OpenAI, known for its development of generative artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT, is set to open its second Asian office in Singapore in late 2024. This new office will be OpenAI’s fourth international location, following branches in London, Dublin, and Tokyo. The Singapore office aims to enhance collaboration within the Asia-Pacific region by working with national programs such as AI Singapore to create AI models tailored to the unique cultural and linguistic landscape of Southeast Asia.
As part of its commitment to the region, OpenAI has pledged to invest up to USD 1 million to support the development of resources that ensure AI models are better suited for local contexts. This initiative aims to make advanced AI technologies more accessible across Southeast Asia, leveraging Singapore’s position as a tech hub. The office will focus on supporting customers and facilitating partnerships with governments, businesses, and institutions throughout the Asia-Pacific.
Singapore has been chosen for OpenAI’s expansion due to its significant role as a technology leader within the region, as well as its growing pool of tech talent. The office in Singapore will serve as a central hub for OpenAI’s operations in Asia-Pacific, focusing on supporting partnerships with local and regional governments, businesses, and institutions. This move is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to increase the accessibility of advanced AI tools across Asia, reflected by the high usage rates of ChatGPT in Singapore, where the number of weekly active users has doubled since early 2024.
The expansion into Singapore is also set against the backdrop of OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit research lab to a more commercial, investor-friendly business. This strategic shift comes as OpenAI aims to manage the rising costs associated with operating sophisticated AI systems on a global scale. Additionally, OpenAI plans to host its first Developer Day in Singapore on November 21, 2024, which will focus on connecting with local developers and startups to further integrate AI technologies into the regional tech ecosystem.
(Sources: OpenAI, EDB)
