Tiger Beer employees gear up for a bittersweet final brew

As Tiger Beer prepares to relocate its production abroad, the employees who have dedicated their lives to crafting the national icon prepare for a bittersweet farewell. For Thomas Heng, a 64-year-old senior technical officer from Johor Bahru, the news brings a mix of resignation and gratitude. Heng, who has spent over four decades at the brewery, is set to retire in 2027 after pouring his heart and soul into Tiger Beer.

Like many of his colleagues, Heng will be one of 130 production workers whose jobs will gradually disappear as Tiger Beer moves production to Malaysia and Vietnam. About 50 of the affected workers are foreigners, but industry experts and employees believe that the essence of Tiger Beer will remain intact.

Founded in 1932, Tiger Beer has grown alongside Singapore to become one of the nation's most recognizable exports. The decision to relocate production was driven by ageing brewing and packaging equipment at the Tuas facility, with the cost of replacing the machinery comparable to building a new brewery in Singapore. While the move may raise concerns about the brand's identity, both experts and employees are confident that Tiger Beer's spirit will remain unscathed.

Heng, who joined the company in 1984 as a tank cleaner, has seen the brewery evolve over the years, progressing from his initial role to become a technical officer. He credits the company for giving him numerous opportunities throughout his career, allowing him to raise a family.

The brewery has been more than just a workplace for Heng and his colleagues. It has fostered a strong sense of community and pride in the brand. Sathiswaran Kumarasamy, a packaging efficiency specialist and Heng's colleague, recalls how they bonded over shared experiences at the brewery. His father, a senior utilities technician, had spent over two decades working at the brewery, and Sathiswaran's interest in engineering was sparked by his father's anecdotes about the rhythmic huffs and "poof" of escaping steam.

The brewery has also played a significant role in shaping the lives of Heng's colleagues, with some, like Sathiswaran's elder brother, having spent years in the packaging department.