OpenAI deepens Singapore bet with SG$300m investment

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OpenAI is investing more than SG$300 million in Singapore to launch its first Applied AI Lab outside the United States, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information.

The OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab will build a team of more than 200 forward-deployed engineers and technical specialists over the next few years to help organisations deploy AI applications across sectors such as public services, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure.

Beyond the lab, OpenAI will launch a dedicated bootcamp in Singapore to train mid-career software engineers in building real-world AI systems. The company will also work with educational institutions, the Infocomm Media Development Authority and AI Singapore on workshops, hackathons and capability-building programmes.

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Furthermore, the partnership will also introduce AI accelerator programmes for startups, technical support for businesses and workshops for SMEs and micro-entrepreneurs. Localised content will be developed for SkillsFuture programmes to help build AI capabilities across the wider workforce.

Chng Kai Fong, permanent secretary (digital development and information) said the 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.

“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," he added.

In tandem, Denise Dresser, chief revenue officer at OpenAI said Singapore has a 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 put frontier AI to work, develop local talent and expand access to the benefits of AI," added Dresser.

The partnership comes as Singapore continues to attract major technology investments. Earlier in February, it was reported that the Economic Development Board secured SG$14.2 billion in fixed asset investment commitments in 2025, with semiconductor, technology and R&D projects expected to create 15,700 jobs over the next five years, including emerging roles such as AI research scientists, data scientists and product managers.

The initiative also aligns with OpenAI’s broader regional ambitions. In a previous conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Jennifer Lien, head of marketing for APAC said that over the next six to 12 months, the company is expected to deepen its footprint across priority markets, with a stronger focus on driving practical AI use cases and expanding enterprise adoption.

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