Lee Hwa Jewellery - Revision history

Dayana Rizal at 09:58, 9 October 2019

2019-10-09T09:58:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:58, 9 October 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Lee Hwa Jewellery logo.jpg\|thumb\|''The Lee Hwa Jewellery logo.'']]		[[File:Lee Hwa Jewellery logo.jpg\|thumb\|''The Lee Hwa Jewellery logo.'']]
	One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creating and introducing Purple Gold to the global jewellery market.		One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. Alongside [[Poh Heng Jewellery]], Lee Hwa is also one of Singapore's most well-known jewellery brand names. The homegrown brand is recognised for creating and introducing Purple Gold to the global jewellery market.

	==Background==		==Background==

Dayana Rizal: /* Newsworthy Incident */

2019-10-09T07:54:14Z

Newsworthy Incident

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:54, 9 October 2019
Line 5:		Line 5:
	[[File:Koh Wee Seng Lee Hwa.jpg\|thumb\|''Koh Wee Seng (above) is the son of Lee Hwa Jewellery's founder, Madam Tan Soo Lan. As of 2019, he is the CEO of Lee Hwa Jewellery.'']]		[[File:Koh Wee Seng Lee Hwa.jpg\|thumb\|''Koh Wee Seng (above) is the son of Lee Hwa Jewellery's founder, Madam Tan Soo Lan. As of 2019, he is the CEO of Lee Hwa Jewellery.'']]

	=== Origins ===		===Origins===
	Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

Line 63:		Line 63:
	The Purple Gold collection was selected by the Singapore government as the state gift for the 13th ASEAN Summit in 2007.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref>		The Purple Gold collection was selected by the Singapore government as the state gift for the 13th ASEAN Summit in 2007.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref>

	==Newsworthy ~~Incident~~==		==Newsworthy incident==
	In December 2009, Koh Wee Seng was under investigation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for allegedly breaking rules linked to insider trading. According to the news report, Koh was investigated for “possible infringement under Section 218 of the Securities and Futures Act, which deals with prohibited conduct by a connected person in possession of inside information”.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG</ref>		In December 2009, Koh Wee Seng was under investigation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for allegedly breaking rules linked to insider trading. According to the news report, Koh was investigated for “possible infringement under Section 218 of the Securities and Futures Act, which deals with prohibited conduct by a connected person in possession of inside information”.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG</ref>

Dayana Rizal: /* Origins */

2019-10-09T06:16:09Z

Origins

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:16, 9 October 2019
Line 2:		Line 2:
	One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creating and introducing Purple Gold to the global jewellery market.		One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creating and introducing Purple Gold to the global jewellery market.

	==~~Origins~~==		==Background==
	[[File:Koh Wee Seng Lee Hwa.jpg\|thumb\|''Koh Wee Seng (above) is the son of Lee Hwa Jewellery's founder, Madam Tan Soo Lan. As of 2019, he is the CEO of Lee Hwa Jewellery.'']]		[[File:Koh Wee Seng Lee Hwa.jpg\|thumb\|''Koh Wee Seng (above) is the son of Lee Hwa Jewellery's founder, Madam Tan Soo Lan. As of 2019, he is the CEO of Lee Hwa Jewellery.'']]

			=== Origins ===
	Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

	=== Succession ===		===Succession===
	In the same year, her son, Koh Wee Seng, took over the family business. Koh was a Business Administration graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and had been helping out in the business since he was 11 years old. Under his leadership, Koh updated Lee Hwa’s image by changing the brand’s consumer target and increasing its appeal to both the local and international market.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		In the same year, her son, Koh Wee Seng, took over the family business. Koh was a Business Administration graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and had been helping out in the business since he was 11 years old. Under his leadership, Koh updated Lee Hwa’s image by changing the brand’s consumer target and increasing its appeal to both the local and international market.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

Dayana Rizal: /* Origins */

2019-10-09T05:52:12Z

Origins

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:52, 9 October 2019
Line 6:		Line 6:
	Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

