The ChatGPT maker agreed to spend more than S$300 million (US$234 million) to establish its first so-called applied AI lab outside the US, it said in a statement Wednesday.

The effort will expand its Singapore-based technical team to more than 200 roles over the next few years. OpenAI established its Singapore office in 2024.

The AI firm backed by Microsoft and Nvidia is striking partnerships with governments across the planet, part of a bid to stay ahead of rivals such as Anthropic PBC and Alphabet’s Google.

The new lab will support Singapore’s implementation of AI in areas such as public service, finance, health care and digital infrastructure, while working with the island nation’s startups.

Singapore has made AI a strategic priority, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s administration focused on training citizens and reinforcing social safety nets while urging Singaporeans to adapt to faster changes in the job market.

The country earlier announced a pact to explore collaboration with Google DeepMind in areas such as health care and research. The partnership will encompass work on “triadic care” – the idea that AI tools are used to assist patients throughout their treatment while doctors remain in charge.

Nvidia is also setting up a new AI research lab in the city-state to collaborate with university researchers, industry partners and government agencies, the country’s Infocomm Media Development Authority said in a statement.

“Singapore’s domestic market may not warrant so much attention. What makes us compelling is the global networks that we are connected to and our track record for trusted technology adoption,” Minister for digital development and information Josephine Teo said at the Asia Tech X event in the city on Wednesday.

“Leading companies like Nvidia choose to deepen their presence here because we add something valuable to their global footprint.”