OpenAi, ChatGPT parent company, to open S'pore office

OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, announced on Oct. 9, 2024 that it has started building a team in Singapore and plans to open an office in the country before the year is up.

The announcement at Tech Week Singapore was reported by Business Times and CNA.

The Singapore office, with five to 10 staff, according to BT, will support customers and partners throughout the Asia Pacific region.

They will help strengthen relationships with local and regional governments, businesses and institutions, the company said, as per CNA.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Singapore "has emerged as a leader in artificial intelligence" and the company is keen to partner with the government and the country's "thriving AI ecosystem" to expand regionally.

The first Asia-Pacific office was opened in Tokyo, Japan in April 2024.

OpenAI added that its plans reflect Singapore's "leadership position" in technology and artificial intelligence in the face of growing demand for advanced AI tools in this region.

The company, founded in San Francisco, U.S., will provide up to US$1 million to help develop resources, including open datasets, in its partnership with AI Singapore, it was also announced.

This is to make advanced AI more widely accessible across Southeast Asia to suit the diverse languages and cultures.

The partnership with OpenAI will allow it to work more closely with public entities here, such as the Economic Development Board (EDB).

OpenAI will also host its first Developer Day in Singapore on Nov. 21 and has appointed Oliver Jay, who will be based in Singapore, as managing director for international, to oversee international operations and global expansion.

Top photo via Unsplash