Youngone Group Chairman Sung Ki-hak has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Global Textile Leadership in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the global textile and apparel industry, underscoring the growing influence of Asian manufacturing networks in shaping international apparel supply chains.
The award was presented during the 2026 Telangana Textile Dialogue held in Hyderabad, India, as part of the broader ATEXCON 2026 textile conference organized under the auspices of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry. The recognition is awarded to entrepreneurs and industry leaders who have made significant long-term contributions to the development of the global textile and fashion sector through innovation, supply chain development and sustainable industrial growth.
According to Youngone Group, Sung was selected following an evaluation of his contributions to manufacturing innovation, global supply chain creation and the establishment of sustainable industrial ecosystems. Industry observers view the recognition as a testament to his role in transforming Youngone from a regional manufacturer into one of the world’s leading suppliers of functional apparel, sportswear and outdoor garments.
Over the past several decades, Sung has overseen the development of an extensive manufacturing network spanning key apparel-producing countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam and India. The strategy helped Youngone establish a diversified production footprint capable of serving major international brands while maintaining flexibility, cost competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
Bangladesh has been central to that expansion. Youngone is one of the country’s largest foreign investors in the textile and apparel sector and has played a significant role in developing export-oriented garment manufacturing, particularly in high-value functional apparel and sportswear segments. Industry analysts note that the company’s investments in manufacturing facilities, workforce development and compliance infrastructure have helped strengthen Bangladesh’s position within global sourcing networks.
Also Read: Global Recognition for Youngone’s Kihak Sung at ATEXCON 2026
The award also highlights Youngone’s contribution to the growth of performance apparel, a segment that has become increasingly important as global consumers seek products offering enhanced functionality, durability and sustainability. Under Sung’s leadership, the company expanded its capabilities in technical textiles, outdoor clothing and sportswear, enabling it to build long-term partnerships with some of the world’s leading apparel brands.
India has emerged as another important pillar of Youngone’s production strategy. The company completed construction of a manufacturing facility in Warangal, located in the southern state of Telangana, in 2023 and commenced production operations there in 2025. The investment aligns with India’s ambition to become a larger player in global textile and apparel manufacturing while attracting international companies seeking diversified sourcing options.
The Telangana Textile Dialogue, where the award was presented, brought together policymakers, textile manufacturers and industry executives to discuss the future of global textile supply chains. The event focused on themes including manufacturing competitiveness, automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and international trade. Prominent textile industry leaders from across Asia participated in the discussions as governments and businesses continue to adapt to shifting sourcing patterns and geopolitical uncertainties.
In comments released by the company, Sung said the recognition reflected the efforts of employees and business partners who had contributed to Youngone’s growth over many years rather than being an individual achievement. He added that the company would continue supporting the sustainable development of the global textile industry and strengthening manufacturing competitiveness across its operations.
The recognition comes at a time when apparel brands are placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, sustainability and regional diversification. As sourcing strategies evolve, manufacturers with integrated production networks across multiple countries are increasingly viewed as strategic partners capable of navigating market disruptions while maintaining efficiency and compliance standards.
For Youngone, the award reinforces its position as one of Asia’s most influential apparel manufacturers and highlights the company’s role in shaping modern textile production through long-term investment, technological advancement and cross-border manufacturing integration. Industry experts say the recognition also reflects the growing importance of South Asia in the future of global apparel sourcing, with Bangladesh and India expected to remain key pillars of the industry’s next phase of growth.
