OpenAI has committed more than $300 million to strengthen Singapore’s AI ecosystem under a new memorandum of understanding with the city-state's Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
Under the agreement, OpenAI will set up an Applied AI Lab in Singapore and grow a dedicated local team of forward-deployed engineers and technical specialists to more than 200 roles over the next few years. Their job will be to work with Singapore partners to turn AI models into systems that can be used in business, government, and daily operations.
The deal gives Singapore a bigger role in OpenAI’s expansion outside the US and adds to the government’s push to make the country a base for applied AI. OpenAI says local usage is already high, with Singapore among the top three markets globally for ChatGPT adoption per capita and among the top five countries for Codex usage.
The new lab will work on projects aligned with Singapore’s AI missions and national priorities, including public services, finance, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. OpenAI has also named advanced manufacturing, connectivity and logistics as areas where the lab could be involved.
Many companies get stuck when AI pilots move into daily operations. Projects that look promising can run into messy data, legacy systems, compliance checks and staff who have to change how they work.
To help address that gap, the lab will work with organisations to design, test and build production-grade systems for complex workflows. That work will draw on technical specialists and forward-deployed engineers, with the latter working closely with business leaders, technology teams, operators and frontline staff to rethink processes and build AI systems that can show measurable results.
OpenAI plans to make Singapore one of its global hubs for forward-deployed engineers. It will also launch a programme here to train mid-career software engineers in building real-world AI systems, creating a local pipeline of specialised AI deployment talent.
“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,” says Chng Kai Fong, Permanent Secretary for Digital Development and Information.
The talent work extends beyond engineers. OpenAI will collaborate with Singapore’s education sector on capability-building programmes and research partnerships, including a Singapore chapter of the OpenAI Academy and Codex for Teachers hackathons to support teacher-led and responsible use of AI.
See also: Singapore sharpens its national AI strategy around sectors, talent and hub ambition
Besides that, OpenAI will continue working with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and AI Singapore through the AIxTech programme. This includes Codex access for hands-on training, optional modules for online exercises, e-resources and expert-led sessions on OpenAI’s AI stack. According to OpenAI’s blog, the effort will include up to 15,000 Codex accounts.
The agreement also aims to widen access to AI outside large companies and specialist teams. It includes citizen-facing applications for public services, AI accelerator programmes offering technical consultancy and support for local and international startups, and workshops for micro-entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises. Localised content will also be developed for SkillsFuture programmes.
“Through OpenAI for Singapore, we want to help more organisations put frontier AI to work, develop local talent, and expand access to the benefits of AI,” says Denise Dresser, OpenAI’s chief revenue officer.