			=== Succession ===
	In the same year, her son, Koh Wee Seng, took over the family business. Koh was a Business Administration graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and had been helping out in the business since he was 11 years old. Under his leadership, Koh updated Lee Hwa’s image by changing the brand’s consumer target and increasing its appeal to both the local and international market.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		In the same year, her son, Koh Wee Seng, took over the family business. Koh was a Business Administration graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and had been helping out in the business since he was 11 years old. Under his leadership, Koh updated Lee Hwa’s image by changing the brand’s consumer target and increasing its appeal to both the local and international market.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

Dayana Rizal: /* Growth in Singapore */

2019-09-04T03:19:41Z

Growth in Singapore

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:19, 4 September 2019
Line 22:		Line 22:

	==Growth in Singapore==		==Growth in Singapore==
	[[File:Lee Hwa Jewelspace.jpg\|thumb\|''The interior of Lee Hwa's ~~Jewel Space~~ - a concept store opened in 2018. Photo from indesignlive.'']]		[[File:Lee Hwa Jewelspace.jpg\|thumb\|''The interior of Lee Hwa's JewelSpace - a concept store opened in 2018. Photo from indesignlive.'']]
	[[File:Lee Hwa's JewelPlay.jpg\|thumb\|''The revamped storefront of Lee Hwa's Bugis Junction outlet. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]		[[File:Lee Hwa's JewelPlay.jpg\|thumb\|''The revamped storefront of Lee Hwa's Bugis Junction outlet. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]
	Lee Hwa’s dedicated focus on producing contemporary jewellery and its aggressive promotions accounted for its popularity and high sales. Between 1995 and 1999, Lee Hwa’s turnover increased from S$23 million to S$72 million.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> In 1999, Lee Hwa was listed on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange, making it the first and only jewellery company to be publicly listed.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jeweller Lee Hwa gets green light for mainboard listing”. ''The Business Times.'' May 28, 1999. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20040709-1.2.54.2.1?ST=1&AT=search&k=lee%20hwa%20jewellery%20koh%20wee%20seng&QT=lee,hwa,jewellery,koh,wee,seng&oref=article “Lee Hwa”]. ''Today.'' July 9, 2004. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>		Lee Hwa’s dedicated focus on producing contemporary jewellery and its aggressive promotions accounted for its popularity and high sales. Between 1995 and 1999, Lee Hwa’s turnover increased from S$23 million to S$72 million.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> In 1999, Lee Hwa was listed on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange, making it the first and only jewellery company to be publicly listed.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jeweller Lee Hwa gets green light for mainboard listing”. ''The Business Times.'' May 28, 1999. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20040709-1.2.54.2.1?ST=1&AT=search&k=lee%20hwa%20jewellery%20koh%20wee%20seng&QT=lee,hwa,jewellery,koh,wee,seng&oref=article “Lee Hwa”]. ''Today.'' July 9, 2004. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>

Dayana Rizal: /* Origins */

2019-09-04T03:18:55Z

Origins

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:18, 4 September 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
			[[File:Lee Hwa Jewellery logo.jpg\|thumb\|''The Lee Hwa Jewellery logo.'']]
	One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creating and introducing Purple Gold to the global jewellery market.		One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creating and introducing Purple Gold to the global jewellery market.

	== Origins ==		==Origins==
	[[File:Koh Wee Seng Lee Hwa.jpg\|thumb\|''Koh Wee Seng (above) is the son of Lee Hwa Jewellery's founder, Madam Tan Soo Lan. As of 2019, he is the CEO of Lee Hwa Jewellery.'']]		[[File:Koh Wee Seng Lee Hwa.jpg\|thumb\|''Koh Wee Seng (above) is the son of Lee Hwa Jewellery's founder, Madam Tan Soo Lan. As of 2019, he is the CEO of Lee Hwa Jewellery.'']]
	Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>
Line 11:		Line 12:
	As of September 2019, Koh Wee Seng is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lee Hwa Jewellery and Aspial Corporation Ltd.		As of September 2019, Koh Wee Seng is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lee Hwa Jewellery and Aspial Corporation Ltd.

