Singapore – Singtel Singapore has introduced a new AI.idea, an artificial intelligence-focused initiative, aimed at supporting SMEs in Singapore as they seek to move from initial experimentation to practical implementation of AI technologies.
Developed in collaboration with SIM Academy, the programme is intended to provide structured guidance and hands-on learning to help businesses adopt AI in a more applied and measurable way.
The initiative comes amid ongoing challenges faced by smaller firms in integrating advanced technologies into their operations. Despite the recognised role of AI in improving efficiency and driving growth, uptake among SMEs in Singapore remains comparatively limited.
Data from the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Singapore Digital Economy Report 2025 indicates that a significantly smaller proportion of SMEs have deployed AI solutions compared with larger organisations, pointing to a growing disparity in digital capabilities.
“AI has quickly become a key driver of business transformation, but many organisations are still figuring out where to even begin,” Tian Chong Ng, CEO of Singtel Singapore, commented.
“With AI.dea, we are bringing these lessons to SMEs, helping them to adopt AI applications before committing to full-scale deployment so they can realise tangible business outcomes.”
The programme has been designed to make AI deployment more accessible by focusing on practical application, governance considerations and strategic planning. Participants are expected to develop and test use cases relevant to their business activities, supported by industry practitioners and structured training modules.
The curriculum also includes components related to data management, risk mitigation and the formulation of long-term adoption strategies.
“As Singapore advances its National AI Strategy, SMEs—the foundation of our business ecosystem—must be equipped to participate meaningfully in this transformation,” Ho Seong Kim, CEO of SIM Academy, shared.
“We leverage our expertise in applied, outcome-driven learning to help SME leaders build in-house capabilities, develop actionable adoption strategies, and implement AI with confidence to drive tangible business outcomes.”
The launch forms part of a wider effort to strengthen digital readiness among SMEs in Singapore. While many firms have made progress in adopting digital tools, translating these investments into sustained value continues to present difficulties, particularly in more complex areas such as artificial intelligence.
The AI.idea programme complements a broader set of initiatives led by Singtel to assist SMEs in areas such as digital marketing, cybersecurity resilience and sustainability. These efforts include training and advisory schemes focused on improving online engagement, enhancing protection against cyber threats, and supporting environmentally sustainable business practices.
