Sea Limited has expanded its collaboration with OpenAI, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive wider use of artificial intelligence across Southeast Asia.
The Singapore-based tech group first linked up with OpenAI in February, when its e-commerce arm Shopee became a launch partner for Operator. Operator is an AI agent capable of autonomously performing online tasks, including shopping on Shopee. The early collaboration was aimed at testing more personalised, AI-driven shopping experiences.
The August agreement widens the scope to areas beyond e-commerce to payments and distribution. Sea said the goal is to make AI tools more accessible to both consumers and small businesses in the region.
“AI is one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in human history and will revolutionise how people connect, discover, and transact in more thoughtful and intuitive ways,” Sea chief executive Forrest Li said. “Our deepening collaboration with OpenAI supports our ambition to stay at the forefront of innovation while empowering the communities we serve to realise their full potential in the digital economy.”
OpenAI managing director of international strategy Oliver Jay pointed to Southeast Asia’s young, mobile-first population as a driver for AI adoption.
The first initiative under the MoU will be tied to Shopee’s loyalty programme. Starting August 8, new VIP subscribers in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam can claim three months of free ChatGPT Plus access on OpenAI’s platform.
“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,” Jay said.
Sea, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, operates Shopee in e-commerce, Garena in digital entertainment, and Monee in payments and financial services.
