In Our Own Backyard

In a globalised country such as Singapore, talent comes in many different forms and origins. But at the heart of it is the recognition of Singapore’s potential as a land of opportunity for fashion despite its tiny size.

- Asri Jasman

No barriers to entry, the freedom to travel everywhere and anywhere without any form of restrictions, and the ability to call any place home—these would seem like an ideal citizen-of-the world situation. If there weren’t territorial demarcations, we’d theoretically be able to live our lives in nomadic fashion, setting roots where the heart desires and moving along for greener pastures.

Home can oftentimes take on a metaphysical expression. The idea that it’s constrained to just one’s birthplace hasn’t held true ever since travel and emigration became commonplace. As cliché as it sounds, home is where the heart is, and can be as temporary as needed.

Singapore’s position as a globalised country that is rooted in Asian values but peppered with Western influences has made it an attractive port of call for many who want the best of both worlds. In some ways, that has been a positive. No man (or a figurative ‘red dot’ on any world map) is an island, after all, and the influx of foreigners has served to vary exchanges of ideas and knowledge.