Starbucks continues Asian expansion with first store in Brunei

Starbucks has announced two significant milestones in Southeast Asia, opening its first store in Brunei – the company’s 64th global market – and its 100th store in Singapore, which will give people with autism the opportunity for meaningful employment and new lifelong skills. Starbucks will open its first store in Brunei on February 16 at one of the most popular shopping destinations in the country, Mabohai Mall. This milestone marks the company’s 15th market in its China and Asia Pacific region and its 64th market globally. As Starbucks continues its ambitious growth momentum across the China and Asia Pacific region, it is committed to growing through a locally-relevant and community-focused approach. While the 100th store in Singapore is testament to Starbucks continued market leadership, it also serves to deepen the brand’s relationship with the neighbourhood that it serves. Starbucks nearly decade-long alliance with the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) provides an opportunity for members of the community to receive the necessary job training and support that enable people with autism to join the workforce and lead more independent lifestyles. At the time of the store opening, six partners with autism have been hired to work at the store, with the goal to expand the relationship with the Autism Resource Centre in the coming years. “Over our 43-year history, Starbucks has strived to be a different kind of company; one that balances benevolence with performance. The opening of 100th store in Singapore is a reflection of this ongoing commitment in collaboration with Singapore’s Autism Resource Centre,” said the President of Starbucks China and Asia Pacific, Jeff Hansberry. “This store not only showcases coffee leadership, but also provides an opportunity for our partners to engage in a program which will be a positive force for change in the community it serves. I am very proud to commemorate this milestone opening and thank Singapore customers for their support over the past 17 years.” The company is on track to expand its footprint by adding approximately 750 stores across Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region this year. Southeast Asia will play a significant role in this growth, driven both within existing markets – including Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines – as well as new markets such as Brunei.