Grab announces new HQ in Singapore, plans to hire 1,000 more over the next year

Grab Singapore has announced plans to build a new S$181.2 million headquarters in Singapore.

The new building, to be located within one-north business park, will be a consolidation of Grab's current offices. It will have an estimated gross floor area of 42,310 sqm and is expected to complete in Q4 2020.

This will make it the first dedicated physical facility for the company, where all of the Singapore-based employees will be housed. Grab's largest R&D centre will also be based here, in line with the company's move to expand its tech team globally.

The announcement was made in a joint press release yesterday (30 January) following the signing of an agreement between Ascendas Funds Management and Grab. The building will be developed and managed by Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust which is managed by Ascendas Funds Management.

Expressing excitement about the new office, Ong Chin Yin, Head of People at Grab, said: "The new headquarters is yet another important milestone for us - it represents our long-term commitment to Singapore and the region.

"With the new building, we will be able to bring our growing Grab family in Singapore under one roof. The increased capacity of our headquarters will also enable us to achieve our ambitions of becoming the leading super-app in Southeast Asia. To this end, we have plans to create and hire for a thousand more exciting roles globally over the next 12 months."

The building is designed to provide Grab's employees with a green and sustainable work environment. As part of this effort, it will incorporate lush greenery on ground and mid-level sky terraces integrated with communal spaces and and public pedestrian thoroughfares to promote social interactions and exchange of ideas.

Further, bicycle parking, lockers and shower facilities are provided to encourage Grab's employees to cycle as a mode of commute, in support of Singapore’s car-lite vision and to reduce carbon footprint.

Other green features include the use of recycled building materials and energy-efficient, low-emissive glass façade to reduce solar heat gain. In fact, the development is expected to achieve Green Mark GoldPlus certification from the Building and Construction Authority.

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