Graduated with a Diploma in Fashion Design in Hong Kong Institute of Fashion Design in 1985, David started designing for local fashion houses before starting own company, Advance Apparel Pte Ltd in 1987. As both Managing Director and Chief Designer of the company, David conceptualized/designed/produced wholesale collections to department stores such as Metro, Tangs, Yaohan and Isetan. Launched own private label – FORWARD in Hemispheres – Delfi Orchard in the early 90’s. The side label expanded into 3 sub labels – casual wear, work wear and menswear and gained exposure with publicity showing under the Society of Designers (SODA) fashion shows which evolved into Fashion Connections which finally became Singapore Fashion Week.

Today, Advance Apparel has 3 private labels – I.S. Nine to Nine and David Yam retailing in 4 stand alone shops and 12 corners in department stores like Tangs, Takashimaya, Isetan and OG. David oversees the creative direction of both I.S and Nine to Nine labels and the company has a staff strength of 50. His duties, besides setting the trend directions also involves sourcing of fabrics and trims, production, retail merchandising as well as liaising with shopping mall operators and department store buyers. He is also the Chairman of Group 2 (Designers & Retailers) in Textile & Fashion Federation (TaFf) as well as Chairman representing Singapore in AFF – Asia Fashion Federation.

Currently, David is also sitting on the Working Committee to kick start a retail space which is a platform for young Singapore designers to launch their collection as a Fashion Incubator Project. The programme provides mentorship, workshops and seminars and is backed by government agencies.