The new office marks FAR.AI's first physical presence outside the United States, deepening collaboration on practical AI safety research across the Asia-Pacific region
SINGAPORE, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FAR.AI, an independent nonprofit research organization dedicated to the trustworthy and secure development of advanced AI, today announced the opening of its first international office in Singapore. The new office reflects a commitment to practical AI safety research and trusted cross-sector collaboration. The Singapore office will serve as FAR.AI's Asia Center of Excellence, anchoring the organization's long-term presence in the region.
"Singapore is a natural home for FAR.AI's first office outside the United States," said Edward Yee, FAR.AI's Chief Growth Officer. "It has the technical ambition, institutional depth, and serious commitment to responsible AI that our work requires. We have been building relationships here for some time, with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), and with NUS, and this office is the next step in establishing long-term roots in the region. Our aim is to grow with the ecosystem here: through research, convening, and partnerships grounded in trust."
Singapore offers a distinctive combination of strong public institutions, a maturing AI ecosystem, and a practical orientation toward responsible technology development. Its ability to convene government, academia, and industry, along with its growing role as a hub for international AI governance conversations, makes it well suited to anchor FAR.AI's regional presence. The city-state's commitment to developing AI that is safe, trusted, and beneficial aligns closely with FAR.AI's research mission.
FAR.AI and IMDA have previously collaborated on joint events for the Singapore AI ecosystem and are now working together to examine risks posed by advanced AI systems, reflecting a shared view that AI safety is not only a theoretical concern but a practical challenge requiring rigorous technical engagement.
"We are excited to partner with FAR.AI to conduct technical assessments on the persuasive behaviour of chatbots. In developing systematic evaluations of chatbot's persuasive behaviour, we hope to inform the potential impact on vulnerable users. This collaboration is part of IMDA's efforts to deepen understanding of frontier AI capabilities and risks for evidence-based policymaking and responsible AI innovation in Singapore," said Arisa Siong, Director for Tech Policy, BizTech Group, IMDA.
FAR.AI's history in Singapore extends well beyond this announcement. The organization has collaborated with the CSA on agentic AI security research, including the discussion paper "Securing Agentic AI," presented at the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) last year. FAR.AI has also built ongoing research ties with the NUS AI Institute through collaboration with Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, whose work closely aligns with FAR.AI's focus on technical AI safety.
Gayle Goh, Director of Strategy & Planning, CSA, said, "CSA welcomes the establishment of Far.AI's office in Singapore. We value our partnership with FAR.AI in advancing the security of agentic AI. As AI capabilities continue to accelerate, such partnerships with the research community are critical to better understand and manage the growing risks. We look forward to deepening our work together, to strengthen Singapore's AI safety and security ecosystem and support the safe and secure deployment of AI."
The Singapore office will enable FAR.AI to deepen its research collaborations, expand its convening work, and develop new partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. FAR.AI brings substantial international experience to this effort, having been selected by the European Commission's AI Office to lead technical safety research supporting implementation of the EU AI Act, focused on CBRN risk modeling and evaluation. The organization also works closely with frontier AI companies including OpenAI, and has engaged with AI safety institutes and government partners across multiple jurisdictions. This announcement reflects FAR.AI's broader commitment: to do substantive, technically grounded AI safety work in close collaboration with the institutions and ecosystems that shape how advanced AI is developed and governed.
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About FAR.AI
FAR.AI is an independent nonprofit research organization dedicated to ensuring advanced AI systems are trustworthy, secure, and aligned with human values. Founded in 2022, FAR.AI conducts foundational technical research on AI safety challenges while building the field through workshops, fellowships, and collaborative initiatives. Learn more at far.ai.
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FAR.AI Establishes First International Office in Singapore
SINGAPORE, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) 2026 will launch on the 13–15 August at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, marking a significant milestone as the event enters its 21st edition under the organisation of MP Singapore.
Presented by the Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) (Singapore), FLAsia 2026 brings together more than 250 international franchise and licensable brands, over 150 exhibitors from across Asia and beyond, and is expected to welcome more than 7,000 business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and decision-makers over three days.
