Singapore – The government of Singapore has signed its first memorandum of understanding with OpenAI to launch “OpenAI for Singapore,” a joint initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a hub for applied, AI-native innovation.
The agreement was signed between Ministry of Digital Development and Information and OpenAI on 20 May 2026. It marks the first formal collaboration between the Singapore government and the AI company and includes a commitment of more than S$300m by OpenAI to support the country’s AI ecosystem.
The partnership focuses on three main areas of collaboration: an applied AI lab, ecosystem talent development, and broader access to AI tools for citizens and businesses.
At the centre of the initiative is the OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab, which will be the company’s first such lab outside the United States. The lab will expand a team of forward-deployed engineers and technical specialists to more than 200 roles in the coming years. These engineers will work with partners in Singapore to deploy frontier AI technologies across sectors such as public services, finance, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.
OpenAI also plans to introduce a Forward-Deployed Engineer programme in Singapore aimed at training mid-career software engineers to build real-world AI systems, with the goal of developing a pipeline of AI deployment talent.
In the area of talent development, OpenAI will work with Singapore’s education sector through capability-building programmes and research collaborations. Activities will include workshops under a Singapore chapter of the OpenAI Academy training platform and “Codex for Teachers” hackathons designed to encourage responsible and teacher-led AI development.
The company will also continue working with the Infocomm Media Development Authority and AI Singapore through the AIxTech programme to help build AI fluency among technology professionals. This will include providing access to OpenAI’s Codex tools, adding optional modules to AIxTech exercises, and supporting community initiatives such as e-resources and expert-led sessions on the OpenAI technology stack.
Under the “AI for All” pillar, the partnership will expand access to AI tools and expertise for citizens, startups, and enterprises. Initiatives will include the development of citizen-focused AI applications to improve interactions with public services, AI accelerator programmes that offer technical support to local and international startups, and workshops designed for micro-entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises.
Localised training content will also be developed for programmes under SkillsFuture to support wider AI capability development across the population.
Chng Kai Fong, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, said, “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. 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.”
Denise Dresser, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenAI, said, “We’re excited to partner with Singapore as it builds on its position as a global leader in AI. Singapore has strong technical talent, trusted institutions, and a clear ambition to use AI to drive long-term growth and improve people’s lives. 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.”
