Databricks names Singapore as its Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) hub and commits to hiring more data & AI professionals locally

30 Aug 2024 4 min read

[From left to right] Ed Lenta, SVP and GM for Databricks APJ; Cecily Ng, VP and GM of ASEAN and GCR, Databricks; Senior Minister of State, Mr Tan Kiat How; David Meyer, SVP of Product, Databricks; Nick Eayrs, VP of Field Engineering, APJ, Databricks; and Rochana Golani, VP of Learning & Enablement, Databricks (Photo credit: Databricks)

This press release was issued by Databricks.

Data and AI leader expands its Singapore-based workforce by adding regional leadership and key roles in field engineering, professional services, learning and enablement, strategy, and operations
Aims to upskill over 10,000 local students and professionals in data and AI competency in partnership with NTUC LearningHub and NUS ICT Academy

Databricks, the Data and AI company, today announced Singapore as its regional hub for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region, with plans to increase its Singapore-based workforce. The company has started working with the Singapore Economic Development Board to add critical roles in field engineering, professional services, strategy, operations, and learning and enablement. Further details will be announced next year.

Databricks’ expansion is a testament to the city-state's position as a key regional centre with a vibrant AI ecosystem and robust digital infrastructure. Its investment will also help deepen data and AI competency in the Singapore workforce and the region. Databricks is also looking to contribute to Singapore’s AI industry development efforts.

The announcement was made at the Data + AI World Tour Singapore at Sands Expo & Convention Centre by the Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of National Development, Mr Tan Kiat How, who was the Guest-of-Honor at the event.

“Databricks’ decision to locate their regional HQ in Singapore reflects the advantages that Singapore offers as a hub for Southeast Asia. Many businesses recognise Singapore's strengths in our digital and logistics connectivity, skilled workforce, vibrant innovation and start-up ecosystem. These are further enhanced by our policies that support businesses’ entry into Singapore, transparent regulatory practices, and a reputation for stability and neutrality. Databricks would be a valuable addition to our technological landscape, and their presence here will help us meet our AI ambitions.”

Tan Kiat How

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of National Development

“There is tremendous value in an organisation’s data, but only some are realising it. Our Data Intelligence Platform allows organisations to collect and manage their data and train and serve various AI models from this data, securely and privately.”

Ed Lenta

Senior Vice President and General Manager

Databricks Asia Pacific & Japan

“We’re seeing unprecedented demand for our data intelligence solutions from companies across the region, and we’ve more than tripled our Singapore-based workforce over the past three years to support our customers’ success. I’m excited to continue growing our team in Singapore and to be able to contribute to the data and AI ecosystem by helping upskill Singapore students and professionals,” added Lenta.

Enhancing data and AI skills and adoption with NTUC LearningHub and NUS ICT Academy

In line with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, Databricks will be launching new initiatives to upskill local talent in data and AI in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Databricks is collaborating with two of IMDA’s Information & Communications (I&C) Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) Training Partners – NTUC LearningHub and NUS ICT Academy – to equip more than 10,000 individuals with advanced data and AI skills over a three-year period.

Databricks will offer data and AI courses and certifications for both new and existing data and AI practitioners in collaboration with the abovementioned JTM Partners. The courses will help participants master the fundamentals of data and AI technology, build awareness of common data and AI workloads and leverage relevant Databricks tools and services.

“NTUC LearningHub is proud to collaborate with Databricks to empower the local workforce by equipping them with in-demand and emerging skills to navigate the evolving technological landscape. We will develop a series of digital and in-person training programmes via NTUC LearningHub's Tech Talent Academy to drive data and AI knowledge and its application at the workplace. Through our academy's unique and integrated ecosystem of sourcing, training and placement, we are committed to strengthening the pool of tech talent, helping Singapore to position itself as the regional hub for emerging technologies, and ensuring the workforce’s readiness in harnessing the power of data and AI to be ready for the future of work."

Amos Tan

Chief Core Skills Officer

NTUC LearningHub

Highlights from Data + AI World Tour Singapore

Over 1,000 data and AI leaders and practitioners attended the Data + AI World Tour Singapore. The programme included sessions highlighting real-life use cases from successful data and AI-driven organisations in Singapore. This event is part of a global series spanning 18 key cities worldwide, serving as a platform for data and AI professionals to connect, learn, and share best practices.

Participants heard from customer speakers, including Grab, GovTech, Central Provident Fund Board, bolttech and Suntory Beverage & Food.

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