Hints at plans during launch of South Korean office
OpenAI is considering developing a data center in South Korea.
As reported by the Korea Times, the AI company floated the idea during the launch of its South Korean office.
Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, OpenAI's chief strategy officer, Jason Kwon, said the company was open to partnerships regarding data center construction.
In addition, Kowon said that the ChatGPT-maker could expand its cooperation with the likes of Samsung and SK Telecom, and to assist the Korean government's efforts to achieve AI sovereignty.
"Koreans have had a history of partnering with lots of other industries, and that has contributed to Korea's success over the long term," Kwon said. "It's not a country that just makes products for itself. It's a country that works together with other companies and partners to build those products and export them throughout the entire world."
No specific details - such as size or timing of investment in the country - were shared.
The launch of a South Korean office marks OpenAI's third in Asia, and 12th location globally. The company is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Seoul National University for conducting joint AI research later this week.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that OpenAI was planning a data center in India as part of its Stargate project.
The Stargate project was launched at the start of this year, with OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX announcing they would spend $500 billion on AI infrastructure over the next four years.
Initial projects were focused on the US - starting with a site in Abilene, Texas - but it has since expanded to projects outside the country under an "OpenAI for Countries" program, including in the UAE and Norway. The AI company has also signed a strategic partnership with the UK government, covering broad promises on AI development and infrastructure.
In June, it was reported that Kwon was touring Asia to look at locations for Stargate data centers. Kwon was said to be visiting Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Singapore.
Source: DCD
