Microsoft launched a new programme to help SMEs with faster AI adoption

Microsoft launched a new programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore that are integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their business projects. It is designed to help businesses integrate enterprise-ready AI solutions quickly and at a controlled cost.

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and United Overseas Bank (UOB) will support the initiative titled “The AI QuickStart,” which specifically targets SMEs that are digitally experienced and larger companies that already have basic digital systems in place and are looking to move from experimentation to real AI use in daily operations. Projects under the program will have no more than S$20,000 per project and may be completed within three months.

They were carefully considered based on what businesses see as operational benefits, such as reduced manual work, better response times and increased productivity. The key aspects of this initiative include practical business applications of AI, such as knowledge management, customer engagement, operations automation, content creation and conversational analytics.

Microsoft and its Singapore partners will offer eligible firms funding support in order to lower the cost burden of AI solutions adoption. It will also provide cloud and computing resources, as well as professional services for solution development and implementation.

Although AI adoption is becoming increasingly common and important in many workplaces, there are still concerns about it still remaining uneven across Singapore’s business landscape. Many larger companies have an easier time moving with the rapid adoption of AI, whereas SMEs struggle mainly due to constraints around cost, internal expertise, and confidence in expanding AI beyond pilot projects.

The programme aims to address these barriers and provide support to SMEs through the FinLab AI Ready program.