Tiger Beer brewer APBS to scale down Tuas brewing operations, 130 jobs will be impacted

Production will be shifted to its regional facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam

[Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with the latest developments on APBS’ job cuts and Tuas plant changes.]

Tiger Beer brewer Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) is cutting jobs and scaling down its brewing operations in Singapore, according to media reports from The Business Times and Channel NewsAsia today (Mar 24).

The brewer plans to progressively phase down large-scale brewing at its Tuas plant by the end of 2027, with around 130 roles affected as production is shifted to regional facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam. Over time, the Tuas site will be redeveloped to support regional logistics and innovation activities, including a pilot brewery.

The operational changes in Singapore will be implemented “progressively.” APBS said it will work with the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) to support affected employees with severance, reskilling, outplacement services and well-being resources.

The retrenchments aren’t coming out of nowhere. APBS last restructured in late 2023, cutting 33 jobs and giving affected staff severance, bonuses, and annual wage supplements.

Globally, parent company Heineken also flagged more cuts earlier this year, saying 5,000 to 6,000 jobs could go over the next two years as market conditions tighten. Singapore serves as its Asia-Pacific headquarters.

The move follows a 2.8% drop in consolidated beer volumes in 2025, with Europe and the Americas seeing declines of 4% and 3.6%, respectively. The two markets account for 68.2% of total beer volumes.

Industry experts note that declining alcohol consumption among younger consumers is reshaping the market. Many young adults are drinking later, in smaller quantities, or not at all, opting for experiences over intoxication.

That said, Asia-Pacific beer volumes still rose slightly by 0.4% to 4.6 billion litres.

APBS, formerly known as Malayan Breweries, launched Tiger Beer in 1932 through a partnership between Heineken and Fraser and Neave (F&N). The company rebranded as APBS in 1990, and Heineken acquired F&N’s stake for S$5.6 billion in 2012.

Vulcan Post has reached out to APBS for further information.

• Read more stories we’ve written on the latest job trends here.

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Featured Image Credit: MR. AEKALAK CHIAMCHAROEN via Shutterstock.com/ Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore