OpenAI will invest S$300 million (US$234 million) to establish its first applied AI lab outside the US in Singapore, a move that coincides with Google deepening its own AI collaborations with the city-state and solidifies the nation's status as a premier hub for artificial intelligence development.
"There’s incredible talent here, which we love," said Denise Dresser, chief revenue officer at OpenAI, in an interview. She cited Singapore’s "forward-leaning environment" and strong appetite for AI products as key factors in the decision to establish the lab.
The agreement, signed with Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), will create over 200 jobs for forward-deployed engineers and technical specialists. The collaboration focuses on advancing applied AI in public services, finance, and healthcare, aligning with the government's goal to help 10,000 enterprises adopt AI meaningfully under its updated National AI Strategy.
The dual announcements from OpenAI and Google intensify the strategic competition for AI dominance in Asia. OpenAI's investment, backed by its partner Microsoft, pressures other global and regional players to increase their footprint in Singapore, which is rapidly becoming a critical location for sourcing high-impact AI solutions and talent.
The initiatives are built on a strong foundation of local adoption. On a per capita basis, Singapore is one of the leading markets for OpenAI's products, including ChatGPT and the agentic AI platform Codex. The new lab will focus on deploying AI systems and identifying practical use cases that can be scaled across the wider economy.
As part of the agreement, OpenAI will also introduce a program to train mid-career software engineers in building real-world AI systems, directly addressing the need for specialized talent. This complements Google's expanded partnerships, which target AI integration in education and scientific research, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for both talent development and application. The moves follow recommendations from Singapore's Economic Strategy Review to accelerate economy-wide AI adoption.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
