| You’d never guess that one of Singapore’s coolest thrift shops is tucked away above a tyre showroom, but that’s exactly what Dawn Wee has created. As the executive chairman of Singapore-listed Stamford Tyres, Dawn transformed the second floor of their 19, Lok Yang Way showroom into The Discovery Shop. It's a cozy, charity-driven store overflowing with unique treasures from around the globe. From vintage furniture and quirky collectibles to designer bags, everything is donated by Dawn, her late husband, and their friends. The vibe is warm and welcoming.  Dawn Wee: The store "sells one-of-a-kind things collected from all over the world, exclusive items that have been donated, they are pre-loved, and in mint condition or slightly aged with patina.” Photo: CNA |
Dawn’s been at Stamford Tyres since 1982, helping to grow the business her late husband, Wee Kok Wah, started in the 1970s.
With a background in economics and banking, Dawn and Kok Wah—university sweethearts—were married for 57 years, raising three kids and welcoming three grandkids.
Kok Wah was the driving force behind Stamford Tyres’ international success, but sadly, he battled chronic kidney disease and cancer before passing away in 2024.
With Dawn: Wee Kok Wah transformed a modest tyre shop into a business spanning several continents over five decades.Stamford Tyres started as a humble tyre shop in the 1930s, expanding its distribution network to more than 30 countries. It has been listed on SGX since 1991.
It carries brands like Falken, Continental and Toyo, produces its own Sumo brand of tyres and Stamford Sports Wheels alloy wheels, plus runs its own retail chain.
The best part of The Discovery Shop? Every cent you spend goes straight to charity.
Proceeds currently support kidney patients at Singapore General Hospital’s ARK (Advancing Resources for Kidney Diseases) fund—a cause close to Dawn’s heart, since both her late husband and son had kidney transplants.
If you buy, you’re doing good.
Prices are super fair too—$3 for a beaded chain, $120 for a beautiful Chinese vase, $200 for a retro sofa set, and so on.
Dawn started this project after losing her husband, inspired by a similar thrift shop in the US.
It’s been her way of healing and giving back, with help from friends and her Stamford Tyres team.
She’s not slowing down anytime soon—expect more good things to come from this passionate, big-hearted lady.
Read the full story at CNA Luxury.
