SMEs to receive more support to adopt AI with new S’pore-Microsoft tie-up
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DPM Gan Kim Yong (left) and Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li at Microsoft’s launch ceremony at Pan Pacific hotel, on May 21.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
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SINGAPORE – More small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore will receive support to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their processes.
A new partnership between Microsoft, trade agency Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and national programme AI Singapore (AISG) was announced on May 21 at Pan Pacific hotel.
The partnership will help more than 1,000 local SMEs boost their productivity using Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant introduced in 2023 that can be used within Microsoft’s applications such as PowerPoint and Word.
EnterpriseSG will subsidise 50 per cent of the Microsoft Copilot licence costs for eligible SMEs for a 12-month period, with each firm being eligible to buy up to 50 user licences at the subsidised rate.
Microsoft and EnterpriseSG will also work with AISG to help SMEs build AI capability and educate them on the responsible use of AI beyond Microsoft Copilot.
Microsoft also announced during the event that it has teamed up with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to boost the AI capabilities of digitally mature SMEs.
The company will host workshops and provide tech advisory for more than 200 SMEs to identify business needs over the next two years, while IMDA will fund eligible companies to develop and deploy their generative AI solutions.
Firms can tap Microsoft’s generative AI tools such as Azure OpenAI and Copilot.
IMDA has been working with tech vendors through its SME Go Digital programme to support digitalisation in SMEs since 2017. Moving forward, IMDA said it will collaborate with Microsoft to help tech vendors integrate generative AI and Copilot capabilities, providing SMEs with access to more generative AI solutions.
The tie-ups are part of Microsoft’s AI Pinnacle Programme, which was launched in March 2024 with security services provider Certis, Home Team Science and Technology Agency, Mediacorp, engineering services firm Seatrium and national healthtech agency Synapxe.
Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li said on May 21 that the tech giant is excited to help SMEs adopt AI to boost their productivity.
“We want to create an ecosystem where leaders are empowered to develop an AI strategy and roadmap for their organisations, and employees are equipped with the skills, tools and technology to thrive in the era of AI,” she said.
Speaking at Microsoft’s launch ceremony on May 21, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong noted that the emergence of generative AI has widened opportunities for both enterprises and workers.
Companies can use AI to boost productivity in core business functions, foster product and service innovation, and deliver superior customer experiences, he said.
Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, emphasised the importance of recognising the varying needs of companies at different maturity levels when helping enterprises embrace AI.
DPM Gan Kim Yong noted that the emergence of generative AI has widened opportunities for both enterprises and workers.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Most companies will require solutions that are easy to deploy and use, he added.
He said: “With tools such as Copilot, AI is no longer reserved for tech giants with the data infrastructure and talent to support AI models… All roles and employees within SMEs and multinational companies alike can now use AI to improve their respective functions.”
Mr Gan announced that the Government is also looking to support AI-enabled solutions for SMEs.
The new Applied AI programme at institutes of higher learning (IHLs) will kick off in June 2024, beginning with Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic.
EnterpriseSG will partner these IHLs to work directly with SMEs, identifying AI-related challenges and developing market-ready AI solutions.
It will provide a 50 per cent subsidy for eligible SMEs to develop and adopt these solutions.
Mr Gan said: “In the next two years, we aim to work with more IHLs and support up to 100 companies with this initiative.”
In the 2024 Budget, the Government announced a $1 billion investment for AI funding
Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information, and National Development Tan Kiat How, who was at the event, said that the Government is working with industry partners like Microsoft to upskill and reskill about 18,000 of Singapore’s tech professionals in the next three years, in areas such as AI and software engineering.
He said: “This is important because our talent is our key resource to empower the next version of digital economy.”
SME executives The Straits Times spoke to at the event agreed that AI will help streamline their work processes and enhance productivity.
Mr Christopher Mo, vice-president of corporate operations at architecture firm Swan and Maclaren Group, said that AI, specifically Microsoft’s Copilot, helps the firm optimise its resources.
He said: “This allows our team to dedicate more time to high-value activities that align with their personal passions and are crucial for the company’s success.”
When asked how AI implementation will affect the company’s hiring plans, Mr Mo said the firm will emphasise hiring “knowledge” workers who can adapt.
He said: “The technological revolution in our workspace necessitates an evolution in our hiring practices to ensure Swan and Maclaren Group’s continued relevance.”
Mr Chai Yee Wei, founder of post-production house Mocha Chai Laboratories, said that AI will significantly impact the creative industry and many jobs will be transformed, which is why the industry needs to adapt quickly. He added: “Though current jobs may be affected, new jobs will be created too.”
