OpenAI and Grab have launched a joint initiative called GO Forward with AI to equip 30,000 driver, delivery, and merchant partners across Southeast Asia with practical artificial intelligence skills over the next two years. The programme will start in Singapore before expanding to Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines later this year. Malaysia and Vietnam are scheduled to join in 2027.
A Regional Commitment to Practical AI Skills
The partnership combines OpenAI's mission to make artificial general intelligence broadly beneficial with Grab's focus on expanding economic opportunity in Southeast Asia. It builds on existing collaboration that includes Grab's Driver AI Assistant, powered by OpenAI models and now reaching close to 500,000 drivers. The initiative also forms part of OpenAI for Singapore, a local effort to help people and businesses apply AI more effectively.
From Curiosity to Practical Application
A survey by Grab in Singapore found that half of driver and delivery partners already use AI tools, while 87 percent of non-users said they were open to trying them. ChatGPT was the most recognised tool among respondents, and many indicated a desire to grow an existing business or explore starting one. The programme is designed around these real-world decisions rather than abstract technical training.
Hands-On Learning for Real Business Decisions
Participants will learn how ChatGPT can help a driver or delivery partner explore a business idea, identify what makes it stand out, and create a plan to get started. Merchants will practise spotting patterns in sales, planning promotions, and preparing for shifts in demand. In interactive workshops, they will also use ChatGPT Work on larger tasks such as turning sales data into a dashboard, building a simple website, or developing an expansion plan.
Leadership Perspectives on Accessible AI
Grab Chief Organisational Capability Officer Ong Chin Yin said many partners are excited about AI but need practical guidance relevant to their work and aspirations. She added that the programme builds confidence, whether by helping a merchant make smarter decisions or giving a driver partner tools to pursue a new business idea. OpenAI Managing Director of International Oliver Jay noted strong ChatGPT adoption across Southeast Asia, while many people are only starting to explore its full potential.
Supporting Independent Workers and Small Merchants
The programme is intended to level the playing field for merchants and platform workers who may not have large teams to analyse information or develop new ideas. With the right training, these individuals can use AI to handle more of that work on their own. Grab driver partner Suhada Abdullah said the workshops took her from idea to execution, helping her support a family hawker business and explore alternative income streams.
Expanding the Programme Across Southeast Asia
OpenAI and Grab will run half-day, in-person workshops over the coming months based on the OpenAI Academy curriculum, adapted to the needs of partners in each country. Trainers from GrabAcademy will also be trained so the programme can reach more people over time. As the initiative moves beyond Singapore, each workshop will be shaped around local needs and the types of work participants do.
The GO Forward with AI programme represents a significant effort to move AI adoption from curiosity to concrete economic benefit across Southeast Asia. By combining OpenAI's technology and curriculum with Grab's regional network, the partners aim to help 30,000 independent workers and small businesses build confidence and practical capabilities. The initiative highlights a growing focus on making AI useful, accessible, and relevant for communities that stand to benefit from greater economic participation.