Grab and OpenAI launch GO Forward with AI programme for Southeast Asian partners

TL;DR

OpenAI and Grab launched GO Forward with AI, a two‑year, 30,000‑partner training programme that teaches Southeast Asian gig‑economy workers and merchants how to apply ChatGPT‑powered tools to real‑world business decisions.

Programme overview – a concrete rollout plan

  • Scope and timeline: The initiative will run for two years, beginning in Singapore and expanding to Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines later in 2026, with Malaysia and Vietnam slated for 2027.
  • Target audience: 30,000 Grab driver‑, delivery‑, and merchant‑partners across the region will receive hands‑on training.
  • Delivery format: Half‑day, in‑person workshops based on the OpenAI Academy curriculum, followed by a train‑the‑trainer model for GrabAcademy instructors.
  • Strategic fit: The programme aligns with OpenAI’s OpenAI for Singapore commitment and Grab’s mission to broaden economic opportunity.

Why the programme matters – bridging curiosity and capability

  • High existing interest: A Grab survey in Singapore found that 50 % of driver and delivery partners already use AI tools, with ChatGPT being the most recognized. Among non‑users, 87 % expressed openness to trying AI.
  • Practical skill gap: While adoption is strong, many partners only scratch the surface of AI’s potential. The workshops focus on turning that curiosity into actionable competence, such as:
    • Analyzing sales data to create dashboards.
    • Building simple websites.
    • Crafting expansion or promotion plans.
  • Economic impact: By enabling individuals to perform tasks traditionally done by larger teams, the programme aims to level the playing field for small merchants and gig workers.

Technical focus – leveraging ChatGPT and ChatGPT Work

  • Core tools: Participants will primarily use ChatGPT and the newer ChatGPT Work capability, which supports more complex, multi‑step tasks.
  • Use‑case examples:

    “A driver could ask ChatGPT to brainstorm a side‑business, outline a differentiation strategy, and generate a step‑by‑step launch plan.” “A merchant could upload recent sales figures, ask ChatGPT to detect patterns, and receive a ready‑to‑use promotion calendar.”

  • Integration history: The programme builds on the existing Driver AI Assistant—an OpenAI‑powered feature that assists nearly 500,000 drivers with demand forecasting and on‑the‑fly queries.

Early feedback – participant voices

“AI helps me explore new ideas and make more informed decisions every day. The workshops took me from idea to execution, and I’m now supporting my family hawker business while building projects for additional income.” — Suhada Abdullah, Grab driver‑partner

“Our partners are excited about AI, but many need practical guidance. This programme builds confidence, whether it’s helping a merchant make smarter decisions or giving a driver the tools to launch a new venture.” — Ong Chin Yin, Chief Organisational Capability Officer, Grab

“ChatGPT has seen strong adoption across Southeast Asia, yet many are still only scratching the surface. Launching GO Forward with AI in Singapore is part of our commitment to make AI accessible to all.” — Oliver Jay, Managing Director, International, OpenAI

Expansion strategy – adapting to local contexts

  • Country‑specific tailoring: Workshops will be customized to reflect local market dynamics, regulatory environments, and typical partner workflows.
  • Trainer scaling: GrabAcademy trainers will be certified to deliver the curriculum, ensuring the programme can scale beyond the initial in‑person sessions.
  • Long‑term vision: By 2027, the goal is to have a sustainable network of trained partners who can independently apply AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and new income streams.

Implications for the region’s AI ecosystem

  • Talent development: The initiative creates a pipeline of AI‑savvy gig workers and small business owners, potentially feeding larger AI‑driven enterprises.
  • Economic inclusion: Providing AI tools to individuals without large teams democratizes access to data‑driven decision‑making.
  • Model adoption: Widespread use of ChatGPT Work in real‑world business contexts offers valuable usage data that can inform future model improvements for low‑resource, high‑impact settings.

The GO Forward with AI programme exemplifies a concrete partnership between a leading AI lab and a regional super‑app to translate advanced language models into everyday economic empowerment.

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