Photograph of students outside the Mui Lee Sewing Academy

This is a photograph of students, teachers and graduates outside the Mui Lee Sewing and Embroidery Academy. The academy was opened in 1955, coinciding with the industrialisation of the post-war period. During this time, numerous schools and academies were opened for female student to learn skills such as sewing or typewriting, helping to create a skilled female workforce and increasing female participation in the labour force. The Mui Lee Sewing Academy was opened by Mr Tan Swee Gim and his wife Mdm Tay Swee Lan served as the academy’s Principal.