22 brands you didn’t know were Singaporean

This is a globally celebrated design and retail brand, yet its origins are entirely Singaporean. Supermama specialises in contemporary lifestyle products and gifts, particularly collaborations with Japanese craftspeople to produce exquisite porcelain and arita ware featuring Singapore and Asian motifs. Its inclusion in international design fairs, museums, and high-end boutiques often leads people to not realise that it is indeed successful Singapore-born concept.

Long before the era of smartphones and streaming, Creative Technology was an undisputed pioneer of the digital age. Its iconic Sound Blaster sound cards revolutionised personal computing, delivering high-fidelity audio to millions of desktops around the world and establishing Singapore as a global hub for consumer electronics innovation.

Founded in 1928 by Leung Yun Chee, this iconic oil combines eucalyptus, menthol, camphor and other essential oils to address a variety of common ailments. During World War II, Axe Oil’s prominence grew, becoming the go-to medicated oil locally. Today, it’s available in over 50 countries while remaining a family-owned Singaporean business.

This quintessentially Singaporean luxury brand is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and contemporary designs. Over the years, the brand has learned a reputation for creating fine jewellery pieces that blend timeless elegance with modern sophistication.

Singapore’s pioneering oral care brand, Pearlie White has a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1869 by Singapore’s first dentist Cheong Chun Tin. Officially launched in 2001, Pearly White offers over 60 advanced oral care products across 11 categories. 

Aupen is a rising star in the global fashion scene, known for its chic and minimalist handbags. It doesn’t hurt that its eye-catching designs have been spotted on the likes of pop superstar Taylor Swift and even Beyoncé herself. Founded by ex-national swimmer Nicholas Tan, Aupen’s designs are characterised by clean lines and a timeless aesthetic that carries well from day to night.

Under the umbrella of Spa Esprit Group, Strip and Browhaus are two beauty brands that have gained popularity both locally and internationally. Strip is renowned for its hair removal services, while Browhaus specialises in eyebrow grooming and eyelash extensions. With their chic interiors and expert services, these brands have positioned themselves as go-to destinations for beauty enthusiasts.

Osim is a bonafide household name with its luxury massage chairs and health device offerings. The brand has a strong global presence but is frequently thought to be a Chinese or Korean brand due to its marketing strategies and celebrity ambassadors like Hyun Bin and Andy Lau. It was actually founded by Singaporean Ron Sim in 1980, and has steadily grown into a global lifestyle brand over the years with outlets across 30 countries.

Aalst Chocolate is another gem from Singapore that has garnered international acclaim. Founded by Richard Lee, Aalst Chocolate specialises in artisanal chocolates crafted from high-quality ingredients. It’s also the first Singaporean brand that produces both chocolate covertures and compounds that are used by other chocolatiers and professionals in their creations.

Founded in 2016 by Benny Chee and Phoebe Charn, Anothersole is a local brand that has made a name for itself in the realm of sustainable footwear. Frustrated by the lack of comfortable leather shoes, its founders set out to create quality flats with flexible soles that don’t sacrifice style. Its innovative design also incorporates sustainable materials and reduces reliance on virgin plastic, making it a fast favourite among eco-conscious consumers.

You’ve likely spotted their chic footwear and accessories in fashion capitals worldwide, but did you know Charles & Keith started as a single shoe store in Amara Shopping Centre? Founded by brothers Charles and Keith Wong in 1996, the brand now boasts over 600 stores globally, showcasing Singaporean design on an international stage.

Despite its old-world charm and “1837” branding, TWG Tea was actually co-founded in 2008 by Taha Bouqdib in Singapore. In fact, 1837 marks the year our island city became an important trading post for tea and spices. This luxury tea brand has become synonymous with refinement, offering over 800 tea varieties and gracing the shelves of high-end retailers worldwide.

In case you missed it: How I’m Making It: Taha Bouqdib on how he grew TWG Tea and Bacha Coffee—one cup at a time

With its first resort established in Thailand—and management of luxury properties across America, the Middle East, and the rest of Asia—it’s no surprise consumers perceive this multinational hospitality brand to be international. But Banyan Group was actually founded by Singaporean couple Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang in 1994. The brand now operates over 70 resorts and hotels across the globe, each embodying Asian-inspired, design-led experiences.

A success story from Singapore’s budding gaming industry, Secretlab was founded in 2014 by Ian Ang and Alaric Choo. Their ergonomic gaming chairs, desks and accessories have gained a cult following, adorning the setups of professional gamers and home offices alike.

In case you missed it: Secretlab Co-Founder Ian Ang Acquires 2 Luxury Properties in a Week For $51 Million

Founded by former tech executive Sabrina Tan in 2008, Skin Inc revolutionised skincare with its customisable serum cocktails. The brand’s fusion of technology and beauty has earned it shelf space in Sephora stores globally, representing Singapore's innovative approach to self-care.

While its traditional Chinese medicine shops are a familiar sight in Singapore, many would be surprised to learn that Eu Yan Sang is a homegrown brand with a 140-year heritage. Founded in 1879 by Eu Kong, the company has modernised traditional remedies for a global audience, operating over 180 retail outlets across Asia.

Read more: Tatler Tours: Rebecca Eu Takes You Around Chinatown | The Best Food, Activities And Spots

Founded in 2009 by Nelson Yap, Benjamin Barker has become a distinguished name in Singaporean menswear that fills a crucial gap between luxury and fast fashion. The local label specialises in classic and vintage menswear, offering a range of shirts, suits, and accessories that blend European design with Japanese cutting techniques tailored for the Asian build.

The company now operates 11 stores across Singapore, with franchises in Melbourne and Cambodia, and a joint venture in Kuala Lumpur.

Merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, Bynd Artisan has been elevating stationery into an art form since 2014. Founded by Winnie Chan and James Quan, this brand has garnered international attention with its personalised leather and paper goods, as well as collaborating with luxury hotels and fashion houses worldwide.

In case you missed it: Bynd Artisan’s Winnie Chan On Building An Artisanal Homegrown Brand

While newer to the scene, The Coconut Club has rapidly become a culinary ambassador for local cuisine—not Malaysian, to be clear. Founded by Lee Eng Su and Kamal Samuel Dollah, this restaurant has elevated the rustic nasi lemak to fine-dining status, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand and expanding to multiple locations, including an outpost in Seoul.

Starting as a boutique bakery in Singapore, BreadTalk has grown into an internationally recognized brand known for its innovative, creative, and quirky bread designs. With its open-kitchen concept, it has redefined the bakery experience and brought its signature floss bun and other creations to a global audience, proving that a simple idea can rise to international success.

As a subsidiary of the Charles & Keith group, Pedro has carved out its own niche in the world of fashion, offering stylish, sophisticated footwear and accessories for both men and women. The brand's elevated designs and focus on quality have seen it expand internationally, a true testament to its Singaporean roots.

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