	== Lee Hwa company structure ==		==Lee Hwa company structure==
	[[File:Lee Hwa Jewellery Bicentennial Purple Gold.jpg\|thumb\|''In 2019, Lee Hwa Jewellery released limited edition purple-gold products in light of Singapore's Bicentennial Celebrations. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]
	Lee Hwa was described as a vertically-integrated operation with in-house manufacturing and a large retail network.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jeweller Lee Hwa gets green light for mainboard listing”. ''The Business Times.'' May 28, 1999. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> By 1999, Lee Hwa had the largest jewellery factory in Singapore, employing around 100 skilled craftsmen. As a result of its size and payroll, the company could buy its diamonds, pearls and other gems in bulk directly from producers at a cheaper price.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jewellery maker and retailer in $10m expansion plan”. ''The Business Times.'' April 7, 1998. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Additionally, it had 16 retail showrooms strategically located at high traffic areas such as Suntec City Mall and Wisma Atria.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jewellery maker and retailer in $10m expansion plan”. ''The Business Times.'' April 7, 1998. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		Lee Hwa was described as a vertically-integrated operation with in-house manufacturing and a large retail network.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jeweller Lee Hwa gets green light for mainboard listing”. ''The Business Times.'' May 28, 1999. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> By 1999, Lee Hwa had the largest jewellery factory in Singapore, employing around 100 skilled craftsmen. As a result of its size and payroll, the company could buy its diamonds, pearls and other gems in bulk directly from producers at a cheaper price.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jewellery maker and retailer in $10m expansion plan”. ''The Business Times.'' April 7, 1998. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Additionally, it had 16 retail showrooms strategically located at high traffic areas such as Suntec City Mall and Wisma Atria.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jewellery maker and retailer in $10m expansion plan”. ''The Business Times.'' April 7, 1998. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

Line 21:		Line 21:
	Besides its R&D, the brand was also recognised for its customer service. In 2005, it was awarded the Singapore Tourism Board Award for Best Shopping Experience (Specialty Store). According to customer testimonials, Lee Hwa’s staff were known “to make personal deliveries and send gifts to customers during festivals”.<ref>“Putting that extra bit of shine on day-to-day customer service has paid off”. ''Today.'' March 2, 2005. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		Besides its R&D, the brand was also recognised for its customer service. In 2005, it was awarded the Singapore Tourism Board Award for Best Shopping Experience (Specialty Store). According to customer testimonials, Lee Hwa’s staff were known “to make personal deliveries and send gifts to customers during festivals”.<ref>“Putting that extra bit of shine on day-to-day customer service has paid off”. ''Today.'' March 2, 2005. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

	== Growth in Singapore ==		==Growth in Singapore==
	[[File:Lee Hwa Jewelspace.jpg\|thumb\|''The interior of Lee Hwa's Jewel Space - a concept store opened in 2018. Photo from indesignlive.'']]		[[File:Lee Hwa Jewelspace.jpg\|thumb\|''The interior of Lee Hwa's Jewel Space - a concept store opened in 2018. Photo from indesignlive.'']]
	[[File:Lee Hwa's JewelPlay.jpg\|thumb\|''The revamped storefront of Lee Hwa's Bugis Junction outlet. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]		[[File:Lee Hwa's JewelPlay.jpg\|thumb\|''The revamped storefront of Lee Hwa's Bugis Junction outlet. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]
Line 35:		Line 35:
	Lee Hwa opened its first concept store at Suntec City in 2018. Lee Hwa's JewelSpace boasts a jewel bar, vertical wall gallery displays and interactive "play spaces".<ref>Lee Hwa Jewellery. "5 reasons to visit Lee Hwa Jewellery’s latest concept store". ''Lee Hwa Jewellery''. November 15, 2018. Accessed on 4 September 2019. Retrieved from: https://leehwajewellery.com/blogs/news/5-reasons-to-visit-lee-hwa-latest-concept-store</ref> In 2019, Lee Hwa opened it's JewelPlay concept store at Bugis Junction.<ref>Yeo, Jade. "Lee Hwa’s JewelPlay Is Shaking Up Jewellery Shopping With An Aesthetic Open Concept". ''Zula.sg''. July 27, 2019. Accessed on 4 September 2019. Retrieved from: https://zula.sg/lee-hwa-jewelplay/</ref>		Lee Hwa opened its first concept store at Suntec City in 2018. Lee Hwa's JewelSpace boasts a jewel bar, vertical wall gallery displays and interactive "play spaces".<ref>Lee Hwa Jewellery. "5 reasons to visit Lee Hwa Jewellery’s latest concept store". ''Lee Hwa Jewellery''. November 15, 2018. Accessed on 4 September 2019. Retrieved from: https://leehwajewellery.com/blogs/news/5-reasons-to-visit-lee-hwa-latest-concept-store</ref> In 2019, Lee Hwa opened it's JewelPlay concept store at Bugis Junction.<ref>Yeo, Jade. "Lee Hwa’s JewelPlay Is Shaking Up Jewellery Shopping With An Aesthetic Open Concept". ''Zula.sg''. July 27, 2019. Accessed on 4 September 2019. Retrieved from: https://zula.sg/lee-hwa-jewelplay/</ref>

