SFC Student Challenge Award 2024: Good Jiran
by Yoong Sze Yeong, Lau Hiu Naam & Low Thien Shawn
Challenge topic: Decarbonising Fashion, Elevating Awareness
In an era where sustainability is more than a choice - it's a necessity - Good Jiran emerges as a groundbreaking platform revolutionising the fashion industry. Under the slogan "Refurbished clothing made accessible for all", Good Jiran champions the ethos of 'Going Green' and embraces the communal spirit of 'Jiran', the Malay word for 'neighbour'. Our initiative focuses on transforming the fashion landscape towards zero waste by refurbishing clothing through a unique freelancing and shopping platform.
The journey begins with the collection of garments from bins around Singapore, alongside partnerships with major brands to repurpose trial samples and slightly imperfect or second-hand items. Leveraging cutting-edge AI and automation technology, we meticulously sort these clothes by type, colour, fabric, and texture before listing them on our comprehensive online inventory. At Good Jiran, we democratise fashion. Our platform empowers aspiring and established designers alike to select from various categories of materials and undertake bespoke projects under the commitment to our green cause. After refurbishment, these exclusive, designer-labelled garments are sold through our platform, offering customers unique, locally crafted pieces by their very own 'jiran'. Furthermore, Good Jiran is committed to fostering talent and supporting sustainable practices by offering specialised courses and dedicated workspaces for those aspiring to join our network of designers. This initiative not only cultivates a new generation of eco-conscious designers but also provides them with a rewarding side hustle in the booming circular economy. Together, we're stitching a sustainable future, one refurbished garment at a time, making exclusive fashion attainable and sustainable for everyone.