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Production will be moved to regional breweries in Malaysia and Vietnam, in efforts to support a "more agile support network."
Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS), a wholly owned subsidiary of HEINEKEN, will gradually shift to an import-based supply model over the next two years, the brand said on Tuesday (24 March 2026).
The change is part of HEINEKEN’s EverGreen 2030 strategy, which aims to maintain and expand its presence in Singapore through regional roles in logistics, innovation, commercial operations, and GenAI-enabled capabilities. Imported beers already account for around half of beer consumed in Singapore, with Malaysia, Vietnam, and China among the top source markets.
Large-scale brewing at APBS’ Tuas brewery will be phased down by the end of 2027, with production to be moved to regional breweries in Malaysia and Vietnam to support a more agile supply network. The Tuas site will be redeveloped to focus on regional logistics and innovation activities, including a pilot brewery.
Kenneth Choo, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Asia Pacific, said that the Tuas brewery has contributed to Singapore’s brewing heritage for generations and acknowledged the colleagues who have built that legacy.
He added: “As we position the business for the next decade, we will further build Singapore-based capabilities in GenAI, brand leadership and innovation, alongside stronger regional commercial and logistics support.
"We recognise this is a difficult transition, and we are committed to supporting impacted colleagues with fairness, dignity and respect. Singapore will remain the home of Tiger Beer, and we will continue to invest in its future.”
Singapore’s role in logistics, innovation and GenAI
As part of the business model change, HEINEKEN will:
- Build regional logistics, customer, and consumer functions in Singapore to support key import markets.
- Redevelop the Tuas site for regional logistics and innovation activities.
- Reinforce Tiger Beer’s global brand leadership from Singapore.
- Expand its GenAI Lab in Singapore to improve productivity and decision-making.
Support for employees
About 130 roles are expected to be affected through 2027. Quoted in a statement by The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), Shaun Ee, Head of People, Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore, said the priority would be to "support every affected employee with respect, clear communication and practical assistance," adding that the organisation has been working closely with the FDAWU and relevant agencies on fair severance agreements.
APBS will provide affected employees with severance aligned to tenure, outplacement support, reskilling and upskilling via NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), as well as counselling and wellbeing services.
Commenting on the update, FDAWU said it was informed of the decision in advance and engaged with APBS to ensure fair outcomes. "Through these negotiations, the retrenchment package provided is in line with the Collective Agreement and unionised norms. ABPS has also assured FDAWU that affected employees will be treated with fairness, dignity and respect during this transition."
Sankaradass S Chami, General Secretary, FDAWU shared: "The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union remain firmly committed to supporting our members as they navigate their next career and employment opportunities."
In addition to the support mentioned by above, FDAWU Singaporean and Permanent Resident employees will also be eligible for support through the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which provides temporary financial assistance of up to S$6,000 over six months while participating in job search activities.
Quoted in the statement, Shaun Ee, Head of People, Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore, said the priority would be to "support every affected employee with respect, clear communication and practical assistance.
Long-term commitment
HEINEKEN said these changes reinforce its long-term commitment to Singapore as a regional hub. Tiger Beer, founded and led from Singapore, will remain anchored in the city-state as it looks to grow its presence worldwide.
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Lead image / Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore
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