CKE Restaurants, Inc. opened its first Carl's Jr. restaurant in Singapore on June 23, 2005. The company has entered into a franchise agreement with Aspac F&B Pte. Ltd. The Singapore firm plans to open 25 new restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia over the next eight years.

Ned Lyerly, CKE Restaurants Vice President, International, said that the strategic expansion into Singapore was based on the country's high population density, strong per capita GNP, and a broad acceptance of western goods and services. "Finding an appropriate franchise partner was key." The U.S. Commercial Service in Singapore introduced Carl's Jr. to Aspac when Mr. Lyerly visited Singapore as a participant on a U.S. Commerce Department Franchise Trade Mission in September 2003.