Retrenchments and restructures are continuing to hit Singapore in 2026, as businesses grapple with rising operating costs, softer consumer demand, and growing geopolitical uncertainty stemming from the Iran war.
According to a recent Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) survey, 96 per cent of businesses reported facing increased operating costs due to higher energy prices.
These pressures have squeezed profit margins, pushing more firms towards hiring freezes, restructures, and even layoffs.
Here are some of the layoffs that have affected Singapore in 2026.
1. Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (Mar 2026)
On Mar 24, Tiger Beer brewer Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) announced that it would be cutting jobs and scaling down its brewing operations in Singapore.
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.
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.
2. Yeo’s (Mar 2026)
Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s) announced on Mar 31 that it would retrench 25 employees at its Senoko facility in Singapore as it shifts its can manufacturing operations to Malaysia.
The company explained that consolidating production in its Johor and Selangor plants will help “optimise capacity utilisation and strengthen overall manufacturing efficiency” across its network.
Despite the move, Yeo’s Senoko site will remain its headquarters, as well as a hub for cross-border logistics and limited-scale production.
In Dec 2024, it cut 25 jobs after Oatly shut its Singapore plant—roles that had been created specifically for that production. Earlier, in 2022, the company also retrenched 32 employees, citing shifts in consumer behaviour, retail challenges, and rising costs.
3. PropertyLimBrothers (Apr 2026)
Singapore property agency PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) is undergoing a major internal reshuffle. Its media arm, PLB Media, has laid off some staff in Apr as several realtors also exit the business.
The restructuring follows online rumours that surfaced in Jan, alleging involvement between co-founder Melvin Lim and then vice-president of strategy Grayce Tan—claims that circulated widely on social media and drew public attention to the firm. Both individuals, who are married, subsequently stepped down.
The leadership changes have since triggered further internal restructuring, including the introduction of a new whistle-blowing channel as the company works to stabilise operations and governance amid the fallout.
Previously in Sep 2025, the company announced that PLB Media would be closing down to rebrand as MediaX. It also said it had significantly reduced its editorial, tech, video, and overseas teams under PLB Media.
4. JLL (Apr 2026)
In Apr, global real estate consultancy JLL laid off some staff in Singapore following an organisational restructuring exercise.
The restructuring is part of a global effort to streamline operations and position the company for long-term growth amid shifting conditions in the real estate market, the firm said.
JLL has confirmed the restructuring but did not disclose the number of roles impacted.
5. Amazon (May 2026)
On May 7, Amazon announced that it will cut several roles in Singapore as it shifts resources toward expanding its international store selection in the market.
At the same time, Amazon is also phasing out its local fulfilment operations in Singapore, including Amazon Fresh and its grocery partner network. The e-commerce giant said it is working with vendors and sellers on alternative ways to continue serving customers in the country.
These changes form part of Amazon’s broader effort to adapt to growing customer demand in Singapore for products from its international 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
