ChatGPT parent company OpenAI plans to open Singapore office this year to support regional expansion
OpenAI is also partnering AI Singapore to make advanced AI more widely accessible across Southeast Asia.
by Firdaus Hamzah · CNA · JoinSINGAPORE: ChatGPT's parent company OpenAI on Wednesday (Oct 9) announced plans to open an office in Singapore later this year, adding that it has started building a team in the country.
Singapore will be a hub from which OpenAI will support customers and partners throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and the team here will help to strengthen relationships with local and regional governments, businesses and institutions, said the company.
In its announcement at Tech Week Singapore, OpenAI said its plans reflect Singapore's "leadership position" in technology and artificial intelligence, as well as the growing demand for advanced AI tools across the Asia Pacific region.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that Singapore "has emerged as a leader in artificial intelligence".
Mr Altman added that the company is excited to partner with the government and the country's "thriving AI ecosystem" as it expands into the region.
OpenAI also announced a partnership with AI Singapore to make advanced AI more widely accessible across Southeast Asia.
"Through the partnership, OpenAI will provide up to US$1 million to help develop resources, including open datasets, to ensure AI models are better suited to Southeast Asia's diverse languages and cultures."
Dr Leslie Teo, senior director of AI products at AI Singapore said: "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."
OpenAI's local presence will also allow it to work more closely with government partners such as the Economic Development Board (EDB), it said.
It will support Singapore's local AI ecosystem and help shape an AI-powered future that "benefits everyone".
EDB managing director Jacqueline Poh said OpenAI's decision to establish a presence in Singapore underscores the strength of the country's growing AI ecosystem.
"We look forward to the multiplier effects of this move.”
To spearhead OpenAI's regional efforts in Singapore and across the region, the company has appointed Oliver Jay as managing director for international.
He will be based in Singapore and will oversee OpenAI's international operations and global expansion.
CNA understands that OpenAI will be hiring across five to 10 roles in Singapore before the end of the year.
According to its website on Wednesday afternoon, available jobs include roles in sales, customer success, security and technical success.
OpenAI will also host its first Developer Day in Singapore on Nov 21.
The company said the event will bring "together the region’s flourishing community of developers and startups who are building the future of AI".
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