Proofpoint opens Singapore HQ to boost AI security in Asia-Pacific

Proofpoint has expanded its operations across Asia Pacific and Japan with the opening of a new office in Singapore, positioning the city-state as its regional headquarters and core hub for AI research and development.

Singapore's credentials as a technology centre are cited as central to the decision, given its ecosystem, technology infrastructure, and talent availability. The new office manages several functions such as engineering, sales, marketing, human resources, and an AI research and development team.

The timing of this expansion comes as cybersecurity threats enabled by artificial intelligence have increased across the region. According to Proofpoint, recent data highlights a 35% year-on-year increase in email fraud volumes in Japan, and a 31% rise in South Korea. Generative AI tools now allow malicious actors to craft convincing emails, personalised in multiple languages. In Singapore, 52% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) perceive generative AI as a risk to their organisations.

Proofpoint's CEO, Sumit Dhawan, addressed the role of AI and the significance of the new office opening, stating:

"AI is the core of modern cybersecurity. Proofpoint has been at the forefront of enabling protection with AI while keeping humans at the centre. Our recent launch of a dedicated data centre in Singapore, coupled with today's unveiling of our new office, represents a significant milestone in our commitment to Singapore and the region. This investment not only enhances our ability to deliver localised, compliant security solutions but also reinforces our dedication to addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by organisations across Asia-Pacific and Japan."

The new Singapore facility includes a dedicated AI Research & Development team comprising over 20 professionals, including AI researchers, software engineers, big data specialists, and cybersecurity experts. Their remit is to design AI-powered defensive platforms to counteract data breaches and attacks that target individuals within organisations.

Proofpoint underscores the growing significance of human behaviour in cybersecurity incidents. Internally sourced statistics indicate that 90% of cybersecurity breaches involve a human element. Additionally, seven in ten users in Singapore reportedly admit to risky behaviour at work despite nearly all being aware such actions may endanger organisational security. Proofpoint contends this trend is leading organisations to prioritise the protection of individual users over traditional infrastructure.

George Lee, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan at Proofpoint, commented on the decision to expand in Singapore:

"Singapore's strategic position as a digital hub, along with its world-class infrastructure and skilled talent pool, makes it the ideal location for expanding our operations in the Asia-Pacific region to provide a human-centric cybersecurity platform. By establishing these essential assets in Singapore, particularly the AI Research & Development team, we are ensuring faster response times, enhanced data sovereignty, and improved AI-driven human-centric protection for our customers in this rapidly evolving threat landscape."

Proofpoint's Singapore headcount now numbers around 70, out of a global workforce of 4,500. The company states it protects more than 13.6 million employees across Asia Pacific and Japan, and, within Singapore, claims to secure more than one in ten of the working population.

The Singapore office follows Proofpoint's earlier acquisition of Dathena, a Singapore-based start-up specialising in artificial intelligence-powered data protection, in 2022.

In addition to direct cybersecurity operations, Proofpoint reports it supports more than 3.5 million employees across the Asia Pacific and Japan region through education and awareness programmes. In 2024, the company sent around 10 million phishing simulation emails as part of its efforts to raise awareness about cyber threats and encourage best practices.

As part of its local community engagement, Proofpoint participates as an Advocate Partner for the Singapore Cyber Security Agency's SG Cyber Safe programme, which aims to raise awareness and promote good practices among local businesses and workers.