Singapore Signs First Memorandum of Understanding with OpenAI to Develop “OpenAI for Singapore”

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and OpenAI today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on "OpenAI for Singapore", a joint initiative to strengthen Singapore's position as a leading hub for applied, AI-native innovation. This marks the first MOU between the Singapore Government and OpenAI to advance applied AI innovation, build AI talent, and make AI accessible to citizens, enterprises and the public sector. The partnership represents a commitment of more than S$300 million by OpenAI to strengthen Singapore's AI ecosystem.

The MOU outlines three pillars of collaboration:

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   Applied AI Lab - At the centre of the partnership is the OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab, its first outside the United States. The Lab will focus on expanding a dedicated team of Forward-Deployed Engineers and technical specialists to more than 200 roles in the next few years who will help Singaporean partners turn frontier AI from a powerful new technology into everyday economic capability. The Lab will support work aligned with Singapore's AI Missions and national priorities, particularly in areas of public services, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure. OpenAI will launch an FDE programme in Singapore to train mid-career software engineers in building real-world AI systems, helping develop a pipeline of specialised AI deployment talent.

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   AI Talent for the Ecosystem - OpenAI will collaborate with Singapore's education sector on capability-building programmes and research partnerships. These hands-on workshops under a Singapore chapter of the OpenAI Academy, our online training platform, as well as Codex for Teachers hackathons, to help ensure AI is developed in a teacher-led, responsible, and equitable way. OpenAI will also continue collaborating with IMDA and AI Singapore (AISG) under the AIxTech programme to build AI fluency among tech professionals. This includes providing access to OpenAI's Codex to enable hands-on training with AI tools, augmenting online exercises in AIxTech with optional modules, and participating in community efforts such as contributing e-resources and leading expert-led sessions on their AI stack.

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   AI for All - Through this partnership, Singaporeans, businesses, and startups will gain greater access to AI tools and expertise. Initiatives co-developed with OpenAI include citizen-centric AI applications to improve and transform how citizens interact with public services, AI Accelerator programmes offering technical consultancy and support for local and international startups, and workshops for micro-entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises. Localised content will also be developed for SkillsFuture programmes to support broad-based AI capability development across the population.

Mr 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."

Ms 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."