SMEs

Higher bar, talent crunch complicate Singapore SMEs’ succession plans

For ageing towkays, finding the right successor may prove harder than before, observers say

DBS Singapore country head Lim Him Chuan (second from left); Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow (third from left); and Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Choo Pei Ling at Tengah Community Club.
TAKING HEART

DBS commits S$10 million to cashback deals, boosts AI adoption support for SMEs

The moves are aimed at helping more Singaporeans ‘stretch their dollar’ and future-proofing local firms

From left: EnterpriseSG's assistant managing director for capabilities, product and policy Geoffrey Yeo; DBS' group head of corporate and SME banking Chen Ze Ling; the bank's Singapore country head Lim Him Chuan; and IMDA's assistant chief executive of the enterprise transformation and innovation group Johnson Poh.

DBS launches enhanced generative AI programme to fast-track SME adoption

The project builds on its Spark GenAI initiative launched in 2024, and offers a more structured approach to AI transformation

Half of all firms polled say they have already raised prices or renegotiated contracts, while 40% of SMEs are prioritising cash conservation.

Two in three Singapore firms ‘moderately to severely’ hit by Iran war: SBF

Rising energy and logistics costs affect operations and demand, even as firms try to manage expenses and shift strategies

EDB's executive VP Cindy Koh (second from right) speaking at a panel session moderated by Siemen's customer communications project manager Christine Brunner (far left), alongside senior VP of Asean, digital industries Isabel Chong and CEO of Innowave Tech Xu Jinsong.

Asean’s manufacturing sector struggles to scale AI adoption – not for lack of awareness: panellists

Hurdles include concerns over returns on investment and integrating new technologies with legacy systems

COO Pooja Patodia says the pre-school wants to “nurture the children’s self-expression, confidence and emotional quotient to get them used to the big world”.

Little Paddington eyes Spark certification for all 10 branches within the next three years

Private pre-school operator’s revenue up 20% in 2025 thanks to higher enrolment numbers, says its chief operating officer

Wenny Lim, HomePay co-founder and COO, says the app "protects millions of dollars in renovation payments weekly because renovation contracts are not small in value”.

Local fintech startup HomePay looks to bring greater security to Singapore’s renovation industry

Its mobile app reduces the risk of scams by protecting homeowners through an escrow-payment system

More than 90% of 114 Singapore businesses polled say their operating costs have increased due to the Iran war.

Singapore businesses prefer government aid to offset Iran war costs: SCCCI poll

About 61% also want better access to low-interest working-capital loans

E50 Award winners for 2025 with guest of honour Josephine Teo, minister for digital development and information (front row, eighth from left), as well as organisers and sponsors.
ENTERPRISE 50

Applications open for Enterprise 50 Awards 2026 nominations

This year’s theme is ‘Future-Proofing Growth Through Innovation’

Why the Mac Mini is out of stock: A look at Singapore’s OpenClaw buzz

Why the Mac Mini is out of stock: A look at Singapore’s OpenClaw buzz

A new AI agent has taken the world by storm. Is this a new hype cycle or the start of a tech transformation?