Immigrant fashion designers come up with own labels and businesses

SMU business graduate Li Jian Qiang, a Burmese Chinese national, presented his designs at the Digital Fashion Week Singapore last week. He has only been in the industry for three years and has no formal training in fashion design.  He is currently running his own business in Shanghai. His decision to change course did not gain the support of his parents, but with the sponsorship of his elder brother and the support of his elder sister, he has successfully made a name for himself. He moved his base to Shanghai as materials are much cheaper there.