	== Overseas markets (Aspial Corporation Ltd.) ==		==Overseas markets (Aspial Corporation Ltd.)==
	For its international debut, the company spent almost S$1 million on trade visits and advertising. To cater to the international market, Lee Hwa designed jewellery under its international brand name Aspial. In 2001, Lee Hwa changed its company name from Lee Hwa Holdings to Aspial Corporation Ltd, representing the brand’s effort to align its international efforts with the home.<ref>Cheah Ui-Hoon, “Lee Hwa eyeing world market”. ''The Business Times.'' March 23, 2001. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>		For its international debut, the company spent almost S$1 million on trade visits and advertising. To cater to the international market, Lee Hwa designed jewellery under its international brand name Aspial. In 2001, Lee Hwa changed its company name from Lee Hwa Holdings to Aspial Corporation Ltd, representing the brand’s effort to align its international efforts with the home.<ref>Cheah Ui-Hoon, “Lee Hwa eyeing world market”. ''The Business Times.'' March 23, 2001. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>

Line 47:		Line 47:
	By 2011, Aspial Corporation made and sold jewellery under the following brand names: Aspial, Lee Hwa, Goldheart and CitiGems. It also owned a chain of pawnshops under the Maxi-Cash brand and diversified into property business under the firm, World Class Land.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		By 2011, Aspial Corporation made and sold jewellery under the following brand names: Aspial, Lee Hwa, Goldheart and CitiGems. It also owned a chain of pawnshops under the Maxi-Cash brand and diversified into property business under the firm, World Class Land.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

	== Notable collections ==		==Notable collections==
			[[File:Lee Hwa Jewellery Bicentennial Purple Gold.jpg\|thumb\|''In 2019, Lee Hwa Jewellery released limited edition purple-gold products in light of Singapore's Bicentennial Celebrations. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]
	=== Platinum & Gold ===		===Platinum & Gold===
	Lee Hwa introduced white gold to its customers through the Platinum & Gold collection in 1996. The collection catered to the tastes of women between 20 and 25 years old. To further market the collection, Lee Hwa opened its first city store, Platinum & Gold, in Wisma Atria. The store was the first to retail contemporary jewellery without the classic 916 yellow gold pieces.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref>		Lee Hwa introduced white gold to its customers through the Platinum & Gold collection in 1996. The collection catered to the tastes of women between 20 and 25 years old. To further market the collection, Lee Hwa opened its first city store, Platinum & Gold, in Wisma Atria. The store was the first to retail contemporary jewellery without the classic 916 yellow gold pieces.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref>

Line 55:		Line 55:
	With the success of the Platinum & Gold collection, Lee Hwa discontinued the production of 916 gold and exclusively manufactured white gold jewellery.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref> In 1998, the Platinum & Gold collection was merged under the Lee Hwa brand, in turn becoming a trademark of Lee Hwa Jewellery.		With the success of the Platinum & Gold collection, Lee Hwa discontinued the production of 916 gold and exclusively manufactured white gold jewellery.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref> In 1998, the Platinum & Gold collection was merged under the Lee Hwa brand, in turn becoming a trademark of Lee Hwa Jewellery.

