Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and OpenAI will launch “OpenAI for Singapore,” a joint initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a hub for applied AI innovation.

The two sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the move, according to a joint statement on Tuesday. The agreement marks the first formal partnership between the Singapore Government and OpenAI and includes a commitment of more than S$300 million ($234.2 milllion) by OpenAI to support Singapore’s AI ecosystem.

The collaboration focuses on three key areas of applied AI development, AI talent building, and access to AI tools for businesses and citizens.

Another cooperation is the OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab, OpenAI’s first such facility outside the United States. The lab will expand a team of Forward-Deployed Engineers and technical specialists to more than 200 roles over the coming years.

The lab will support projects aligned with Singapore’s national AI priorities, including public services, finance, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. OpenAI also plans to launch a dedicated Forward-Deployed Engineer Bootcamp in Singapore to train mid-career software engineers in building AI systems.

Under the talent development pillar, OpenAI will work with Singapore’s education sector on capability-building programs, workshops, and research partnerships through a local chapter of the OpenAI Academy. The company will also organize Codex for Teachers hackathons focused on responsible and equitable AI development.

OpenAI will continue collaborating with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and AI Singapore (AISG) under the AIxTech programme to improve AI skills among technology professionals. The initiative includes providing access to OpenAI’s Codex tools, additional training modules, and expert-led learning sessions.

The third area of collaboration focuses on expanding AI access across Singapore’s broader economy and society. Planned initiatives include AI applications for public services, accelerator programmes for startups, and workshops for small and medium enterprises and micro-entrepreneurs.

The partnership also includes the development of localized content for SkillsFuture programmes to support AI capability development across the population.

Chng Kai Fong, Permanent Secretary (Digital Development and Information), highlighted “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.”

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