By Sulyn Chong
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The first-ever Selangor Fashion Accelerator programme concluded yesterday, proving to its attendees the fashion industry is capable of significant growth when presented with the right opportunities, despite being somewhat traditional at the present.
Organised by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy (Sidec), the programme was motivated by its objective to assist startups, small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and business owners in growing their enterprises across a range of industries and sectors.
Its chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping said fashion is a difficult industry to work, in and has been greatly impacted by both the general economy as well as specific trends like the pandemic.
He added that many brands have launched numerous initiatives to increase their marketing speed, as well as include sustainable innovations into their core product designs, productions and supply chain operations.
This has resulted in a change in consumers’ position, from one of enabled domination to one of passive observation.
“They are no longer satisfied with only purchasing clothing items because the exponential development in the use of digital technology has given them more power.
“Furthermore, developing a digitally savvy brand is no longer seen as a distinct practice but instead will become more and more essential to businesses,” Yong said in his welcoming speech during the programme yesterday.
Meanwhile, Selangor Women’s Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis) president Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad said the modest fashion industry rakes in billions, with Malaysia being one of the biggest market in the world.
“I hope the programme can inspire others to push the boundaries of the traditional modest wear sector, reviving it in the process while solidifying the national fashion landscape via technology.
“I also believe the fashion industry should begin to move towards digitalisation,” she said when launching the event, thanking Sidec for successful organising the inaugural Selangor Fashion Accelerator.
The programme was held as part of the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) 2022, under the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre which ran from October 6 until October 9.
Tthemed ‘Modest Fashion’ and focused on ready-to-wear (RTW) attire, the presentations were made with a modern twist and minimalistic elements, featuring six finalists pitching their business to a panel of judges.
The participants also showcased three designs from their collection during a runway show segment after an intensive two-month programme.
Selangor Fashion Accelerator saw entrepreneurs and SMEs benefit from experienced mentor guidance and comprehensive workshops that led them to investment and expansion-ready levels.
The programme received over 80 applications when it first launched, with 16 shortlisted and six eventually chosen to advance to the final demo day yesterday.
SDEC is one of the largest regional smart city conventions in Southeast Asia, hosted by the Selangor state government and organised by Sidec with its co-organisers Smart Selangor Delivery Unit (SSDU) and Eurocham Malaysia.
