OpenAI also announced a partnership with AI Singapore to make advanced AI more widely accessible across Southeast Asia.
“Through the partnership, OpenAI will provide up to US$1 million to help develop resources, including open datasets, to ensure AI models are better suited to Southeast Asia’s diverse languages and cultures,” the company said.
Dr Leslie Teo, senior director of AI products at AI Singapore, said: “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 said its local presence will also allow it to work more closely with government partners such as the Economic Development Board (EDB).
EDB managing director Jacqueline Poh said 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 OpenAI’s regional efforts in Singapore and across the region, the company has appointed Oliver Jay as managing director for international.
Based in Singapore, he will oversee OpenAI’s international operations and global expansion.
OpenAI will also host its first Developer Day in Singapore on Nov 21.
The company said the event will bring “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 catapulted the firm into the global spotlight.
OpenAI raised US$6.6 billion in cash and secured a US$4 billion credit line earlier this month, propelling it to a reported US$157 billion valuation.
It has already opened an office in London and another in Dublin.