9-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a significant move that underscores Singapore’s growing importance in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, OpenAI, the parent company of the revolutionary ChatGPT, has announced plans to establish a presence in the city-state. The announcement, made during Tech Week Singapore on Wednesday, 9 October, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s international expansion strategy.
The San Francisco-based AI powerhouse intends to open its Singapore office later this year, viewing it as a strategic hub to support customers and partners throughout the Asia Pacific region. This move is set to strengthen OpenAI’s relationships with local and regional governments, businesses, and institutions, furthering its reach in one of the world’s most dynamic tech markets.
OpenAI’s decision to set up shop in Singapore is a testament to the nation’s “leadership position” in technology and AI, as well as the burgeoning demand for advanced AI tools across the Asia Pacific region. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, praised Singapore’s emergence as “a leader in artificial intelligence” and expressed enthusiasm about partnering with the government and the country’s “thriving AI ecosystem” as the company expands its footprint in the region.
In a move that demonstrates its commitment to fostering AI development in Southeast Asia, OpenAI has also announced a partnership with AI Singapore. This collaboration will see OpenAI provide up to US$1 million to develop resources, including open datasets, aimed at making AI models more suitable for the diverse languages and cultures of Southeast Asia.
Dr Leslie Teo, senior director of AI products at AI Singapore, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “This effort will improve the availability and quality of Southeast Asian data, and encourage further development and adoption of AI models and solutions in our region.”
The establishment of a local presence will enable OpenAI to work more closely with government partners such as the Economic Development Board (EDB). Jacqueline Poh, managing director of EDB, welcomed OpenAI’s decision, noting that it “underscores the strength of the country’s growing AI ecosystem” and expressing anticipation for the “multiplier effects of this move.”
To lead its regional efforts, OpenAI has appointed Oliver Jay as managing director for international. Based in Singapore, Jay will oversee the company’s international operations and global expansion, signalling the strategic importance of the Singapore office in OpenAI’s global plans.
The company’s commitment to nurturing the local tech community is further evidenced by its plans to host its first Developer Day in Singapore on 21 November. This event aims to bring together the region’s “flourishing community of developers and startups who are building the future of AI,” providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
