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Singapore SMEs do not appear to lack interest in artificial intelligence. What many lack is a clear starting point, and the financing, partners, and safeguards to move from experimentation to deployment.<\/p>\n
DBS, Enterprise Singapore<\/strong> and the Infocomm Media Development Authority<\/strong> are seeking to address that gap through an expanded Spark GenAI programme, combining advisory support, government-backed resources and financial solutions to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt AI.<\/p>\n The enhanced programme comes as more SMEs seek practical guidance on AI adoption.<\/p>\n DBS said its 2026 Business Pulse Check Survey found that 39% of SMEs are looking for expert advice on how to integrate AI meaningfully into their operations.<\/p>\n The initiative is aligned with Singapore\u2019s National AI Strategy 2.0, which seeks to accelerate enterprise adoption of AI across the economy.<\/p>\n Under the enhanced programme, SMEs will receive support based on their level of AI maturity and business readiness.<\/p>\n Participating companies will have access to advisory sessions, training and complimentary workshops by IMDA.<\/p>\n The programme will also connect SMEs to IMDA\u2019s Open Innovation Platform, which gives businesses access to a network of more than 16,000 solution providers.<\/p>\n Companies may also explore IMDA\u2019s pre-approved AI-enabled solutions, with eligible SMEs able to receive grant support of up to 50% of qualifying costs from Enterprise Singapore.<\/p>\n DBS said businesses can also tap its financial solutions, including cyber protection coverage, to support AI implementation while strengthening digital resilience.<\/p>\n Chen Ze Ling, group head of corporate and SME banking at DBS, said client discussions over the past year showed growing interest among SMEs in how AI can create real business value.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat many are looking for is practical support on where to begin and how to move forward,\u201d Chen said.<\/p>\n Johnson Poh, assistant chief executive of IMDA\u2019s Enterprise Transformation and Innovation Group, said the partnership would give SMEs a clearer pathway from AI awareness to adoption through workshops, pre-approved solutions and access to technology providers.<\/p>\n The programme highlights a broader shift in SME finance and digital enablement, where banks are moving beyond traditional lending to support technology adoption through advisory, ecosystem partnerships and risk-management tools.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n