Singapore – Around 3,000 MSMEs in Singapore are expected to take part in an AI training initiative introduced under the AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN (AIM ASEAN) Programme, a regional effort led by the ASEAN Foundation in partnership with AVPN, as part of the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific.
The AIM ASEAN program is also supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank, with Project Asia Data, part of the BlackStorm Group, serving as the local implementing partner in Singapore, which will oversee the rollout in line with regional objectives.
The programme is intended to expand access to practical AI skills and improve digital readiness among smaller businesses across Southeast Asia. It is designed to support smaller enterprises that may have limited resources to adopt emerging technologies, despite their significant role in Singapore’s economy.
“We are proud to partner with AVPN, with support from Google.org and ADB, to announce and work alongside these outstanding local organisations,” Dr Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation, stated.
“By helping MSMEs across the region understand and use AI in practical, everyday ways, we’re investing in the long-term strength and sustainability of Southeast Asia’s economy.”
The AIM ASEAN initiative aims to make AI learning more approachable by offering structured guidance tailored to non-technical business owners. Participants will be introduced to the ways AI can support customer engagement, marketing activities, operational improvements, and data-driven decision-making, with the curriculum delivered through a combination of online modules, live virtual sessions, and in-person workshops.
The initiative forms part of a broader regional plan endorsed by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs and reflects the goals outlined in ASEAN Vision 2045, which seeks to create a more resilient and digitally inclusive economy.
“Building an AI-ready workforce is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s a shared social mandate that governments, businesses, and impact organisations must act on together,” Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, commented.
“By strengthening these on-the-ground efforts, we aim to catalyse a digital transition that ensures all workers can benefit as Southeast Asia moves towards an AI-enabled economy.”
Over a two-year period, the programme intends to equip up to 100,000 MSMEs across all ASEAN Member States with practical tools to integrate AI into their operations. Beyond training, the programme will also convene policymakers and industry specialists to help strengthen support systems that encourage long-term digital adoption.
By expanding access to AI skills, the initiative aims to enhance competitiveness and support the ongoing development of Singapore’s digital ecosystem, particularly as smaller firms adapt to shifting market expectations and increasing use of data-driven technologies.
