OpenAI Expands to Singapore with New Office and Regional Partnership

Published Date::09/10/2024

OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is set to open an office in Singapore this year. The move aims to support regional expansion and enhance AI accessibility across Southeast Asia.

SINGAPORE  In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, OpenAI, the renowned developer of ChatGPT, has announced plans to establish an office in Singapore this year. The company has already begun building a team in the country. Singapore will be one of four new global offices, with the others located in Paris, Brussels, and New York.

OpenAI’s new office in Singapore will serve as a hub to support customers and partners across the Asia-Pacific region. The team will focus on strengthening relationships with local and regional governments, businesses, and institutions. This strategic move was announced at Tech Week Singapore, highlighting Singapore's growing leadership in technology and artificial intelligence.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, 'Singapore has emerged as a leader in artificial intelligence. We are excited to partner with the government and the country's thriving AI ecosystem as we expand into the region.'

The company plans to hire between five to ten roles in Singapore by the end of the year, including positions in sales, customer success, security, and technical success. These roles are aimed at supporting the growing demand for advanced AI tools in the region.

To further its commitment to the region, OpenAI has also announced a partnership with AI Singapore. Through this partnership, OpenAI will provide up to US$1 million to develop resources, including open datasets, to ensure AI models are better suited to the diverse languages and cultures of Southeast Asia.

Dr. Leslie Teo, senior director of AI products at AI Singapore, emphasized the impact of this partnership, saying, '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 facilitate closer collaboration with government partners such as the Economic Development Board (EDB). EDB managing director Jacqueline Poh welcomed the move, stating, '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 its regional efforts in Singapore and across the region, OpenAI has appointed Oliver Jay as managing director for international. Based in Singapore, Jay will oversee the company's international operations and global expansion. OpenAI will also host its first Developer Day in Singapore on November 21, bringing together the region’s flourishing community of developers and start-ups who are building the future of AI.

The public launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 has catapulted OpenAI into the global spotlight. The company has recently raised US$6.6 billion in cash and secured a US$4 billion credit line, propelling it to a reported US$157 billion valuation. OpenAI has already opened offices in London and Dublin, further solidifying its global footprint.

FAQS:

Q: When is OpenAI planning to open its office in Singapore?

A: OpenAI plans to open its office in Singapore this year.

Q: What other cities will OpenAI be expanding to besides Singapore?

A: OpenAI is also expanding to Paris, Brussels, and New York.

Q: How many roles is OpenAI planning to hire in Singapore?

A: OpenAI plans to hire between five to ten roles in Singapore by the end of the year.

Q: What is OpenAI's partnership with AI Singapore about?

A: OpenAI's partnership with AI Singapore involves providing up to US$1 million to develop resources and open datasets to ensure AI models are better suited to Southeast Asia's diverse languages and cultures.

Q: Who has been appointed as the managing director for international at OpenAI?

A: Oliver Jay has been appointed as the managing director for international at OpenAI and will be based in Singapore.

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