Business
Heineken to exit large-scale Singapore brewing, 130 jobs cut as production shifts to Malaysia and Vietnam
The FDAW union said it is working with Heineken to ensure fair retrenchment packages, career coaching, reskilling, job matching, and dedicated job fairs for affected employees in Singapore.
Heineken will phase out large-scale beer production in Singapore over the next two years, affecting around 130 jobs, as the company shifts production of Tiger Beer and other brands to regional breweries in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS), Heineken’s wholly owned subsidiary, said on Tuesday (March 24) that it will transition to an import-based supply model by the end of 2027. While large-scale brewing at the Tuas facility will be phased down, the site will be redeveloped into a regional logistics and innovation hub, including a pilot brewery.
“In Singapore, APBS will focus on regional commercial operations, demand planning, packaging adaptation, export market services, and innovation support,” the company said, adding that the move will strengthen Singapore’s role in brand leadership and innovation.
APBS currently employs about 540 staff locally. The operational changes, to be implemented in phases, “approximately 130 roles are expected to be impacted over the next two years. Operational changes, including the phase-down of large-scale brewing at Tuas, will be implemented in phases through end-2027,” the company statement read.
The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) said it had been informed in advance and is negotiating for a “fair and responsible outcome” for affected employees. Measures include retrenchment packages aligned with union norms, career coaching, reskilling programs, job matching services, and dedicated job fairs.
“APBS has assured FDAWU that affected employees will be treated with fairness, dignity and respect during this transition. Through close union-management engagement, we have worked to ensure that affected employees are treated fairly with negotiated severance packages and are supported responsibly, including access to the necessary employment and career support as they move forward” said union General Secretary Sankaradass Chami.
Kenneth Choo, Managing Director of Heineken Asia Pacific, highlighted the significance of the Tuas brewery in Singapore’s brewing heritage, acknowledging the contributions of team members who have built its legacy.
Looking ahead, Heineken plans to strengthen Singapore-based capabilities in GenAI, brand leadership, and innovation, while enhancing regional commercial and logistics support.
Despite the challenges of this transition, the company is committed to supporting affected employees with fairness, dignity, and respect.
Under the new business model, Singapore will serve as a regional hub for logistics, customer and consumer functions, and innovation, including a redeveloped Tuas site with a pilot brewery.
The country will also host Heineken's first global GenAI Lab, reinforcing Tiger Beer’s global brand leadership and supporting productivity and decision-making across the region.
Tiger Beer, founded in Singapore in 1932, is now sold in over 60 markets worldwide, with more than 95 per cent of its sales occurring outside Singapore. The brand has also partnered with football clubs Manchester United® and Tottenham Hotspur® to expand its international presence.
Under Heineken’s EverGreen 2030 strategy, Singapore will also become a hub for logistics, commercial operations, innovation, and GenAI-enabled capabilities to support productivity and decision-making across the region.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) confirmed it is coordinating with relevant agencies to support job placements for displaced workers.
The restructuring comes amid Heineken’s global plan to cut up to 6,000 jobs due to weakening demand, following a 2.4 per cent decline in beer volumes in 2025.
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