities in Singapore. With industry players in attendance for on-stage panel discussions, numerous new product launches and showcases, and high-level closed-door discussions, the convention has elevated the stage for resounding change.
From 2000 to 2020, Asia’s population grew by an additional 1.7 billion people, which has brought challenges like inventory surpluses and inefficiencies. Export volumes increased by 50 billion units, with an estimated 70% of these products ending up in landfills or incineration facilities. If left unaddressed, these could exacerbate system-level disruptions that affect consumers and their way of life. These challenges present an opportunity not only to responsibly minimise negative externalities and maximise operational efficiency alone in Asia but also to invest in innovation, growth and long- term value creation in its supply chains.
Yet, reshaping and enhancing supply chain resilience is a complex, time consuming, and costly exercise that requires the trust and cooperation of active supply chain and business partners. ASEAN countries and the broader Asia-Pacific region are well placed to offer businesses, especially Asian brands, a unique opportunity to strengthen their supply chains, equipping them for a more sustainable future.
The diversity in the profiles of the attendees — who represent organisations involved in various aspects of textiles, apparel, fashion and other supply chain activities across various geographies — demonstrates APTEXPO 2024’s central role in connecting the textile and apparel supply chain worldwide.
A significant milestone was reached on Day 1 of APTEXPO 2024 by formally signing a collaboration agreement. APTEXPO 2024, with the support of the founding associations AFTEX and CNTAC, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lazada Group, which sees both organisations formally agree to come and jointly deploy their capabilities to promote emerging fashion brands from Asia.
From Left to Right: Yap Shook Fung, Vice President, MP Singapore, Liang Peng Cheng, Executive Vice-Chairman, Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT TEX), Jason Chen, Group Chief Business Officer at Lazada & Chief Executive Officer at Lazada Singapore.
“Through this MOU with APTEXPO, Lazada will work closely with Asian manufacturers to help them build, promote and expand the reach of their brands to our vibrant customer base across the six Southeast Asian economies where we operate. What sets Lazada apart is our dynamic ecosystem, our vast logistics infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, and our deep market insights across Southeast Asia. We’re excited to leverage these strengths to empower brands, enabling them to seamlessly enter and thrive in this diverse region”, said Jason Chen, Group Chief Business Officer, Lazada and Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Singapore.
Delegates after the formal signing of the MOU.
“APTEXPO 2024 has shown that innovation in textiles and fashion is a team effort—across geographies, industries, and expertise. The future of fashion is shifting eastward, and APTEXPO 2024 is evidence of the global demand for unique Asian brands,” said Liang Peng Cheng, Executive Vice Chairman of the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT TEX).
On Day 2 of APTEXPO 2024, visitors discovered many solutions like Browzwear’s leading 3D apparel design software, which bring tremendous potential for application. Top-tier innovations from up-and- coming Asian designers, representing delegations from the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC), the Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP), Quanzhou Pavilion and the Ningo Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), were also on display to visitors at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the convention’s premises this year.
On Day 3 of APTEXPO 2024, two formal networking sessions were held, connecting participants for introductions, strategic dealmaking and other forms of collaboration for sustainable textiles production and Chinese market opportunities. Further to the panel discussions held on Day 1 (more info can be found here), they also heard from experts from Douyin, Lazada, AFITTY Solutions and others at two exclusive closed-door workshops that covered industry-relevant discussions on sourcing, branding and investment opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.
“We are excited to be part of the inaugural APTEXPO 2024. We believe this was a good start and an excellent platform to springboard the restructuring of the textile and apparel supply chain industry, strengthening the ecosystems between the different markets within the Asia-Pacific region. We intend to work with our partners and stakeholders to continue the momentum that has been set this year and to accelerate the transformation in 2025 and beyond”, said Jason Ng, Managing Director, MP Singapore.
Through its programming lineup, APTEXPO continues to deliver opportunities for collaboration and change-making in the textiles and fashion ecosystem. APTEXPO will be back in Singapore in November 2025.
For more information on APTEXPO 2024, please visit ap-texpo.com.
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About AFTEX
ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) was established in 1978 with the objective to promote common trade position and cooperation among textile and apparel industry in ASEAN member countries in line with the objective of the ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI).
Every year, AFTEX hold its regular meetings plus side events on a rotational basis among member countries to discuss concrete issues of significant relevance to the regional growth and development of the textile and apparel industry, ranging from ASEAN trade linkages to workforce development, from trade fairs & investment promotion to sustainability issue, from regional cooperation to broader partnerships, and more.
About CNTAC
China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) is a national federation serving China’s textile and apparel industry and enterprises. As a non-profit social organisation dedicated to the high-quality development of industry and enterprises, the services of CNTAC cover the entire textile industrial chain including cotton, linen, wool, silk, knitting, man-made fiber, printing and dyeing, filament fabric, home textiles, industrial textiles, clothing and textile machinery.
The wide-ranging services involve areas such as R&D, standards setting, technology transfer, application of information technology, environmental protection, sustainability, inspection and testing, new products, fashion designing, branding, social responsibility, intangible heritage, marketing, trade fairs, industrial layout, industrial clusters, overseas investment, international exchanges, industry- finance integration, training programs and publication.
About SFC
Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) – formerly known as Textile and Fashion Federation (Singapore) is the official association for the textile and fashion industry in Singapore. Embracing a transformative vision, SFC aspires to become a Vibrant Asian Hub for Responsible Fashion.
With a focus on three key pillars: Sustainability, Innovation & Technology and Asian Craftsmanship, SFC works closely with diverse partners across the value chain to offer thought leadership, extensive networks, and resources – to drive impactful change throughout the ecosystem.
About MP Singapore
The MP Group (MP) is a global full-service events management, marketing and community engagement company.
Established since 1987, MP embodies more than a quarter century of event building, marketing and management experience in both Eastern and Western cultures, practices, and business philosophies. We bring world-class talent, industry expertise, and incredible enthusiasm into the design and management of extraordinary online-to-offline experiences for your organisation.
MP is part of Pico Group, a global group of agencies specialising in engaging people, creating experiences and activating brands for businesses, institutions and governments. As part of the Pico group, MP has unlimited access to a wide network of industry contacts and resources. Pico Far East Holdings has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1992.
About CCPIT TEX
The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT TEX) was officially established in 1988. Three decades after its establishment, CCPIT TEX has gradually developed into an excellent organiser for professional exhibitions in China’s textile and apparel industry.
Independently or along with its partners, CCPIT TEX has organised a series of world-renowned exhibitions which cover the entire textile and garment industry both at home and abroad, including but not limited to Intertextile shanghai apparel fabrics, Intertextile shanghai home textiles, ITMA ASIA + CITME and CINTE.
About FOURSOURCE
FOURSOURCE, is one of the world’s largest tech-enabled B2B apparel and textile networks, connecting over 50,000 companies across 120 countries, facilitating the buying and selling of apparel, fabrics, trims, yarns, and home textiles. The network provides professional tools for brands and suppliers to speed-up their cycle time and reduce cost.
FOURSOURCE is dedicated to making the industry smarter, safer, more transparent, and sustainable. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with offices in Portugal, Turkey, Pakistan and China.
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