Technology firms are still keen to set up shop or expand in Singapore, with multinationals forging ahead with expansion and hiring plans amid heightened global demand.
Digital giants, in particular, are continuing to invest here, noted the European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore).
EuroCham president Federico Donato said: "Certain companies have continued hiring in Singapore even during the pandemic because Singapore remains their main office for business purposes in Asia.
"Fintech firms, for instance, find themselves establishing an office in Singapore if they intend to penetrate the Asian market. Many companies are relocating resources in and around Asia. Singapore continues to be selected for customer-facing or core business purposes, while neighbouring countries are preferred for back-office activities."
Tech multinationals told The Straits Times that they have expanded their facilities here while looking for fresh talent.
Among them is semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries Singapore. Miss Janice Lee, its vice-president and human resources lead for international fab operations, said: "Singapore remains a vital and strategic site in our overall company direction given (its) decades of semiconductor experience... as well as (its) talent pool and expertise in wafer foundry."
Life science tools manufacturer Illumina is also hiring as it expands its footprint in Woodlands.
It will occupy 50,000 sq ft when construction is completed next July to accommodate the growing research and development team.
Its facility here is the company's largest production operation globally, while the research and development team has grown by about 20 per cent to 30 per cent a year over the past five years. Singapore has built a strong talent pool in research and development, it noted.
American chipmaker Micron is also adding to its 8,000-strong workforce here. It completed an expansion of its facility in August last year. Its two wafer fabs and one assembly and test facility serve as the base for its worldwide operations.
Ms Zerlinda Tan, director of talent acquisition, said: "By hiring the expertise we need for the future, we are positioning Micron to emerge stronger and will continue to invest and build our talent."
But Mr Donato said Singapore must keep fighting to remain relevant. "Even though Singapore will remain positive, we cannot make the mistake of taking this for granted and think that such an advantage does not risk to be eroded."
© 2020 Singapore Press Holdings
This article was written by Sue-Ann Tan from The Straits Times and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
