Layoffs and restructuring continue to affect Singapore in 2026, as businesses face rising operating costs, soft consumer demand, and growing global uncertainty caused by the Iran war.
According to a recent survey by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), 96 percent of businesses reported that they are facing higher operating costs due to higher electricity prices.
These pressures have depressed profit margins, forcing more firms into hiring freezes, restructuring, and even layoffs.
Here are some of the layoffs that have hit Singapore in 2026.
1. Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (Mar 2026)
On March 24, Tiger Beer Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) announced that it will cut jobs and downsize its operations in Singapore.
The brewer plans to phase out brewing at its Tuas plant by the end of 2027, with around 130 affected as production is shifted to regional facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam. Over time, the Tuas site will be developed to support regional planning and new activities, including a pilot brewery.
APBS completed the restructuring in late 2023, cutting 33 jobs and giving affected employees layoffs, bonuses, and annual salary supplements.
Globally, parent company Heineken also signaled further cuts earlier this year, saying 5,000 to 6,000 jobs could go ahead over the next two years as market conditions tighten. Singapore serves as its Asia-Pacific headquarters.
2. Yeo’s (Mar 2026)
Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s) announced on Mar 31 that it will lay off 25 workers at its Senkoko plant in Singapore as it shifts its tin production operations to Malaysia.
The company explained that consolidating production at its Johor and Selangor plants will help “improve energy efficiency and strengthen overall production efficiency” across its network.
Despite the move, Senko’s Yeo site will remain its headquarters, as well as a hub for cross-border shipping and limited-scale manufacturing.
In December 2024, it cut 25 jobs after Oatly closed its Singapore factory—roles created for that brand. Earlier, in 2022, the company also laid off 32 employees, citing shifts in consumer behavior, retail challenges and rising costs.
3. PropertyLimBrothers (Apr 2026)
Singaporean property agency PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) is undergoing a major internal makeover. Its media arm, PLB Media, laid off some staff in April as several vendors went out of business.
The reshuffle follows online rumors about Jan, and alleged involvement between co-founder Melvin Lim and vice president of strategy Grayce Tan—claims that spread on social media and drew public attention to the company. Both of these people, who are married, then left their positions.
Leadership changes have since begun and internal restructuring has continued, including the introduction of a new voice channel as the company works to stabilize operations and governance amid the crisis.
Earlier in September 2025, the company announced that PLB Media will close to be rebranded as MediaX. It also said it has significantly reduced its editorial, technical, video, and overseas teams under PLB Media.
4. JLL (Eph 2026)
In April, global real estate firm JLL laid off some employees in Singapore following an organizational restructuring exercise.
The restructuring is part of a global effort to streamline operations and position the company for long-term growth amid changing conditions in the real estate market, the company said.
JLL confirmed the restructuring but did not disclose the number of roles affected.
5. Amazon (May 2026)
On May 7, Amazon announced that it will cut several roles in Singapore as it shifts resources to expanding its international store selection in the market.
At the same time, Amazon is also winding down its local operations in Singapore, including Amazon Fresh and a network of grocery partners. The e-commerce giant said it is working with vendors and retailers on other ways to continue serving customers in the country.
The changes are part of Amazon’s broader effort to adapt to growing demand from customers in Singapore for products from its global stores in the US, Japan and Germany.
- Read other articles we’ve written on tech giants here.
Featured Image Credit: Jaap Arriens via NurPhoto/ PropertyLimBrothers/ Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore/ Google Street View