	=== Purple Gold ===		===Purple Gold===
	In 2000, Lee Hwa created and launched the world’s first Purple Gold. The collection was recognised as a breakthrough in the jewellery industry. Purple Gold was acknowledged by the World Gold Council as a precious metal. It was made by combining 19K solid Purple Gold with other metals, such as palladium, and was identified as nickel-free.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref> By 2002, Aspial Corporation had acquired the distribution rights and patented the technology for Purple Gold.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref>		In 2000, Lee Hwa created and launched the world’s first Purple Gold. The collection was recognised as a breakthrough in the jewellery industry. Purple Gold was acknowledged by the World Gold Council as a precious metal. It was made by combining 19K solid Purple Gold with other metals, such as palladium, and was identified as nickel-free.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref> By 2002, Aspial Corporation had acquired the distribution rights and patented the technology for Purple Gold.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref>

Line 61:		Line 61:
	The Purple Gold collection was selected by the Singapore government as the state gift for the 13th ASEAN Summit in 2007.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref>		The Purple Gold collection was selected by the Singapore government as the state gift for the 13th ASEAN Summit in 2007.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref>

	== Newsworthy Incident ==		==Newsworthy Incident==
	In December 2009, Koh Wee Seng was under investigation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for allegedly breaking rules linked to insider trading. According to the news report, Koh was investigated for “possible infringement under Section 218 of the Securities and Futures Act, which deals with prohibited conduct by a connected person in possession of inside information”.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG</ref>		In December 2009, Koh Wee Seng was under investigation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for allegedly breaking rules linked to insider trading. According to the news report, Koh was investigated for “possible infringement under Section 218 of the Securities and Futures Act, which deals with prohibited conduct by a connected person in possession of inside information”.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG</ref>

Line 67:		Line 67:
	In 2011, CAD completed the probe and concluded that no action would be taken against him.		In 2011, CAD completed the probe and concluded that no action would be taken against him.

	== References / Citations ==		==References / Citations==
	[[Category:Singapore Brands]]		[[Category:Singapore Brands]]
			<references />

Dayana Rizal: Created page with "One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creatin..."

2019-09-04T03:17:09Z

Created page with "One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creatin..."

New page

One of Singapore’s largest commercial jewellers, Lee Hwa Jewellery creates unique pieces inspired by trends on fashion runways. The homegrown brand is recognised for creating and introducing Purple Gold to the global jewellery market.

== Origins ==
[[File:Koh Wee Seng Lee Hwa.jpg|thumb|''Koh Wee Seng (above) is the son of Lee Hwa Jewellery's founder, Madam Tan Soo Lan. As of 2019, he is the CEO of Lee Hwa Jewellery.'']]
Lee Hwa Jewellery was founded in 1970 by Madam Tan Soo Lan. She opened Lee Hwa’s first outlet on Circuit Road and grew her business selling cornflower yellow gold of 916 and 999 purity. In 1994, she found that consumer tastes had changed and the company began to “only break-even”.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

In the same year, her son, Koh Wee Seng, took over the family business. Koh was a Business Administration graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and had been helping out in the business since he was 11 years old. Under his leadership, Koh updated Lee Hwa’s image by changing the brand’s consumer target and increasing its appeal to both the local and international market.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

As of September 2019, Koh Wee Seng is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lee Hwa Jewellery and Aspial Corporation Ltd.

