Singer Fashion Academy first in SL to receive CSD (UK) ‘Validated’ status

Helping local students studying fashion embark on a successful international career, the Singer Fashion Academy has recently become the first Sri Lankan institute to receive ‘Validated’ status for courses from the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) UK, within CSD’s Course Endorsement Program (CEP).

The Chartered Society of Designers UK is the world’s largest Royal chartered body of professional designers, with members in 33 countries, and is unique in representing designers in all disciplines. The Society is internationally recognised as the professional body for designers and the authority on professional design practice.

CSD believes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for professional designers practicing in the dynamic world of design. In keeping with this belief, and within the ethos of its CEP, the Society has endorsed the award of ‘CSD Validated Course’ to the Singer Fashion Academy’s Diploma in Scientific Dress Making, Diploma in Machine Embroidery, Certificate in Basic Scientific Dress Making, Certificate in Machine Embroidery and Certificate in Saree Blouse. This validated status licence is for the next five years.

CSD Validated Course status is awarded to CPD modules, training courses and online study programs that comply with the high standards set within CEP. By following such a validated program, local students obtain dual certificates: a prestigious one from CSD UK, and another from the locally renowned Singer Fashion Academy.

“We’re delighted to have achieved this endorsement from the Chartered Society of Designers UK, which is a testament to the high quality of our programs. As the first local body to receive any form of validation from CSD, the Singer Fashion Academy now offers an internationally recognised academic path for its students to scale greater heights within the global design industry,” said Singer Sri Lanka Group CEO Asoka Pieris.

Singer Fashion Academy students who follow a CSD Validated Course can easily apply for Student Membership status from the Society, with no application or joining fee, and will also enjoy clear progression to other membership levels offered. CSD Student Membership offers a host of benefits, including credibility, networking, online portfolio, directory listing with public profile, professional development, up to date news from the design industry, etc.Singer Fashion Academy students also gain access to digital content such as magazines, reports, advice columns, book reviews, portfolio galleries and much more. 

Helping students gain knowledge on the latest international fashion trends, the Singer Fashion Academy has initiated and enabled access to ‘Burda Style’, the fashion magazine of international repute, for all students. Importantly, the Singer Fashion Academy courses are also now listed on the CSD main website, providing global recognition for the local institute.

Previously, access to a globally recognised certificate in fashion and design has been limited to a few in the Colombo suburbs. However, with Singer Fashion Academy conducting classes at over 70 locations island-wide, it no longer poses a restriction for current and prospective students to enrol and benefit from CSD Validated Course status.

Inclusion in the Society’s program also offers an advantage to all students when seeking employment, as the validation enhances the status of designers both locally and on an international stage.

“We are delighted that the Singer Fashion Academy has successfully achieved CSD Validated Course status for five of its courses, which will prove to be of great importance not just to the students, but also to the economy of Sri Lanka. Most importantly, this collaboration is a significant development in our program, which seeks to establish international understanding and cultural relationships within the design sector, for the benefit of the profession and society. We look forward to working with all at Singer Fashion Academy,” noted CSD CEO Frank Peters.