Singapore – The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and OpenAI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on “OpenAI for Singapore”, a national initiative focused on expanding applied artificial intelligence capabilities, talent development and public access to AI tools.
The agreement is OpenAI’s first MOU with the Singapore Government and includes a commitment of more than S$300 million to support the country’s AI ecosystem. It sets out plans to develop AI deployment capabilities, strengthen talent pipelines and expand the use of AI across the public and private sectors.
The collaboration is structured around three workstreams covering an applied AI lab, talent development and broader access to AI.
A key component is the OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab, the company’s first such facility outside the United States. The lab will grow a team of Forward-Deployed Engineers and technical specialists to more than 200 roles over the next few years, focused on translating frontier AI models into practical applications. Its work will be aligned with Singapore’s national AI priorities, including public services, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure. OpenAI will also introduce a Forward-Deployed Engineer programme in Singapore to train mid-career software engineers in applied AI system development.
On talent development, OpenAI will collaborate with local education institutions on training programmes and research partnerships, including workshops under a Singapore chapter of its OpenAI Academy and Codex for Teachers hackathons. It will also work with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and AI Singapore (AISG) under the AIxTech programme to support skills development among technology professionals, including access to Codex and structured training initiatives.
The third pillar, “AI for All”, focuses on expanding access to AI tools for individuals, businesses and startups. Planned initiatives include citizen-facing AI applications for public services, accelerator programmes offering technical support to startups, and workshops aimed at micro-entrepreneurs and SMEs. The partnership also includes plans to develop localised content for SkillsFuture programmes.
Chng Kai Fong, Permanent Secretary (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.”
