Abstract

Industrialization has brought about progress and prosperity across the globe. It lifted billions of people out of poverty, enabling them to live a better life. For decades, countries have been focusing on industrialization and economic growth as the main driver of development. However, such recipe is reaching its limits and is taking a toll on people, society and the environment. Moreover, unbalanced economic expansion has widened the polarization of the rich and the poor, and the tension is tearing the fabric of society apart.

The textile and apparel industry is often the backbone in the early stage of industrialization, providing employment opportunities and economic progression to a large number of people. The industry plays a key role in helping workers through raising their income and sharing the benefits of economic growth. It is now facing the opportunity and also the challenge to deliver more than just a traditional safety net, but to create positive impacts on the communities and environments where it operates. Ms Yang will share her passion, vision and journey on how a traditional industry could become a catalyst for societal change to some of the world’s most serious issues, through adopting technology, creativity, modern management and non-traditional business philosophies.