Singapore ramps up AI push for SMEs with new initiatives, partnerships

[SINGAPORE] The government is stepping up efforts to make artificial intelligence “real” for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will do so through partnerships, enterprise guides and awards aimed at driving AI adoption and cyber resilience.

Speaking at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATx) on Thursday (May 21), Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said that enterprises need to go beyond the AI buzz and focus on practical deployment.

“To every enterprise here, whether you are just beginning or already deploying AI at scale, you do not have to do this alone. Singapore’s enterprises can make this transition, and it’s our shared responsibility and commitment to make this journey as navigable,” he said at the flagship tech event organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Informa at the Singapore Expo.

He announced initiatives to help enterprises adopt AI with confidence, strengthen cyber resilience and future-proof Singapore’s digital infrastructure. These include new partnerships under the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB).

DEB, officially launched two years ago at the 2024 ATx event, sets out Singapore’s strategy to support SMEs in digitalisation and the adoption of AI-enabled solutions. More than 26,000 SMEs have benefited from the programme.

“Within two years, we have crossed the midpoint of our five-year target of reaching 50,000 SMEs,” added Tan. “These figures represent businesses that took increased steps forward (and) is encouraging progress.”

As part of DEB, the government has collaborated with industry partners across the ecosystem to work with SMEs to make AI “real” for them, he noted. Close to 6,000 SMEs have benefited from AI programmes through partners such as Salesforce, DBS, the Singapore Business Federation and Prudential.

AI adoption among enterprises has also accelerated rapidly, rising from 4.3 per cent in 2023 to 53.5 per cent in 2025.

New partnerships

To help more SMEs strengthen their AI and cybersecurity capabilities, IMDA is expanding DEB through two new partnerships with Grab and RSM Stone Forest IT.

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Both new partnerships will provide SMEs with hands-on guidance, practical tools, and technical expertise to adopt AI confidently while strengthening cyber resilience.

Grab will launch the Grab AI Programme for SMEs, in partnership with IMDA, to reach 10,000 F&B, e-commerce and retail SMEs through a range of initiatives.

The programme offers free online training videos, complimentary masterclasses and webinars. It also includes a structured two-day AI course co-developed with the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

Meanwhile, RSM will roll out the RSM Cyber2SM Programme, offering complimentary phishing simulation exercises to 2,000 SMEs to help them identify organisational vulnerabilities and strengthen their cyber defence posture.

Enterprise guide for AI transformation

Singapore enterprises are increasingly eager to harness AI, but Tan noted that many still find the support landscape difficult to navigate.

“Knowing what to do with AI is one challenge. Knowing where to start and what support to tap is another,” he said, adding that this gap has led to wasted time, missed opportunities and transformation efforts that stall before they can scale.

To address this, IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore have jointly developed the AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook under the National AI Impact Programme.

The playbook was shaped by insights gathered from engagements with more than 1,000 enterprises. It seeks to help enterprises access the support most relevant to their priorities and needs, while helping their workers build AI-related skills.

The playbook is available for free for all enterprises on IMDA’s Digital Leaders Programme webpage.

New awards commending AI trailblazers

Tan also announced that IMDA and the Singapore Business Federation will jointly launch the inaugural SME AI Impact Awards 2026 under the National AI Impact Programme and in support of Singapore’s National AI Strategy.

“You have done the work, step forward (and) show other companies who are hesitating to start what can be done,” said Tan.

To qualify, companies must be Singapore-registered SMEs with local operations and at least 30 per cent local shareholding. Eligible firms must also have either annual group revenue below S$100 million or fewer than 200 employees.

In addition, nominees must have deployed AI solutions for at least six months and demonstrated clear positive business impact.

Submissions will be assessed based on three key criteria: the impact and value-add of AI, measurable business outcomes, and change management and workforce impact.

Nominations will open from Jun 1 to Aug 14, with winners to be announced at the SMEs Go Digital Day on Oct 13 at the Suntec Convention Centre.