Alibaba Cloud and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), have announced a strategic partnership to help accelerate the digital transformation of up to 3,000 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and digital solutions providers through the adoption of cloud technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Alibaba Cloud Digital Accelerator Programme was launched by Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Mr Tan Kiat How, at the ATxEnterprise — an Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) event.
The programme is in support of Singapore’s Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB), which seeks to enable Singapore enterprises to leverage emerging technologies such as cloud and AI to innovate, grow, and remain competitive in a digital economy.
SMEs represent 99% of Singapore’s enterprises and employ seven in ten local workers, underscoring their critical role in the nation’s economy. The programme aims to unlock the potential of these SMEs by providing tailored cloud and AI resources, technical training, and marketing support to help them innovate, scale, and create new business opportunities.
Up to 3,000 SMEs and digital solution providers will benefit from a comprehensive package of resources and expertise designed to accelerate their adoption of cloud and AI technologies, including:
- Cloud credits: To reduce upfront costs and promote adoption, eligible participants can receive cloud credits worth US$1,000 (for SMEs and digital solutions providers). These can be used for most Alibaba Cloud services.
- AI and technical training: Participants will gain access to six hands-on AI workshops annually, including training with Alibaba Cloud’s proprietary Qwen large language model (LLM) and its generative AI development platform, Model Studio. Ongoing quarterly consultations and technical support will be provided to help businesses optimise their adoption of cloud and AI technologies.
- Outreach and engagement: Alibaba Cloud will conduct events to raise awareness and promote the adoption of cloud and AI technologies among SMEs. Success stories will be highlighted to showcase the programme’s impact, with exclusive opportunities for participants at Alibaba Cloud’s events.
Mr Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group, IMDA, added, “As technologies like cloud computing and AI continue to reshape the global economy, it is critical for our SMEs to build the digital capabilities needed to compete and thrive.
“This collaboration with Alibaba Cloud brings together deep technological expertise and global best practices to support our digital solutions providers and SMEs in adopting advanced tools such as generative AI and scalable cloud infrastructure.
“By equipping businesses with the right tools and knowledge, we are strengthening the foundation of enterprises to be future-ready for Singapore’s digital economy.”