Singapore-based tech company Sea Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S.-based AI company OpenAI. The goal is to promote the use of AI across Southeast Asia.
Sea said in a statement on last Friday that the MOU focuses on making cutting-edge AI tools more accessible to consumers and small businesses in the region.
Following the launch of Operator in February 2025, the new agreement shows Sea’s strong commitment to using technology to drive digital change and support local communities.
By bringing together Sea’s deep knowledge of the region and OpenAI’s advanced AI tools, the partnership will look for ways to use AI in areas like payments, shopping, and delivery. The goal is to make it easier for people and businesses in Southeast Asia to start using AI.
“AI is one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in human history, and will revolutionize how people connect, discover, and transact in more thoughtful and intuitive ways,
“Our deepening collaboration with OpenAI supports our ambition to stay at the forefront of innovation, while empowering the communities we serve to realize their full potential in the digital economy,” said Forrest Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sea.
Oliver Jay, Managing Director of International, OpenAI added that Asia’s young, tech-savvy population and high mobile penetration make it one of the fastest growing markets for AI adoption and innovation.
“By applying OpenAI’s capabilities in areas like commerce, we look forward to working with Sea as they equip more businesses with smarter tools to manage operations and reach customers,” he added.
As the first step in this partnership, Sea’s online shopping platform Shopee will offer ChatGPT Plus as a special reward for members of its new Shopee VIP loyalty program, starting with the 8.8 Sales Campaign.
Beginning August 8, 2025, Shopee VIP members in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam can get three months of free ChatGPT Plus access when they sign up as new users on OpenAI’s platform.
This offer gives Shopee’s top customers access to faster replies, early use of new tools like ChatGPT Agent, and OpenAI’s most advanced AI models.
As the Shopee VIP program grows, this benefit is expected to roll out to more countries in the region.
