Singapore – Microsoft has recently announced the second phase of the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Programme, introducing initiatives designed to allow small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt AI-powered solutions that will transform their businesses and sectors.
In this launch, the company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Enterprise Singapore and AI Singapore to support SMEs in enhancing their AI capabilities. This aims to expedite the adoption of Microsoft Copilot across key business functions such as HR, finance, sales, and marketing, thereby increasing their productivity.
The said partnership builds on their shared goal of empowering more than 1,000 SMEs over the next two years to tap the benefits of AI innovation for their businesses.
Furthermore, Microsoft has also built ties with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and signed a new Memorandum of Intent to help SMEs and technology vendors leverage generative AI.
The said collaboration will allow digitally mature Singapore enterprises to strengthen their capabilities in GenAI as well as develop and deploy customised GenAI solutions. This includes more than 200 digitally mature Singapore SMEs to benefit over the next two years as a start.
As part of this initiative, the company will conduct technology discovery workshops and offer tech advisory services tailored to the specific business needs of enterprises.
IMDA, on the other hand, will provide funding support to eligible enterprises for the development and deployment of their GenAI solutions. Companies can access Microsoft’s network of tech partners and tools, such as Azure OpenAI and Copilot, and receive tech advice during the project implementation phase.
These ceremonial agreements were signed with the partners in the presence of Gan Kim Yong, deputy prime minister and minister for trade and industry.
Lee Hui Li, managing director at Microsoft Singapore, said, “Against this backdrop, Microsoft is committed to supporting organisations of all sizes to drive transformation with AI through the AI Pinnacle Programme. We are excited to be collaborating with Enterprise Singapore, AI Singapore, and IMDA to expand the programme’s focus on enabling SMEs of varying levels of digital maturity to adopt and embrace AI technology to achieve productivity gains and tangible business impact.”
“In doing so, we want to create an ecosystem where leaders are empowered to develop an AI strategy and roadmap for their organisation and employees are equipped with the skills, tools, and technology to thrive in the era of AI,” Lee added.
Soh Leng Wan, assistant managing director (manufacturing) at Enterprise Singapore, also said, “AI technologies can help many resource-strapped SMEs to do more with less. This is why Enterprise Singapore continues to expand our range of resources, including the rollout of the latest Microsoft Copilot for SMEs programme, to help more local firms acquire new AI capabilities to enhance productivity and boost business outcomes.”
“We will continue partnering with partners like Microsoft to spur AI adoption and development among SMEs so that they can uplift competitiveness and better scale up their businesses,” Soh further explained.
Meanwhile, Leong Der Yao, assistant chief executive, sectoral transformation group at IMDA, commented, “Aligned with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, IMDA is excited to continue working with technology giants such as Microsoft to enable our local enterprises and ICT sector level up with AI. This partnership with Microsoft will look to enhance the pre-approved solutions under the SMEs Go Digital programme with GenAI to help scale the adoption of GenAI among SMEs.”
“For our more digitally mature Singapore enterprises, this partnership will help them to navigate the complexities of GenAI and deepen their in-house digital capabilities, so as to develop new and exciting products and services and be more competitive in the global market,” concluded Leong.
