Reference News Network August 15 report: Qatar Al Jazeera website August 13 published an article titled "Stigma is Fading, Singapore's Attitude Toward the 'Made in China' Label is Warming Up." The full text is as follows:

On a weekday afternoon, the BYD showroom located in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District presents a futuristic and cool scene.

Inside the showroom, streamlined electric vehicles shine under the bright white lights.

Just a few steps away, in a restaurant with a BYD sign, diners drink craft beer and eat bar snacks in an environment similar to a membership club. This is one of several lifestyle experience spaces that this Chinese electric vehicle giant has introduced in Singapore.

This scene reflects a larger shift. Chinese brands, once seen as "cheap and barely adequate," are now rapidly becoming "desired, even longed for" by Singapore's middle class.

In the first half of 2025, Shenzhen-based BYD became the top-selling car brand in this city-state.

From the tea chain Bawang Chaji to toy manufacturer Pop Mart, and from electronics manufacturer Xiaomi to many other Chinese brands, significant progress has been made, influencing the work, leisure, and entertainment of Singaporeans.

Last year, Singapore and Malaysia became the countries with the most concentrated Chinese catering brands in Southeast Asia. According to data from Morgen Capital in Singapore, as of June 2024, 32 Chinese catering companies had opened 184 stores in Singapore.

Sahira Silva, a 28-year-old healthcare worker, admitted she once had doubts about the "Made in China" label, but a trip to China last year completely changed her view.

Sierra said, "They are highly self-sufficient. They have their own products without relying on international brands, and the quality is surprisingly reliable."

Now, Sierra is a regular customer of Chinese catering brands. She said that compared to Japanese and South Korean brands, Chinese chains are "creative, innovative, and lead food trends."

Samir Hajjar, senior lecturer at the Department of Marketing, National University of Singapore Business School, pointed out that the old stigma associated with "Made in China" goods is rapidly fading among young people in Singapore.

He said, "Now, many Chinese brands are considered cool, modern, and emotionally resonate with the needs of young consumers. They combine local familiarity with international trendiness."

"Walking into a Bawang Chaji, you feel like you're in a new aesthetic culture. It's not just selling drinks, but an atmosphere."

Hajjar said that influenced by China's competitive e-commerce environment, Chinese companies are particularly skilled at launching digital marketing strategies.

Analysts say that about three-quarters of Singapore's population is Chinese, making it a highly attractive testing ground for Chinese brands seeking overseas expansion.

The rise of Chinese brands coincides with Singapore's growing reliance on China's economy. Since 2013, China has been Singapore's largest trading partner.

Ellen Zhong (音), senior researcher at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, said that as Western companies scale back or pause expansion, Chinese brands are entering, many of which have strongly supported Singapore's real estate industry and solidified their position in the country.

Zhong said, "In the context of uncertainty brought by President Trump's administration to the geopolitical stage, the Singapore government is actively courting Chinese companies."

He said, "The US continues to impose trade tariffs and adopts a stingy and resentful approach, while China remains the world's factory, seen as an economic benefactor, so the outside world is shifting towards a more friendly view of China."

29-year-old Vietnamese immigrant Nguyen Li (音) said she was attracted by the "cute and ugly" aesthetic of the popular La Bulu doll from Pop Mart and started collecting the dolls.

Nguyen Li said, "La Bulu represents independent creativity and a new confidence in Chinese-designed products."

She said, "The more people get familiar with these brands, the more likely the younger generation will develop a new and more positive view of China as a cultural power." (Translated by Lu Di)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538737213362766378/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [Up/Down] buttons below.