SMEs

FEATURE

The ‘invisible networks’ that power Singapore’s women entrepreneurs

From lunches to WhatsApp groups, these small and trusted circles are reshaping how female founders support each other

Anxiety about job disruption is real, and Singapore’s approach is to press ahead with AI while putting strong support in place for transitions, reskilling and progression.
COMMENTARY

Speed in organisational change and innovation critical to success in national AI strategy

Firms and agencies have to reorganise data, rebuild systems, redesign processes and jobs, and retrain people

Ricky Lin, founder and CEO of Life3 Biotech, says the facility is intended to reflect Life3’s broader positioning beyond production, as well as its identity as a “social enterprise at heart”.

AI-powered microalgae hub to anchor Life3 Biotech’s position in sustainable proteins

Facility slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026 will house AI-driven bioreactors and a new visitor centre

Transformation in sectors with higher regulatory compliance will be slower if support is not tailored, say experts.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: AI boost a shot in the arm, but funding alone won’t drive transformation, says industry

Expanded support lowers barriers to adoption, but scaling will depend on guidance and workforce readiness

The new set of national AI missions will be focused across advanced manufacturing, finance, healthcare and connectivity sectors.
SINGAPORE BUDGET 2026

Budget 2026: Quick takes on Singapore’s new National AI council, AI missions

The missions will focus on four sectors – advanced manufacturing, finance, healthcare and connectivity

DBS says its survey findings point to a strategic shift among businesses towards diversifying revenue streams and markets.

8 in 10 SMEs plan overseas expansion in 2026 despite market volatility: DBS survey

Reaching new customers and building a stronger presence abroad are the primary drivers

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling (in orange suit) and director of Kwong Cheong Thye Alvin Choo (in pink suit) observing an autonomous guided vehicle in operation at Kwong Cheong Thye’s new factory.

Refreshed Food Manufacturing Industry Digital Plan to simplify digital adoption, support scaling efforts

The second iteration plan allows companies to adopt the right solutions to enhance their operations and thrive in a competitive market

Rachel Bondi, corporate vice-president for SMEs and channel at Microsoft Asia (left) and Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo launching the AI QuickStart programme on Feb 6.

SMEs get fast track to enterprise-ready AI under new Microsoft-led programme

Backed by IMDA and UOB, the scheme supports digitally mature firms in rolling out artificial intelligence solutions

Moh Yan Ting, managing director of Freshening Industries, says: "We are working while we sleep, letting the machines run overnight... This results in greater supply and efficiency."

Freshening Industries, maker of Zappy wet wipes, boosts productivity with round-the-clock automation

Its new Loyang facility is 3.5 times bigger than the previous plant and features a smart shuttle storage hub that lifts output by over 50%

The five Economic Strategy Review committees have set out seven recommendations in a midterm update.

Singapore’s private-sector leaders back ESR strategy, highlighting global expansion and AI

Industry participants say the review clarifies the Republic’s growth direction