Welcome to Tech in Asia’s Daily newsletter, your essential dose of Asia’s tech and startup buzz. Not on the mailing list? Register here. Got a story tip? Send it to editors@techinasia.com.
In focus
For this edition, we cover:
- Insights from OpenAI’s research chief on defying competitive pressures and staying on top
- The foreign VCs still taking a chance on SEA
- Gates Foundation’s plan to open a Singapore office
Hello reader,
What does a chief research officer do?
Mark Chen, who holds that position at OpenAI, offers us a glimpse into the work – as well as the resilience and conviction one needs to be driving research efforts at the world’s second-highest valued private company.
We’ve taken the liberty to call him the “man behind the models” – it’s more accurately a team effort, but he plays a balancing act given his role.
Chen’s duties include allocating computer resources toward a spectrum of projects, navigating priorities between more immediate product releases and long-term research work that could push the frontiers and shape the next generation of AI products.
He spoke to Tech in Asia on a range of topics, from how he found his way to OpenAI to his views on AI safety and competition. For those looking to enter the field, the research chief offers some nuggets of wisdom as well.
We hope you enjoy our latest Big Interview, where we feature in-depth conversations with key leaders shaping Asia’s tech and investment landscape. Have a candidate in mind? Email us at editors@techinasia.com.
The Big Story
Man behind the models: OpenAI’s research chief on the road to AGI
Image credit: Timmy Loen
Mark Chen shares why open source isn’t a magic bullet and why being overly reactionary in AI isn’t the way to go.
Spotlight
Learn about Grab’s winning strategies at AMPED 2025 Malaysia
Quick Bytes
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
