Singapore Airlines’ exciting partnership with OpenAI

Oliver Jay has set his sights on world domination. Over the past decade, the Hong Kong born, Singapore-based business executive has helped drive the global expansion of tools ubiquitous in the modern workplace, including work management software platform Asana and file-sharing service Dropbox.

Today, as OpenAI’s Managing Director of International Strategy, he’s responsible for scaling the company’s technologies – including ChatGPT – beyond Silicon Valley.

“I’ve been fortunate to catch a few waves early, but the most pivotal moment for me came later [when I joined OpenAI],” Oliver shares. “At that stage, I was thinking a lot about my legacy and when I looked at areas like healthcare, education or scientific research, it was clear to me that AI had the potential to help these fields move closer to their missions in ways we hadn’t seen before.”

Even prior to growing some of the world’s biggest software names, Jay has always had an affinity for tech. Here’s a snapshot of his high flying career to date.

Oliver started his career at financial services firm Morgan Stanley, supporting coverage for tech companies including Cisco and Motorola, preparing coverage initiation reports and providing investment advice to buy-side clients.

“This period trained me to be rigorous, to question assumptions and ultimately to understand how to identify value drivers in businesses. I still apply my investment frameworks as an operator today to make decisions,” Oliver says.

Following his stint in investment banking, Oliver took on board observer positions at firms including utilities software platform Opower, learning the ins and outs of operations and governance in the process.

Jay joined Dropbox, building out the company’s B2B business and growing its sales team from 20 people to over a hundred.

“At Dropbox, I experienced scale firsthand as the company rapidly expanded internationally. Building teams taught me the importance of staying close to customers while putting systems in place that can grow without losing focus,” Oliver notes.

Thereafter, Oliver was hired as Asana’s first chief revenue officer. He spearheaded the company’s global expansion, leading it to 13 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth and boosting its run rate revenue from less than $20 million to $500 million within five years.

“At Asana, I learned that real growth isn’t just about strategy – it’s about leadership. Setting clear priorities, building great teams and creating a culture that can withstand pressure make all the difference,” Oliver says.

Oliver then joined OpenAI following the generative AI boom.

“ChatGPT changed how I saw the future. I’d lived through major platform shifts before, but this one felt different. It was immediately clear that AI could become a genuine partner in how people work, learn and make decisions in their everyday lives,” Jay reflects.

Today, he leads OpenAI’s international expansion, working with big-name companies around the globe.

OpenAI also recently announced a landmark partnership with Singapore Airlines, which will see its AI models being used to enhance the airline’s existing virtual assistant and streamline operational tasks such as flight crew scheduling.

“What’s most exciting about the partnership with Singapore Airlines is how practical the work is. On the customer side, it’s about enabling travellers to get more personalised, conversational help – discovering destinations, comparing options and managing their trips with greater ease. Internally, it’s about giving teams better tools, drawing insights from past cases and automating routine work so they can focus on what matters most,” Jay shares. “Over time, this opens up new possibilities for travel to feel more intuitive, less stressful and more human.”

You may have already struck up a conversation with Kris, Singapore Airlines’ friendly chatbot that helps customers with common travel questions – from baggage allowances to lounge eligibility and status of waitlisted flights.

Now, thanks to Singapore Airlines’ partnership with OpenAI, Kris is getting an upgrade, and it will soon be able to offer smarter, more seamless support, tailored to your vacation plans. How’s that for your personal travel concierge?