STAR Network appoints new chairman, vice chairman

The STAR Network, an alliance of Asian garment producers’ associations, has appointed BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan as chairman and Chinese businessman Dr Xiaohui Liang as vice-chairman of the STAR Secretariat, with the unanimous support of the STAR Board.

The leadership transition marks a significant milestone as the Secretariat expands its operations and capabilities in response to the growing demands of the global apparel sector, it said in a press release issued Tuesday.

“These rotational, strategy-focused roles are designed to provide high-level guidance to the network’s long-term strategic direction, strengthen operational alignment with the STAR Secretariat, and serve as key points of contact for international brands, development partners, and external stakeholders,” the press release added.

The Sustainable Textiles of the Asian Region (STAR) Network, established in 2016 with the support of the GIZ FABRIC Project, is a cross-Asian network of garment producer associations that brings together nine associations from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam, representing over 35,000 members and around $400 billion in export value.

The network serves as a platform for dialogue and trust-building, helping its members find solutions to common challenges, particularly those related to sustainability.

Among the new appointees, BKMEA’s Fazlee Shamim Ehsan is also a board member at the International Apparel Federation (IAF), and a founding board member of STAR. He brings his extensive experience in industry advocacy, sustainable manufacturing, and global stakeholder engagement. His leadership has helped position STAR as a respected regional voice for supplier interests, the press release noted.

Ehsan said, "I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for STAR. As we grow our impact and engagement, I look forward to building deeper collaboration among producer associations and enhancing our collective voice on sustainability and fairer global supply chain practices."

Dr Xiaohui Liang, representing the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), is a recognized figure in the field of sustainable innovation and regional policy coordination. Also a founding board member at STAR Network, Dr Liang has played a critical role in fostering cross-border knowledge exchange and elevating sustainability standards across Asia’s textile and garment sectors.

Dr Liang has shared the same optimism for this new role, saying, “STAR’s strength lies in its diversity and unity. I am committed to supporting the Secretariat in broadening our platform’s reach and deepening our shared learning, so that we may lead the transformation toward a more resilient and responsible industry.”

Together, the Chairman and Vice Chairman will help guide STAR’s mission to promote transparency, responsible business practices, and sustainable growth across the Asian garment and textile supply chain. Their leadership reaffirms STAR’s position as a dynamic platform for regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and joint advocacy.

Dr Ken Loo, a STAR board member from Cambodia, welcomes the appointments with optimism.

“This is an exciting new chapter for STAR. With Mr. Ehsan and Dr. Liang at the helm, the STAR Network is headed by a leadership that understands the complex challenges and opportunities of our industry, as well as that of the STAR Network. I am confident that with their help, STAR can further initiative collaboration, expand strategic engagement, and become an even strong voice for the industry," he said.