Thanks to Dyson for the invite, I was able to take a “peek” at what is inside the massive Dyson Global HQ at the previous St James Power Station in Singapore.
The new Dyson Global HQ is sitting on a piece of Singapore history. See Press Release below for more information. When I saw the event pictures, I was even more excited as the HQ is showcasing the Dyson EV (Electric Vehicle) which was supposed to be manufactured in Singapore. However, the project was discontinued. Check out my short video tour of Dyson Global HQ in Singapore, including the EV.
I think most Singaporeans or people living in Singapore might remember St James Power Station as a clubbing area where most people will affectionally called it St James. The nightlife clubbing scene is something to remember. However, here is some history about St James Power Station that you might not know.
If you are interested in more history, it can be found on the link bridge from VivoCity towards St James Power Station, and more can be found outside the St James Power Station.
As mentioned, one of the highlights during the tour is that I got to see the Dyson EV.
Check out the length of this vehicle.
Here is a close up view of the Dyson EV.
If you are wondering where are the rest of the pictures of the Dyson Global HQ. I had them on video.
In my video, I mentioned that the Dyson washing machine was not available to the public. This information is based on what I heard during the tour. However, one viewer from my YouTube channel mentioned that it was available to purchase in the UK. In fact, two models were available – the CR01 and CR02.
Another interesting product showcased during the tour is a non-released version of the Dyson robot vacuum in the year 2003. It has 80 sensors and way too advance during that time.
If you want to know more about how Dyson manage the working spaces, check THIS out. If not, read on for the Press Release.
Press Release
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially opens Dyson’s new global headquarters at the historic St James Power Station
- New global headquarters with 18 state-of-the-art research laboratories to supercharge Dyson’s ambitions to enter entirely new fields of research, and develop a new generation of high-performing technology products with increasing inbuilt intelligence
- Dyson to invest S$1.5b into its future in Singapore over the next four years, including plans to hire more than 250 engineers and scientists in fields spanning robotics, machine learning, AI, high-speed electric digital motors, sensing and vision systems, connectivity, software, power electronics and energy storage
SINGAPORE 25.03.22 – Dyson today opened the doors to its new global headquarters at St James Power Station, in the presence of Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore. The restored 110,000 ft. national monument marks an exciting new chapter in Dyson’s continued growth in Singapore, and will sit at the center of its ambitions to enter entirely new fields of research and develop a new generation of high-performing technology products with increasing intelligence.
In the newest phase of its S$4.9bn global investment programme, Dyson is investing S$1.5b into its future in Singapore over the next four years. Underscoring its commitment is its plans to hire more than 250 engineers and scientists, with roles spanning robotics, machine learning, AI, high-speed electric digital motors, sensing and vision systems, connectivity, software, power electronics and energy storage. The investment will also support ongoing university research programmes to drive technology development, building on its existing global programmes.
As Dyson’s global headquarters, Singapore is a hub for Dyson’s research and engineering teams, as well as commercial, advanced manufacturing and supply chain operations Over 1,400 Dyson people work in Singapore, 560 of whom are engineers and scientists.
James Dyson, Founder and Chairman at Dyson, said, “You can feel the ambition in Singapore and Dyson’s expansion here is possible because of the wonderful inventiveness and enthusiasm of the young Singaporean engineers and scientists who have joined us. Finding a home for our headquarters in St James Power Station was serendipitous and would not have been possible without the generosity and vision of Mapletree and the steadfast support of the Singapore Government. We are honoured to be the custodians of this cathedral-like building; it’s rich history and architectural heritage will serve as a most inspiring backdrop as we pursue revolutionary new technologies.”
Roland Krueger, Chief Executive Officer at Dyson, said, “The historic St James Power Station marks the start of the next chapter for Dyson as a global technology company. It reflects our continued commitment to reinvest in our people, equipment and laboratories. Singapore is home to some of the world’s brightest hardware and software engineering minds; their innovative spirit will supercharge our efforts to pioneer new technologies with increasing inbuilt intelligence.”
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About St James Power Station
Built in 1927, St James Power Station served as Singapore’s first coal-fired power station. Named after the cape it was built on, it provided the island with power until it was eventually decommissioned in 1975. It then served as Southeast Asia’s first automated warehouse from 1984 to 1992, and one of Asia’s most comprehensive nightspots from 2006 to 2018.
To prepare the iconic national monument for its new lease of life as a global technology company headquarters, Mapletree, in collaboration with W Architects and Studio Lapis undertook a comprehensive restoration project that took over 2 years to complete.
The restoration of St James Power Station’s bricks proved the most challenging aspect. Each and every brick was assessed and restored by hand through the work of skilled artisans. Most bricks were repaired and retained, and only bricks that were severely damaged were replaced.
Meanwhile, extensive restoration works were also carried out on the building’s iconic steel beams, columns and roof trusses. They were stripped to bare finish, de-rusted, and repainted with three new coats of paint. External features that were removed in previous renovations were also painstakingly restored with similar materials – including flag poles, mild steel windows, corbels, and ledges.