Singapore – Microsoft, a software development firm, has recently entered into a strategic partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore and NTUC LearningHub, indicating its commitment to advance the transformation of artificial intelligence in Singapore.
This collaboration builds on new upskilling initiatives offered among businesses and employees to enhance their literacy and understanding of the said technology.
In particular, Microsoft’s partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore will provide practical programmes designed to equip SMEs with the expertise needed to leverage AI solutions.
This initiative aims to empower SMEs to transform, seize new opportunities, and become future-ready for the dynamic business environment.
As part of the initiative, Microsoft will also team up with the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to reinforce innovation and the integration of artificial intelligence into adult education approaches. This includes co-developing and testing new AI tools as well as methodologies to enrich the learning experiences of adult learners.
On the other hand, the company’s agreement with NTUC LearningHub aims to train around 100,000 NTUC members, enhancing their understanding of AI and preparing them for the changing workforce.
The company will further partner with EnterpriseSG and AI Singapore to advance the adoption of Microsoft Copilot among local SMEs, as well as organise collaboration events to discover and scale impactful sectoral use cases of generative AI.
This partnership includes the co-development of resources to help SME leaders manage change and redesign business workflows.
It also involves exploring deeper and more customised AI use cases for their businesses in the long term.
Furthermore, the company will work with IMDA to assist digitally mature SMEs in accessing expertise and resources for implementing generative AI solutions.
Tan Kok Yam, chief executive at SkillsFuture Singapore, said, “We are very encouraged to see Microsoft stepping up to help equip our companies and workers with deeper skills in AI. This builds on the already solid work Microsoft has done as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee. This is also a timely initiative, coming in the wake of the budget announcement on the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme.”
“It takes a twin commitment by industry and government to the SkillsFuture movement to give Singaporean workers the competence and confidence to adapt to change and seize new opportunities. We look forward to more companies stepping up likewise,” Tan added.
Jeremy Ong, chief executive officer at NTUC LearningHub, also commented, “This collaboration with Microsoft marks an important milestone for NTUC LearningHub as we empower our members with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Through this partnership, we have developed a series of digital and in-person training programmes to drive AI knowledge and how it can be applied at the workplace.”
“We are committed to ensuring that our members are ready for the future of work and to building a resilient workforce capable of harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for both professional and personal growth,” continued Jeremy.
Also speaking about the initiative, Soh Leng Wan, assistant chief executive officer, manufacturing and engineering at EnterpriseSG, remarked, “EnterpriseSG is always keen to work with leading organisations to support local SMEs. AI has significant potential to enhance employee productivity and business workflows, and solutions like Microsoft Copilot can be an easy way for our SMEs to get started. Copilot will enable SME employees to streamline work processes and augment their tasks to free up time for higher-value work.”
“We look forward to working closely with Microsoft and AI Singapore to curate industry-specific capability-building programmes and events that will support SMEs to harness AI at scale in their operations,” said Soh.
Along with this initiative, the company has also launched the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Programme, intending to develop real-world AI solutions that will catalyse transformative impacts for organisations and key industry sectors. This initiative was joined by five organisations, namely Certis, HTX, Mediacorp, Seatrium, and Synapxe.
This programme aims to inspire new ways of working and support organisations in developing capabilities to seize opportunities in the AI era.
At the same time, the introduction of Microsoft Copilot for business functions like HR, finance, and marketing facilitates AI adoption across organisations, particularly for SMEs.
Meanwhile, Lee Hui Li, managing director at Microsoft Singapore, further shared, “Microsoft is excited to be collaborating with SSG and NTUC LearningHub to empower enterprises and employees with AI skills to thrive in the era of AI. We are also dedicated to making AI real and scaling its benefits for businesses of all sizes.”
“By partnering with leading organisations under the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Programme, we will co-innovate meaningful and impactful AI solutions and establish AI Centres of Capabilities for their respective organisations and sectors. Finally, in partnership with Enterprise Singapore, AI Singapore, and IMDA, we aim to accelerate and scale AI innovation for SMEs as we enable every person and organisation to achieve more,” she concluded.
This ceremony was initiated with the signing of memoranda of understanding, which were accomplished in the presence of Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education, and Desmond Tan, deputy secretary-general at the National Trades Union Congress.
The agreement between organisations was initiated with the signing of memorandums of understanding, which were accomplished in the presence of Chan Chun Sing from Minister for Education, and Desmond Tan, deputy secretary-general at National Trades Union Congress.
