The Singer Fashion Academy Annual Awards Ceremony on July 30, 2024, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), was a celebration of achievement and creativity. The event honored students who completed various programs, including the Certificate in Fashion Designing, Diploma in Fashion Designing, Diploma in Machine Embroidery and Diploma in Scientific Dressmaking. The presence of Mr. Mahesh Wijewardene, Chief Executive Officer of the Singer Group along with Singer Sri Lanka’s directors and the academy’s esteemed panel of lecturers, underscored the significance of this occasion.
Singer’s commitment to the Fashion Academy is rooted in its deep understanding of the transformative power of education and the arts. The academy was established not merely as a training ground but as a beacon of opportunity, empowering individuals to turn their passion for fashion into meaningful careers. By providing high-quality education and practical skills, Singer is investing in the future of Sri Lanka’s fashion industry, fostering a new generation of designers and entrepreneurs.
This year, 510 students earned certificates, with 105 receiving diplomas, marking significant milestones in their professional journeys. In a special segment, two students were honored for completing their BSc. in Fashion Designing, a testament to their dedication and the academy’s comprehensive training. The fashion shows during the ceremony showcased the students’ creativity, reflecting the academy’s emphasis on real-world experience and hands-on learning.
Mr. Mahesh Wijewardene highlighted that “The Singer Fashion Academy is much more than a place to teach Fashion design skills, we are re-shaping the future, create innovation, entrepreneurs, jobs, self-employment and even new fashion brands to making a significant social contribution.”
Mr. Janmesh Antony, Marketing Director of Singer Sri Lanka, added, “Witnessing our students’ journeys from learners to professionals is deeply gratifying. The Singer Fashion Academy is not just an institution; it’s a family where talent is nurtured, and dreams are realized.”
Singer’s impact goes beyond education; it is about transforming lives and contributing to the nation’s growth. The Singer Sewing Center started in 1960, and re-branded as Singer Fashion Academy in 2001, has become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s fashion education. With 51 locations across the island, it offers 28 different courses to over 6,000 students annually, making quality education accessible to many.
Singer’s influence extends to the broader economy, nurturing countless entrepreneurs in the sewing and fashion industries. By partnering with global institutions like Lovely Professional University in India, the academy ensures that its students are equipped to compete on the world stage, carrying the Singer name with pride.
For over 60 years, Singer Fashion Academy has been a catalyst for change, uplifting communities and driving innovation in fashion. This legacy will continue with honor, shaping the future of fashion in Sri Lanka and beyond, one student at a time.