Singapore – Microsoft has launched the AI QuickStart programme, an initiative aimed at supporting digitally advanced enterprises in Singapore, including SMEs and larger organisations in deploying practical, enterprise-ready AI solutions.
The programme is supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and United Overseas Bank (UOB), and focuses on accelerating AI adoption across areas such as knowledge management, customer interaction, operational automation, content development and conversational analytics.
The programme enables participating enterprises to progress from planning to deployment within a three-month period using pre-configured, enterprise-grade AI solution frameworks that can be tailored to specific business needs. Project costs are capped at up to S$20,000 per engagement, covering cloud infrastructure, computing resources and professional services. Eligible organisations may receive funding support from IMDA and UOB.
“Small and medium enterprises power Singapore’s economy, and they need AI solutions that are affordable, secure and deliver real results fast. AI turns every small business into a scale business,” Rachel Bondi, corporate vice president of small, medium enterprises and channel at Microsoft Asia, commented.
“AI QuickStart removes the biggest barriers, figuring out how to implement, scale and govern safely, while choosing the right tools and managing the cost of trusted tech partners with the support of IMDA.”
AI QuickStart operates under IMDA’s Generative AI x Digital Leaders initiative, launched in 2024 to help digitally mature enterprises design and implement generative AI solutions in partnership with technology providers. Microsoft is among the first partners under this initiative to introduce a dedicated programme focused on translating AI capabilities into measurable business outcomes.
“Public-private partnerships are key to helping enterprises scale AI. Our strong partnership with Microsoft has delivered encouraging results by combining IMDA’s understanding of local business needs with Microsoft’s AI capabilities,” Johnson Poh, assistant chief executive of enterprise transformation and innovation group at IMDA, stated.
“By deepening our collaboration and expanding access to Microsoft’s network of technology partners, we can further enable our Digital Leaders to develop and deploy AI solutions that are reliable and practical.”
The programme was formally introduced at a launch event attended by representatives from government, industry and the technology ecosystem, highlighting ongoing public-private collaboration to advance enterprise digital transformation in Singapore.
UOB is also supporting the programme through its UOB FinLab AI Ready initiative, which provides advisory support, tools and financing options to assist enterprises in scaling AI adoption. Both Microsoft and UOB are recognised as SkillsFuture Queen Bees for their role in supporting capability development across Singapore’s business community.
“We recognise the urgency for enterprises to be AI-ready, with our commitment to strengthen long-term resilience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across decades,” Kavita Bedi, head of group SME Banking at UOB, shared.
“Our partnership with IMDA and Microsoft to power the AI QuickStart programme will enable SMEs to adopt digital transformation with ease and speed.”
Designed to address common operational challenges faced by digitally mature enterprises, Microsoft’s AI QuickStart offers deployable AI solutions intended to improve customer engagement, streamline content creation, automate routine tasks and enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
The initiative builds on earlier collaborations between Microsoft and Singapore government agencies that supported enterprise adoption of AI-enabled productivity tools, responding to growing demand from businesses seeking to scale AI-driven outcomes across their operations.
The launch also featured demonstrations from Microsoft technology partners, enabling enterprises to explore available solutions and identify potential partners for AI deployment through the AI QuickStart programme.
