In Singapore, the local merchandise brand PointyRice has raised concerns over Uniqlo's new keychain that bears a striking resemblance to its own products, leading to a heated debate on copyright in the foodie culture.

Uniqlo's UTme! Local Delights Collection, featuring trendy T-shirts inspired by iconic Singaporean dishes, has triggered discussions after being compared to designs from another local brand, Musoka Club. Now, PointyRice, known for its unique merchandise centered around local rice dishes, has stepped into the spotlight.

Founded by Caitanya 'Cait' Tan, PointyRice offers customizable sticker packs that celebrate Singapore’s beloved cai fan dishes. Customers can mix and match stickers to create their own unique plate designs. However, when Uniqlo launched its customizable Mixed Rice Keychain as part of its Thank You Festival, Cait saw a strong correlation between her creations and Uniqlo's offering.

During the festival, customers who spent over $100 could select mini acrylic stickers to place inside a plate-shaped keychain, a concept that Cait had previously pioneered with her pop-up shop at Lyf Farrer Park.

As the launch drew closer, Cait's followers began to question her about a potential collaboration with Uniqlo. To clarify, Cait posted on Instagram, expressing her concerns about the uncanny similarities, stating, "I can't say they copied me, but the internet has certainly gotten mad for me." This post attracted immediate attention, and shortly after, Uniqlo reached out.

While Cait has collaborated with Uniqlo in the past, she claims that this time, Uniqlo's similar store concept was disheartening. She emphasized the effort put into her stickers and the thought behind the interactive experience she aimed to create—something that represents a culture she believes deserves recognition.

In a statement, Uniqlo claimed that their keychain was developed months before the Thank You Festival and mentioned that their idea fit a global trend of customizable accessories. They also noted that no proposals for collaboration had been received.

Cait remains passionate about growing PointyRice and hopes to expand her offerings to include more local dishes like nasi padang and nasi kandar. Ultimately, she envisions creating a space reminiscent of a hawker center where her stickers can take new life.

"As someone deeply entwined in Singapore's culture, I just wish our contributions were recognized. After all, we're all in this together!" she lamented. With both brands now in the spotlight, the conversation continues around cultural ownership and recognition in Singapore's vibrant culinary scene.