Shopee has laid off hundreds of software developers, the latest tech company to shed engineering roles as it shifts work to artificial intelligence. The cuts hit teams across the e-commerce platform's engineering division, according to the company.
The Scale of the Layoffs
Hundreds of developers were let go. The exact number wasn't disclosed, but the scale marks a significant reduction. Affected employees were notified this week. The company described the move as part of a broader reorganization.
Why AI Now
The layoffs come as Shopee automates tasks previously handled by human coders. AI tools can now write and test code, debug software, and manage routine development work. The company is prioritizing AI integration across its platform, including in recommendation algorithms, fraud detection, and logistics.
Impact on Remaining Teams
Developers who kept their jobs will work alongside AI systems rather than purely writing code. Their roles may shift to overseeing AI outputs, building training data sets, or handling complex problems machines can't solve. The change alters the traditional career path for software engineers at Shopee.
Shopee hasn't said whether more cuts are coming or how it plans to retrain staff for the new AI-driven workflow.
