Our Story

A SHARED HISTORY

The story of Bynd Artisan is inextricably tied to the lives of our master craftsmen and to the legacy of our founding company, which spans a period of over 70 years today.

Through the years, the business of bookbinding has moved inexorably with the progress of technology. Yet at its heart, each and every book began as a hand-designed prototype, created by a small band of craftsmen.

Today, the company’s spirit of artisanal excellence lives on through their work. This holds true even as digital convenience becomes throwaway and immediacy turns into impermanence. It is with today’s thinkers, dreamers and doers that we hope to share the remarkable output of some of Singapore’s greatest practicing craftsmen.

The Bynd Ethos

Behind every item that Bynd Artisan makes are 5 things that we hold dear. Together, they guide us to share the best of what we know, that others may share the best of theirs.

Share | Heritage | Atelier | Respect | Environment

“Everything is possible if we believe in ourselves and keep trying. Be passionate – live life to its fullest and make your dreams come true.”

Ms Winnie Chan
CEO & Founder, Bynd Artisan

“Business goes beyond buying and selling a product – It must first be built on relationships.”


Mr James Quan
Chairman & Founder, Bynd Artisan

Timeline

1942

Founder Mr Chan Koon Song started a small bindery workshop.

1947

Mr Chan purchased his own shophouse at 17 Mohamed Sultan Road for the renamed Goy Liang Book-Making Company.

1994

Ms Winnie Chan (granddaughter of Mr Chan Koon Song) joined the company as the third generation of management.

2012

The idea of creating a new experiential retail concept was started by Mr James Quan and his wife Ms Winnie Chan.

2014

Bynd Artisan opened its first store, building on Mr Chan Koon Song’s legacy of making and designing books by hand.

2015

Bynd Artisan opened its Flagship Atelier at Holland Village.

2016

Bynd Artisan is conferred Design of the Year at the prestigious President’s Design Award.

2017

Bynd Artisan is awarded “Best Shopping Experience” at Singapore Tourism Awards.

2017

Bynd Artisan opened its second Atelier at Raffles City.

2018

Bynd Artisan opened its third Atelier at ION Orchard.

2018

Bynd Artisan opened its fourth Atelier at Takashimaya S.C.

2020

Bynd Artisan is awarded International Attractiveness Award at the APEC BEST Awards 2020.

2020

Bynd Artisan is proud to be recognised as one of the 48 brands with the Made With Passion brandmark.

2021

A dream sanctuary combining the best of retail and café culture, the Bynd Artisan + Sunday Folks ION Experience Store is opened.

2022

Launch of reBynd, an eco-conscious 
lifestyle brand.

1942

Founder Mr Chan Koon Song started a small bindery workshop.

1947

Mr Chan purchased his own shophouse at 17 Mohamed Sultan Road for the renamed Goy Liang Book-Making Company.

1994

Ms Winnie Chan (granddaughter of Mr Chan Koon Song) joined the company as the third generation of management.

2012

The idea of creating a new experiential retail concept was started by Mr James Quan and his wife Ms Winnie Chan.

Our Artisans

HANDCRAFTED WITH PASSION & PATIENCE

More than anything, Bynd Artisan is a tribute to the enduring excellence of a small band of locally trained artisans, schooled in the traditional ways of bookbinding and leather working. We are privileged to have such remarkable individuals in our ateliers.

Through a lifetime of practice and learning, each is a wellspring of experience and knowledge. From the characteristics of different papers, to the intricacies of thread and wire bindings, covers, fasteners, they understand how all these wonderful details can come together in their hands.

We are proud to be able to share their works with you. Read more stories here.

2014

Bynd Artisan opened its first store, building on Mr Chan Koon Song’s legacy of making and designing books by hand.

2015

Bynd Artisan opened its Flagship Atelier at Holland Village.

2016

Bynd Artisan is conferred Design of the Year at the prestigious President’s Design Award.

2017

Bynd Artisan is awarded “Best Shopping Experience” at Singapore Tourism Awards.

2017

Bynd Artisan opened its second Atelier at Raffles City.

2018

Bynd Artisan opened its third Atelier at ION Orchard.

2018

Bynd Artisan opened its fourth Atelier at Takashimaya S.C.

2020

Bynd Artisan is awarded International Attractiveness Award at the APEC BEST Awards 2020.

2020

Bynd Artisan is proud to be recognised as one of the 48 brands with the Made With Passion brandmark.