The Story Behind The Singapore Shawl
Wearable art, living diplomacy, and social empowerment for over two decades.
How It Began
Founded during the 2003 market downturn by Ms. Shelley Siu, The Singapore Shawl was created as a social enterprise dedicated to offering skills development and flexible employment for marginalized and mature women. Before establishing the brand, Shelley was a corporate trainer and international conference speaker who chose to transition into retail with a clear mission: creating meaningful work for women who faced employment barriers.
Shelley set out to position shawls not merely as souvenirs, but as elegant, high-quality pieces of wearable art that tell Singapore’s rich culture, flora, and history.
Our Core Tenets
Every creation from The Singapore Shawl is guided by three foundational principles:
- Country: Promoting Singapore’s living heritage, diplomatic stories, and local identity.
- Community: Empowering local women through flexible, home-based production roles and skill building.
- Environment: Prioritizing eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable production practices.
Living Diplomacy & Wearable Heritage
Over the years, our pieces have served as premium Singapore gifts gracing world leaders, dignitaries, and royalty alike. Our collections—including the VIP Orchid Garden Collection—feature hybrid orchids bred by NParks and named after visiting heads of state. Each piece serves as a living record of Singapore’s place on the global stage.