British electronics firm Dyson has been making headlines in Singapore recently.
Today, Vulcan Post reported that its founder bought Singapore’s biggest (and possibly most expensive) penthouse for $73.8 million.
Previously, Dyson announced that it’s building an electric car manufacturing plant in Singapore by 2020, and also moving its corporate headquarters here.
In line with its Singapore expansion, one would naturally expect Dyson to expand its team here too.
Dyson previously said that it plans to “more than double” the headcount of its Research, Design and Development (RDD) team, adding that it taps on Singapore’s pool of engineers and scientists to develop Dyson’s latest technologies as well as core robotic and software expertise.
Dyson’s Headcount To “Grow Quite Substantially”
Dyson first launched in Singapore 11 years ago with a small engineering team.
The team has significantly grown to 1,100 people today across its Singapore Technology Centre at Science Park One and its Advanced Manufacturing Centre at West Park.
Its Science Park centre develops future technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, its West Park centre develops Dyson’s patented digital motor, which powers its signature cordless vacuum cleaners and bladeless hair dryers.
According to its website, Dyson’s new commercial office in one-north has 92 open roles available.
Commenting on its team growth, Dyson CEO Jim Rowan told Channel NewsAsia yesterday (July 9) that the firm expects its headcount to “grow quite substantially over the course of the next few years.”
We’ll continue to add capability and production at the digital motor facility in Jurong. And we continue to expand the Singapore Technology Centre in the Science Park … to facilitate growth and engineering.
– Jim Rowan, Dyson CEO
He did not give a figure as to how many Dyson would hire, but assures that the number would be “significant”.
It intends to double its headcount at its Science Park facility, which will reportedly create an additional 190 jobs over the next five years.
What Sort Of People Are They Looking To Hire?
Rowan said that Dyson is making a shift from mechanical engineering to software and electronics to better cater to its innovative products.
When it comes to hiring, Dyson looks out for skillsets such as “intelligence” and digital marketing.
As high-street retail declines and digital retail increases, how we reach those customers (through gateways like WeChat) had been skills that we had to develop.
– Jim Rowan, Dyson CEO
He also expressed his confidence in securing the ‘right’ people in Singapore despite the talent competition.
Moreover, Singapore’s lauded education systems churns “very high quality graduates” whom Dyson can train to groom their potential.
They come to Dyson with all the ingredients that we need: Cognitive intelligence, a degree in engineering disciplines.
– Jim Rowan, Dyson CEO
New Customer Service Centre Near To First S’pore Store
Dyson has recently launched its first Singapore store at the newly-revamped Funan Mall.
This new store focuses heavily on the customer experience, and is the first in Southeast Asia to offer free customisation of its Supersonic hair dryer.
It also features four styling stations, where customers can wash their hair before styling it with the Air Wrap or SuperSonic.
Dyson believes that by trying these Dyson products, it will allow them to experience the power of their technology firsthand.
Moving forward, a Dyson spokesperson told Channel NewsAsia this kind of demo store is the “first of many to come” in Singapore, adding that it will be opening a customer service centre at Capitol Piazza next.
Featured Image Credit: Dyson