Singapore inks AI deals with Google, OpenAI as ChatGPT-maker commits $234 million to local ecosystem

AI adoption is on the rise in Singapore, with 52% of workers in the country using the technology in their jobs, according to Slack's new Workforce Index. Primeimages | E+ | Singapore has inked separate agreements with Google and OpenAI to strengthen its position as a global artificial intelligence hub and accelerate AI deployment across public services, healthcare, education and enterprise. The agreements, announced on Wednesday, include a new National AI Partnership with Google and the first memorandum of understanding between Singapore and OpenAI, which will see it set up an AI lab in the city. Under the partnership, OpenAI will commit more than 300 million Singapore dollars ($234 million) to strengthen Singapore's AI ecosystem, according to a joint statement released by the ChatGPT-maker and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. While Google's announcement didn't include an investment commitment, the company said the main focus would be on solving societal challenges, building an AI-ready workforce, driving enterprise innovation and creating a secure AI ecosystem. The companies announced the news alongside Singapore's ATxSummit, a flagship technology conference taking place in the city with a heavy focus on AI deployment this year. The city-state has been trying to carve out a niche in the global AI race, positioning itself as a neutral and talent-rich platform for developing, testing and deploying AI solutions. …