Singapore | April 10, 2026 — In a strategic move to deepen its footprint in the Eastern hemisphere, OpenAI has announced the appointment of Sanghyun Lee as its new Head of Asia Pacific (APAC), Global Affairs.
Based in Singapore, Lee will spearhead the organization’s public policy engagement and strategic partnerships across the region. His primary mandate is to foster a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem while ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are distributed broadly across the diverse APAC markets.
Navigating Policy and Trust
Lee brings extensive experience at the intersection of technology, trust, and public policy. In a statement following his appointment, he emphasized that the rapid evolution of AI requires more than just technical innovation.
“When a technology is as powerful as AI, progress is not only about innovation. It is also about how thoughtfully we engage with governments, institutions, and communities to help ensure its benefits are shared,” Lee stated.
Strategic Importance of APAC
The appointment underscores OpenAI’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region, which is increasingly becoming a global hub for AI adoption and regulatory frameworks. Lee noted that the region will play a “critical role” in shaping how the world governs and trusts AI tools like ChatGPT.
Prior to joining OpenAI, Lee built a robust career managing complex regulatory landscapes for major tech firms. In his new role, he is expected to be the primary liaison between the AI pioneer and regional governments as they navigate the balance between rapid technological deployment and safety-first governance.
Executive Summary
-
The Role: Head of Asia Pacific, Global Affairs at OpenAI.
-
Location: Singapore.
-
Objective: Leading public policy, strategic partnerships, and responsible AI governance across APAC.
-
The Vision: Ensuring powerful AI tools are developed and adopted through thoughtful institutional engagement.
