Does the Singapore Girl need a makeover? What would you like to see changed?

THE Singapore Girl has been a great success not just for SIA but for Singapore as well. It is undeniably one of Singapore's best known icons. However, it is a hangover from Singapore's colonial past and is an anachronistic image of the submissive Asian, or more specifically, Singapore woman. The modern Singapore woman cannot be more different. She is financially and mentally independent, assertive and can more than hold her own.

As a marketing tool, the Singapore Girl does not need a major overhaul as it is instantly identifiable to air travellers and tourists. For sure, the kebaya should stay. Instead, what needs to be changed is how the Singapore Girl is portrayed. Rather than appearing subservient, she should adopt a more modern profile in line with the real Singapore girl.

- Wee Piew
CEO, HG Metal Manufacturing Ltd