OpenAI launches Singapore AI hub with S$300 million

OpenAI has launched OpenAI for Singapore with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. The initiative is backed by more than S$300 million.

The programme centres on an Applied AI Lab in Singapore, which will be OpenAI's first such lab outside the United States. OpenAI plans to create more than 200 technical roles in Singapore over the next few years and make the country one of its global hubs for Forward-Deployed Engineers.

These engineers work directly with organisations to apply advanced AI systems to operational problems. The Singapore lab will support work tied to national priorities in public service, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure.

The move adds to Singapore's push to position itself as a centre for AI development and deployment, with the government placing AI at the centre of economic policy, public services and workforce planning. For OpenAI, the partnership expands its base in Asia as governments and companies seek practical uses for generative AI.

Denise Dresser, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenAI, outlined the company's view of the partnership.

"We're excited to partner with Singapore as it builds on its position as a global leader in AI. Singapore has strong technical talent, trusted institutions, and a clear ambition to use AI to drive long-term growth and improve people's lives. Through OpenAI for Singapore, we want to help more organisations benefit from frontier AI, support the next generation of local AI talent, and widen access to these tools across the country," said Denise Dresser, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenAI.

Jobs and training

Alongside the lab, the initiative includes a training track aimed at building local AI deployment skills. OpenAI will launch a Forward-Deployed Engineer training programme in Singapore and work with public-sector and ecosystem partners on workforce development.

The education component includes planned work with the Ministry of Education and GovTech on AI-enabled learning use cases and tools, including support for Mother Tongue language learning. OpenAI also plans to support educators through a Singapore chapter of the OpenAI Academy and Codex for Teachers hackathons.

Another part of the programme involves participation in the National AI Impact Programme, through which OpenAI will help deepen AI skills across the technology workforce, including through the use of Codex. It described the effort as part of broader preparation for greater AI use across the economy.

Government officials said the partnership fits Singapore's approach of linking investment, workforce development and industrial policy. One aim is to attract major AI companies while creating jobs for local workers and increasing adoption among domestic businesses.

"With AI reshaping economies, businesses and the workforce, Singapore's response has been deliberate: growing new sectors, anchoring global frontier companies here, and equipping our people with the skills to thrive in this new environment. This partnership with OpenAI reflects the Government's commitment to developing Singapore's AI capabilities, strengthening enterprise adoption of AI, and securing good jobs for Singaporeans," said Chng.

Broader access

The initiative will also target smaller companies and individuals, not just large corporations. This could include accelerator schemes for AI-native startups and workshops for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The focus is on practical adoption, including helping founders build products with AI and helping small and medium-sized enterprises improve operations and customer service. That reflects a wider trend among policymakers and technology suppliers to demonstrate economic returns from AI beyond early experiments.

Singapore's investment agency for the digital sector also welcomed the plan, pointing to the country's role as a regional base for technology companies. The partnership is likely to intensify competition among Asian centres seeking AI-related investment, skilled talent and research activity.

"We are delighted by OpenAI's decision to expand its applied AI engineering capabilities in Singapore through the launch of OpenAI for Singapore. This investment presents exciting opportunities for Singaporeans and underscores Singapore's growing role as a trusted global hub for AI innovation and development in the region. We look forward to partnering with OpenAI to support AI adoption across Singapore's economy through these capabilities," said Gomez.