SINGAPORE, August 31, 2024 – In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region, Databricks has announced Singapore as its regional hub. The data and AI company is set to expand its workforce significantly in the city-state, focusing on key roles in field engineering, professional services, strategy, operations, and learning & enablement.
This expansion underscores Singapore’s growing importance as a regional center for technology and innovation, with Databricks positioning itself to contribute to the nation’s burgeoning AI ecosystem. The company’s investment is expected to bolster local expertise in data and AI, aligning with Singapore’s ambitions to lead in these critical sectors.
Strategic Workforce Growth
Databricks’ decision to enhance its Singapore operations comes in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board. The company’s plans to increase its headcount are seen as a vote of confidence in Singapore’s skilled workforce and supportive business environment. Further details of this expansion will be disclosed next year.
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of National Development, Mr. Tan Kiat How, highlighted the significance of this move during the Data + AI World Tour Singapore event. He emphasized that Singapore’s strengths in digital connectivity, skilled labor, and a robust regulatory environment make it an attractive hub for global companies like Databricks.
Contributing to AI Industry Development
As part of its commitment to the region, Databricks is also launching initiatives to upskill over 10,000 local students and professionals in data and AI. This effort, in partnership with NTUC LearningHub and NUS ICT Academy, will focus on equipping individuals with advanced skills needed to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
These training programs will include a series of courses and certifications, aimed at both newcomers and existing professionals in the data and AI fields. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, further cementing the nation’s status as a leader in AI innovation.
Ed Lenta, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Databricks APJ, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s growing footprint in Singapore. He noted the increasing demand for data intelligence solutions across the region and the pivotal role that Singapore will play in meeting these needs. “Our expansion here will not only support our business growth but also contribute to the local data and AI ecosystem by helping upskill talent,” Lenta said.
AI Community Engagement
The announcement was made at the Data + AI World Tour Singapore event, which attracted over 1,000 data and AI professionals. The event featured insights from prominent organizations such as Grab, GovTech, and Suntory Beverage & Food, showcasing real-world applications of data and AI technologies.
This event is part of a global series by Databricks, spanning 18 key cities, aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among data and AI professionals worldwide.
Databricks’ expansion in Singapore is expected to have a significant impact on the local tech landscape, driving innovation and enhancing the city-state’s role as a regional hub for data and AI.