The event will be opened by our guest-of-honour, Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore) added:
"For over two decades, FLAsia has supported countless businesses in their growth journeys. This year's edition reflects the growing confidence in Asia's franchising ecosystem and reinforces Singapore's position as the region's gateway for brands looking to expand internationally."
"Singapore is well positioned for business expansion in the Asia region. As Asia's Leading Franchise and Licensing event, FLAsia has always been more than an exhibition—it is a marketplace where entrepreneurs, investors and brands come together to create new opportunities. MP Singapore is committed to elevating FLAsia into Asia's premier platform for business expansion, bringing together global brands, innovative concepts and strategic partnerships that will shape the future of franchising and licensing.", stated Jason Ng, Managing Director, MP Group
A Vibrant Marketplace for Regional Growth & Expansion
This year's event will feature franchise and licensing brands across several industry sectors, including:
- Beauty & Wellness
- Education
- Food & Beverage
- Intellectual Property & Licensing
- Lifestyle
- Retail
- Services
- Technology
Beyond the exhibition, visitors can also participate in an extensive programme comprising:
- 2nd Chinese Franchise Summit
- 2nd Edition: Design WAH!
- Business Matching Programme
- Creative Capital Conference: Design x IP & Licensing
- Expanding Through Franchising & Licensing: Opportunities and Strategies for Korean Brand in Southeast Asia
- FLAsia Summit
- Franchise & Licensing Showcases
- FUTR Capsule
- Go Global Roundtable
- Mascot Parade
FLAsia 2026 will also feature country pavilions from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam.
FLAsia Drives Industry Collaboration
The Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) (Singapore) will mark a significant milestone at the Opening Ceremony of FLAsia 2026 with the signing of three strategic Memoranda of Understanding with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), and Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS). These partnerships establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration in industry projects, internship placements, speaking opportunities, case‑study development, and the co‑development and co‑delivery of training courses for adult learners, alongside joint members' networking and business matching events. Collectively, these initiatives will strengthen licensing adoption, foster design‑driven business growth, and equip enterprises to thrive and expand in Asia's dynamic markets, reinforcing Singapore's position as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and enterprise growth.
For more information on FLAsia 2026, please visit www.franchiselicenseasia.com
About Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia)
Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) is Asia's leading marketplace for franchising and licensing opportunities. Now in its 21st edition, FLAsia connects entrepreneurs, investors, franchisors, licensors and business leaders through a comprehensive platform featuring exhibitions, conferences, business matching and networking opportunities.
Held annually in Singapore, FLAsia showcases franchise concepts, licensable intellectual property, retail innovations and business expansion opportunities from around the world, enabling companies to scale across Asia through strategic partnerships and international collaboration.
Visit www.franchiselicenseasia.com for more information
About MP Singapore
The MP Group (MP) is a global full-service agency that specialises in connecting and building eco-systems, industry engagement, events management and marketing.
Established since 1987, MP embodies more than a quarter century of event building, marketing and management experience in both Eastern and Western cultures, practices, and business philosophies. We bring world-class talent, industry expertise, and incredible enthusiasm into the design and management of extraordinary online-to-offline experiences for your organisation.
MP is part of Pico Group, a global group of agencies specialising in engaging people, creating experiences and activating brands for businesses, institutions and governments. As part of the Pico group, MP has unlimited access to a wide network of industry contacts and resources. Pico Far East Holdings has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1992.
Visit mpinetwork.com for more information.
About the Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) (Singapore)
Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore), one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council, was established in 1993 with the mission to nurture and develop Singapore's franchising industry. An essential component of Singapore's knowledge-based economy, FLA (Singapore) promotes and facilitates the use of franchising, licensing and branding as a growth strategy for Singapore enterprises, turning Singapore into a regional franchise and license hub.
Through its partnership with Singapore government agencies and international franchise and license bodies, FLA (Singapore) assists its members in their international development programmes. With an active growing membership of close to 180 companies, representing more than 300 strong brands, FLA (Singapore) is led and managed by a dedicated team of advisors, committee members and a full-time secretariat with the goal of supporting Singapore companies to expand internationally.
Visit www.flasingapore.org for more information.
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Franchising & Licensing Asia 2026 Opens New Chapter Under MP, Strengthening Singapore's Position as Asia's Franchise and Licensing Hub
