Heartland shops have potential to grow and transform

Singapore, March 30 -- Fashion brand Charles and Keith may seem like it belongs in gleaming shopping malls, but few might remember that it has its origins as a heartland shop in Ang Mo Kio.

Indeed, these "mum-and-pop" shops have the potential to grow and transform, to stay relevant in this day and age, while preserving an important piece of Singapore's culture.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Chee Hong Tat said Singapore is still in the early stages of heartland transformation, but there is much potential for reviving these shops and turning precincts into vibrant, distinct areas.

Mr Chee, the adviser to Heartland Enterprise Centre Singapore, said in an exclusive interview with The Straits Times: "Heartland enterprises...