Singapore businesses get support to adopt AI solutions through enhanced accelerator programme

SINGAPORE – Home-grown precision plastics manufacturer Sunningdale Tech currently relies on skilled workers to inspect its products, a time-consuming process that often leads to inconsistencies in quality.

But the company is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for more efficient solutions, such as getting it to recognise specific defect patterns to improve quality control while reducing the reliance on manual labour.

It also intends to leverage AI to better predict sales and demand, optimising the use of resources such as machines and equipment.

Sunningdale Tech is one of several companies participating in the Digital Innovation Accelerator programme developed by software giant SAP.

With the latest investment of $12 million in the programme that was launched in 2019, SAP aims to work with businesses to develop unique AI solutions for them, starting with those in advanced manufacturing, financial services, and travel and logistics services.

The latest investment is supported by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), a collaborative platform involving the Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority. DISG is designed to foster the growth and development of innovative digital technology companies.

The accelerator programme was launched to develop business AI and other deep tech innovations in Singapore.

SAP, which has been operating in Singapore since 1989, has invested nearly $300 million to enhance the digital capabilities of more than 80 Singapore enterprises over the past five years, aimed at boosting their growth and improving business processes.

Other innovations include the setting up of the

SAP Labs Singapore in 2022

, a research and innovation facility for developing and improving the company’s solutions, focusing on digital supply chains, sustainability, machine learning and AI.

The Centre for Experience Management Innovation was established in 2022

to help small and medium-sized enterprises sharpen their skills in serving customers and retaining employees.

In a statement on Oct 3 announcing the programme’s expansion, SAP Singapore managing director Eileen Chua said: “Co-innovation initiatives like our Digital Innovation Accelerator are aimed at enabling SAP and our customers to rapidly scale digital transformation by tapping into our global expertise and ecosystems.”

Ms Chua added that Singapore is investing heavily to future-proof its citizens and businesses through initiatives such as the National AI Strategy, SkillsFuture and its net-zero carbon ambitions.

Mr Khoo Boo Hor, chief executive and executive director of Sunningdale Tech, said: “SAP’s new industry-focused AI development initiative comes at a timely moment for Sunningdale, as we continue to drive long-term sustainable growth.”

For the company, the adoption of AI does not stop at product inspection. It is also looking to reduce inefficiency across operations, starting with corrugated cardboard boxes used for packaging and delivery. By leveraging AI to monitor waste production, the company hopes to eliminate the need for manual reviews and streamline its sustainability efforts.

Sunningdale Tech generated $738 million in revenue in 2022, an 84 per cent increase from

its first year of operations in 2005.

It estimates that it can save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year with AI solutions while freeing up employees to focus on more complex and profitable tasks to boost productivity.

Companies which are interested in the Digital Innovation Accelerator programme can contact SAP.