== Lee Hwa company structure ==
[[File:Lee Hwa Jewellery Bicentennial Purple Gold.jpg|thumb|''In 2019, Lee Hwa Jewellery released limited edition purple-gold products in light of Singapore's Bicentennial Celebrations. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]
Lee Hwa was described as a vertically-integrated operation with in-house manufacturing and a large retail network.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jeweller Lee Hwa gets green light for mainboard listing”. ''The Business Times.'' May 28, 1999. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> By 1999, Lee Hwa had the largest jewellery factory in Singapore, employing around 100 skilled craftsmen. As a result of its size and payroll, the company could buy its diamonds, pearls and other gems in bulk directly from producers at a cheaper price.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jewellery maker and retailer in $10m expansion plan”. ''The Business Times.'' April 7, 1998. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Additionally, it had 16 retail showrooms strategically located at high traffic areas such as Suntec City Mall and Wisma Atria.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jewellery maker and retailer in $10m expansion plan”. ''The Business Times.'' April 7, 1998. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

Lee Hwa has a Research and Development (R&D) centre that gave the brand a competitive edge. The jewellery company has a reputation for innovation and unique jewellery.<ref>Cheah Ui-Hoon, “Lee Hwa eyeing world market”. ''The Business Times.'' March 23, 2001. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref> Lee Hwa’s R&D was credited for creating and designing the world’s first Purple Gold collection.<ref>[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20040709-1.2.54.2.1?ST=1&AT=search&k=lee%20hwa%20jewellery%20koh%20wee%20seng&QT=lee,hwa,jewellery,koh,wee,seng&oref=article “Lee Hwa”]. ''Today.'' July 9, 2004. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>

Besides its R&D, the brand was also recognised for its customer service. In 2005, it was awarded the Singapore Tourism Board Award for Best Shopping Experience (Specialty Store). According to customer testimonials, Lee Hwa’s staff were known “to make personal deliveries and send gifts to customers during festivals”.<ref>“Putting that extra bit of shine on day-to-day customer service has paid off”. ''Today.'' March 2, 2005. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

== Growth in Singapore ==
[[File:Lee Hwa Jewelspace.jpg|thumb|''The interior of Lee Hwa's Jewel Space - a concept store opened in 2018. Photo from indesignlive.'']]
[[File:Lee Hwa's JewelPlay.jpg|thumb|''The revamped storefront of Lee Hwa's Bugis Junction outlet. Photo from ZULA.sg.'']]
Lee Hwa’s dedicated focus on producing contemporary jewellery and its aggressive promotions accounted for its popularity and high sales. Between 1995 and 1999, Lee Hwa’s turnover increased from S$23 million to S$72 million.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> In 1999, Lee Hwa was listed on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange, making it the first and only jewellery company to be publicly listed.<ref>Teh Hooi Ling. “Jeweller Lee Hwa gets green light for mainboard listing”. ''The Business Times.'' May 28, 1999. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20040709-1.2.54.2.1?ST=1&AT=search&k=lee%20hwa%20jewellery%20koh%20wee%20seng&QT=lee,hwa,jewellery,koh,wee,seng&oref=article “Lee Hwa”]. ''Today.'' July 9, 2004. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>

In 2000, the brand launched the Lee Hwa Diamond Gallery at CityLink Mall. At the same time, it announced that Lee Hwa was going ‘upmarket’, indicating its intention to take on prestigious international brands such as Bulgari and Tiffany.<ref>Ong, Cat. “White is right”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 19, 2000. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

In 2002, Lee Hwa launched its flagship store, the Lee Hwa Jewellery Hub, located beside Orchard Emerald. Koh Wee Seng identified the store as a “one-stop hub for wedding-related jewellery” as it held the widest collection of wedding jewellery.<ref>Tham, Pearlyn. [http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20021114-2.2.48.1?ST=1&AT=search&k=lee%20hwa%20jewellery%20koh%20wee%20seng&QT=lee,hwa,jewellery,koh,wee,seng&oref=article “Lee Hwa’s glitter hub”]. ''Today.'' November 14, 2002. Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>

