Shopee to downsize PH workforce

Shopee, operator of one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, will downsize the number of its employees in the Philippines in a bid to “optimize” its business.

Sources familiar with the matter told the Inquirer that the changes planned by the Singapore-based company would mean a reduction in local workforce by a low single-digit percentage, similar to the rationalization process that would affect several teams across a number of markets.

The source said the move was a “prudent” and “sensible” measure, given the current macroeconomic uncertainties of today.

Shopee’s core operation in the Philippines will likely be unaffected by this development, according to the same source.

Sought for comment, a representative from Shopee Philippines confirmed the planned corporate downsizing to the Inquirer, but did not provide details.

“These changes are part of our ongoing efforts to optimize operating efficiency with the goal of achieving self sufficiency across our business. We are extending support to our affected colleagues during this transition,” Shopee said in a message sent to the Inquirer.

Earlier in June, Singapore-based Channel News Asia reported that the company would lay off employees in its food delivery and online payment teams, citing a memo issued by Shopee’s group president Chris Feng. INQ