Our team members had the privilege to have an exclusive tour around the Google Singapore office, which also happens to be the headquarters of the industry giant in Asia Pacific. To give you an insider look, we thought we'd share our experience with you and give you a glimpse of what it's like when you visit the Google office.

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Why Google chose Singapore to be it’s Asia Pacific Headquarter?

Google Singapore is the headquarter for Asia Pacific as well as home to 3 data centers in Jurong. According to the tech giant, there’s plenty of reason why they choose Singapore as home - reliable infrastructure (including access to the region’s most extensive subsea cable network), skilled workforce as well as Singapore’s renowned business-friendly environment.

Google Singapore is expected to support the 2.5 billion people in the region who use Google’s suite of services. To date, Google has invested a total of US$850 million in Singapore.

How to get to Google HQ Singapore

Located in Mapletree Business City (MBC) along Pasir Panjang Road, the Google HQ is easily accessible through multiple road networks and MRT stations as well. The nearest MRT stations to the office include Pasir Panjang, Labrador Park, and Telok Blangah Station.

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How do I visit the Google HQ Singapore?

Fortunately, visiting Google HQ Singapore isn't complicated. The lobby is open to members of the public, but touring around the office is private. You will need to get an invitation from an internal employee before attending any of Google's events to visit the headquarters. Head over here to look for upcoming google events.

💡 Tips: Did you know you can get 17% off Google Workspace when you open an account with us? Unlock this promo and many more with Aspire Rewards today.

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6 Fun Facts Inside Google Office in Singapore:

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1. MRT stations inside the office

We knew that the headquarters would be huge but we didn't know just how massive it would be in the flesh. No wonder they need more than just numbers to name different floors, areas, and rooms! As seen in the GIF above, Google Singapore uses the name of MRT Stations to name different areas on the site. How creative is that? So in Google, conversations may go:

A: "Hey, where are you sitting today?"

B: "Oh, I'll be in Novena if you wanna find me!"

A: "Be there in 5, I'm coming from Rochor."

2. Salon & Spa Area

We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher in our own "to do list" - Michelle Obama

Everybody loves a relaxing spa session. But did you know that Google employees have the luxury of pampering themselves in between work, right in the HQ itself? The office provides salon and spa services especially for their employees, so they can get that quick pamper fix all in the same place.

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If only pictures could capture how the divine scent of the salon and spa room; for once, you'll forget that you're actually at work!

3. Unlimited supply of snacks

Google's office used to be famous for its unlimited supply of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. While we didn't manage to catch sight of any ice cream tubs, there seemed to be an unlimited supply of snacks from fruits, granola bars, nuts, and everything else in between.

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If you're an employee at Google, you no longer have to worry about buying snacks to bring to work—they have everything you need right here in the office! What's more, they're all healthy options too.

4. Fancy dining, everyday

As if free meals weren't enough, the Google HQ has a team of talented chefs to prepare meals for everyone in the office. The options range from burger stalls, mexican food, and local cuisine as well. This allows employees to get quick and easy access to food without having to leave the office. With the tables and plating neatly set in their biggest dining hall, you can enjoy a fancy breakfast, lunch, and even dinner everyday. What's not to love?

5. Bali-Vibe Workspace

"Googlers can choose the workspace that best suits their style or the tasks they need to focus on just for that moment," a Google spokesperson told CNBC.

While employees do have their own office desks and designated work spaces, they also have the option to do work in other spaces suited to their likings. For instance, there is a work space that resembles Bali-inspired cafe right outside the salon and spa area, with plants all around and comfortable seats, as seen in the GIF above.

If you're looking for an Instagrammable work spot with direct sunlight and decorated with plants, you know exactly where to go.

6. Google Singapore office used to be tiny

That's right! In 2007, Google opened it's first office in Collyer Quay, Singapore with only 24 employees. They've since called Mapletree Business City II in Pasir Panjang their home. Now occupying blocks 60 to 70 and taking up the property's entire third to eighth floors. It's hard to imagine where they started out, now that the Google team has famously grown to a staggering 3,000 employees in Singapore alone. The Singapore office also doubles as its Asia-Pacific Google headquarters.

Wrapping up the Google Singapore Office Tour

After our visit to the Google Asia Pacific HQ, some of our members shared a few interesting and useful lessons, which could be helpful to small business owners, HR executives, and anyone who wants to improve their working environment. Here's what they had to say:

1. A workplace could and should be fun. Although the office is where your employees will spend half of their day in, it doesn't mean it can't be an enjoyable place to be in! Companies don't necessarily have to be providing them with salon & spa services; it could be as simple as providing free coffee and tea or healthy snacks.
2. Investing in employees = worth it! This will improve employee retention and attract potential employees to work with you in the long run. If you treat your employees well, it will act as word-of-mouth marketing for your business. Happy employees tend to share positive feedback regarding their experience with the people around them, which will be plus points for you and your business.

💡 Tips: Empower your team while keeping the company efficient and informed, every step of the way. Issue unlimited corporate cards for free and control company expenses at every step.

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On top of our visit to the Google HQ, we also visited the Accounting and Finance Show in the same week. Held in Suntec Convention Centre, this event is Asia's largest free-to-attend accounting and finance event, which celebrates the latest technology and solutions, as well as the masterminds behind them. It is through events like this where we are reminded of our mission and purpose.

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At Aspire, we envision a world where business owners have fast and simple access to the funding they need to grow. That’s why we’re on a mission to create an all in one Finance Operating System for growing businesses in Southeast Asia and beyond. Through the Aspire Business Account, modern business owners can gain access to a wide range of modern solutions to better manage their finances. This includes low FX fees, virtual corporate cards, cashback on marketing on SaaS spend, and everything else in between.

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Open an Aspire account today in just five minutes!

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