Lee Hwa opened its first concept store at Suntec City in 2018. Lee Hwa's JewelSpace boasts a jewel bar, vertical wall gallery displays and interactive "play spaces".<ref>Lee Hwa Jewellery. "5 reasons to visit Lee Hwa Jewellery’s latest concept store". ''Lee Hwa Jewellery''. November 15, 2018. Accessed on 4 September 2019. Retrieved from: https://leehwajewellery.com/blogs/news/5-reasons-to-visit-lee-hwa-latest-concept-store</ref> In 2019, Lee Hwa opened it's JewelPlay concept store at Bugis Junction.<ref>Yeo, Jade. "Lee Hwa’s JewelPlay Is Shaking Up Jewellery Shopping With An Aesthetic Open Concept". ''Zula.sg''. July 27, 2019. Accessed on 4 September 2019. Retrieved from: https://zula.sg/lee-hwa-jewelplay/</ref>

== Overseas markets (Aspial Corporation Ltd.) ==
For its international debut, the company spent almost S$1 million on trade visits and advertising. To cater to the international market, Lee Hwa designed jewellery under its international brand name Aspial. In 2001, Lee Hwa changed its company name from Lee Hwa Holdings to Aspial Corporation Ltd, representing the brand’s effort to align its international efforts with the home.<ref>Cheah Ui-Hoon, “Lee Hwa eyeing world market”. ''The Business Times.'' March 23, 2001. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. </ref>

Under Aspial, Lee Hwa exhibited its products in Japan, Beijing, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Germany and Switzerland. Aspial jewellery found international appeal and was sold in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt and London.<ref>“The man with Midas touch”. ''The Straits Times.'' June 13, 2004. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

In 2011, Aspial represented Singapore as the jewellery partner for Singapore Night at the Moscow Night Race. The brand was invited by the Singapore Embassy in Moscow and presented its signature Purple Gold collection for the show. In 2013, Aspial was the official jewellery for the Audi Fashion Festival.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ “About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref>

By 2011, Aspial Corporation made and sold jewellery under the following brand names: Aspial, Lee Hwa, Goldheart and CitiGems. It also owned a chain of pawnshops under the Maxi-Cash brand and diversified into property business under the firm, World Class Land.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

== Notable collections ==

=== Platinum & Gold ===
Lee Hwa introduced white gold to its customers through the Platinum & Gold collection in 1996. The collection catered to the tastes of women between 20 and 25 years old. To further market the collection, Lee Hwa opened its first city store, Platinum & Gold, in Wisma Atria. The store was the first to retail contemporary jewellery without the classic 916 yellow gold pieces.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref>

With the success of the Platinum & Gold collection, Lee Hwa discontinued the production of 916 gold and exclusively manufactured white gold jewellery.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref> In 1998, the Platinum & Gold collection was merged under the Lee Hwa brand, in turn becoming a trademark of Lee Hwa Jewellery.

=== Purple Gold ===
In 2000, Lee Hwa created and launched the world’s first Purple Gold. The collection was recognised as a breakthrough in the jewellery industry. Purple Gold was acknowledged by the World Gold Council as a precious metal. It was made by combining 19K solid Purple Gold with other metals, such as palladium, and was identified as nickel-free.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref> By 2002, Aspial Corporation had acquired the distribution rights and patented the technology for Purple Gold.<ref>[http://www.aspial.com/about-us/ "About Us”]. ''Aspial.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from aspial.com.</ref>

The Purple Gold collection was selected by the Singapore government as the state gift for the 13th ASEAN Summit in 2007.<ref>[https://leehwajewellery.com/collections/purple-gold “Purple Gold”]. ''Lee Hwa Jewellery.'' Accessed 28 August 2019. Retrieved from leehwajewellery.com.</ref>

== Newsworthy Incident ==
In December 2009, Koh Wee Seng was under investigation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for allegedly breaking rules linked to insider trading. According to the news report, Koh was investigated for “possible infringement under Section 218 of the Securities and Futures Act, which deals with prohibited conduct by a connected person in possession of inside information”.<ref>Uma Shankari. “CAD completes probe, no action to be taken against Aspial CEO”. ''The Business Times.'' January 8, 2011. Accessed 19 August 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG</ref>

In 2011, CAD completed the probe and concluded that no action would be taken against him.

== References / Citations ==
[[Category:Singapore Brands]]