Singapore signs first Memorandum of Understanding with OpenAI to develop “OpenAI for Singapore”

• OpenAI commits more than US$235 mil to strengthen Singapore’s AI ecosystem
• Partnership includes AI talent development, public sector deployment and broader AI access initiatives

OpenAI and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on “OpenAI for Singapore”, a joint initiative aimed at strengthening Singapore’s position as a hub for applied, AI-native innovation.

The partnership marks the first MoU between the Singapore Government and OpenAI and includes a commitment of more than US$235 million (RM1 billion) by OpenAI to support Singapore’s AI ecosystem through applied AI innovation, talent development and broader AI accessibility for citizens, enterprises and the public sector.

The MoU outlines three pillars of collaboration: applied AI infrastructure and deployment, AI talent development, and broader AI accessibility across the ecosystem.

At the centre of the partnership is the OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab, OpenAI’s first outside the United States. The lab will focus on expanding a dedicated team of Forward-Deployed Engineers (FDEs) and technical specialists to more than 200 roles over the next few years, supporting Singaporean partners in deploying frontier AI technologies across real-world environments.

The lab will support Singapore’s AI Missions and national priorities, particularly across public services, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure. OpenAI will also launch an FDE programme in Singapore to train mid-career software engineers in building real-world AI systems, helping to develop a pipeline of specialised AI deployment talent.

OpenAI will also collaborate with Singapore’s education sector on capability-building programmes and research partnerships through a local chapter of the OpenAI Academy, alongside Codex for Teachers hackathons aimed at supporting responsible and equitable AI adoption in education.

The company will continue collaborating with the Infocomm Media Development Authority and AI Singapore under the AIxTech programme to build AI fluency among technology professionals. This includes access to OpenAI’s Codex tools, AI-focused training modules, e-resources and expert-led sessions.

Under the “AI for All” pillar, Singaporeans, businesses and startups will gain broader access to AI tools and expertise through citizen-focused AI applications, AI Accelerator programmes for startups, and workshops for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Localised content will also be developed for SkillsFuture programmes to support wider AI capability development across the population.

Chng Kai Fong, permanent secretary (digital development and information), said Singapore’s approach to AI development has focused on strengthening capabilities, supporting enterprise adoption and preparing the workforce for long-term transformation.

“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 said.

“This 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,” Chng added.

Denise Dresser, chief revenue officer at OpenAI, said Singapore’s strong technical talent base and institutional environment make it an important partner for the company’s regional AI ambitions.

“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,” she said.