Razer, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronics peripherals, has announced their intention to expand its R&D division in Singapore. More global talents have been recruited to boost Razer’s penetration into the global gaming community, and will join the rest of the Razer team in its expanded quarters in Singapore, Razer’s Asia-Pacific headquarters.
Razer’s Asia-Pacific office in Singapore is gearing up for expansion from 4,000 square feet to more than 20,000 square feet, which represents a 500% increase in floor area. The new office is expected to house more than 100 staff by the end of 2007. Recognizing the gaming community’s need for faster, more precise and sensitive products to significantly improve the gaming experience, Razer has dedicated an investment of US$2.64 million into Singapore with the intention to build a world class R&D facility to aggressively develop more gaming peripherals. An estimated increase in 60% of total headcount will be recruited to focus on R&D. Additionally, a growing number of Razer products will be designed in Singapore, immediately boosting the realm of industrial design in Singapore.
The move to have more products designed in Singapore comes hot on the successes of Razer’s collaborative efforts with Microsoft and THX. The Microsoft|Razer Reclusa and Habu and the Razer|THX Mako were designed in part by Razer’s industrial design team in Singapore. The Habu gaming mouse has been lauded amongst the gaming community, while the Reclusa gaming keyboard was a Finalist for the Best of CES 2007. Additionally, the Mako, a 2.1 bi-amplified multimedia speaker system won WIRED’s most coveted accolade, ‘Most Innovative of CES 2007.’
"Singapore is an integral part of Razer’s global blueprint. We decided to focus Razer’s R&D and industrial design in Singapore because we knew that we’d be able to attract the global talents we needed to dynamically grow Razer. We also believe that the next wave of gaming evolution and growth will take place in Asia, and Singapore is right smack in the middle of it,” said Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, president of Razer. “Razer is a growing, profitable company, and we are heartened by the initiatives taken by the Singapore government to grow the gaming industry here and overseas.”
“Razer is a global gaming company recognised for its innovation. We are therefore delighted that Razer has decided to expand its R&D functions in Singapore. This expansion is a firm endorsement of the quality of the design and engineering talents available in Singapore. Razer will be able to tap on Singapore's base of well qualified manpower and unique cosmopolitan mix to develop creative solutions for the global markets," said Mr Manohar Khiatani, Assistant Managing Director, Industry Development, Singapore Economic Development Board.
