Expansion in Singapore Boosts Cloud Computing and Technology Opportunities
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has significantly expanded its presence in Singapore with the inauguration of its new Asia-Pacific headquarters, located at IOI Central Boulevard Towers in the central business district. The new office, which occupies 360,000 square feet over eight floors, will house over 100 teams from AWS and other corporate functions, supporting up to 3,000 employees.
This new hub comes as part of Amazon’s growing commitment to Singapore, with over 2,500 employees already working in the city across various divisions such as cloud services, corporate operations, technology, and retail. AWS has been a key player in the local tech ecosystem, and this office is poised to further its impact in the region.
The opening of this state-of-the-art facility aligns with Amazon’s broader strategic investments in Singapore. In May 2024, the company announced plans to invest an additional S$12 billion (US$8.8 billion) into the country’s cloud infrastructure from 2024 to 2028. This financial commitment, in conjunction with previous investments, is expected to contribute significantly to Singapore’s GDP—S$23.7 billion by 2028—and create 12,300 full-time equivalent jobs annually in the local economy.
At the launch event, Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, emphasised the importance of upskilling the local workforce to meet the demands of a growing digital economy. He highlighted AWS’s role in helping to create career opportunities in fields like software engineering, machine learning, and data centre engineering, skills crucial for technological advancement.
“AWS is expanding its teams in key areas, which will provide Singaporeans with new opportunities and help them stay at the forefront of the tech industry,” said Dr Puthucheary.
Additionally, AWS’s managing director for ASEAN, Jeff Johnson, expressed confidence in Singapore’s status as a regional technology hub. He stated, “This investment, alongside our previous commitments, reflects our trust in Singapore and its position as a leading tech hub in the region.”
The new office features 12 large training rooms, each capable of hosting 40 to 60 people, along with meeting spaces equipped with video conferencing and other audiovisual tools. It also houses AWS’s first executive briefing centre in Asia, with an innovation hub set to open by the third quarter of 2025. These facilities aim to foster collaboration, innovation, and networking for AWS customers and partners.
Amazon’s Singapore headquarters is also poised to accommodate over 100 teams, supporting both cloud and corporate functions. In addition to providing space for co-working sessions, technical workshops, and brainstorming activities, the office will serve as a community space for informal networking.
In response to questions regarding work arrangements, AWS’s Singapore country manager, Priscilla Chong, acknowledged that employees would have occasional flexibility to work from home when needed. However, AWS maintains its commitment to in-office work for most employees, a policy change that has garnered mixed reactions, especially in light of the company’s earlier decision to require employees to return to the office five days a week.
This expansion underscores Amazon’s ongoing investment in Singapore, contributing to its growth as a tech and innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
