The Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME), Straits Interactive, and SMU Academy have announced a collaboration to help Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) build practical capabilities in Generative AI.
The partnership brings together ASME’s nationwide SME network, Straits Interactive’s Capabara Generative AI and governance platform, and SMU Academy’s industry-focused learning pathways to help businesses move from AI awareness to real-world application.
At the launch event graced by Mr Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and Member of Parliament for Pioneer SMC, the partners unveiled The AI Factory – AI Capability Guide for SMEs. The book serves as a practical roadmap to help non-technical SMEs design and implement Generative AI solutions responsibly, supporting Singapore’s vision of developing “AI Bilingualists” who are fluent in both business and AI.
Jack Lim, Executive Director of SMU Academy, said:
“SMU Academy is committed to empowering professionals and businesses to stay ahead in a fast-changing digital world. This collaboration translates Gen AI from theory into practical, real-world solutions, equipping participants to enhance productivity, spark creativity, and improve decision-making, while staying grounded in ethical and responsible use. Our goal is to help learners gain the confidence in using Gen AI to innovate, and grow responsibly.”
ASME President Ang Yuit shared:
“Singapore’s SMEs form the backbone of our economy, and their ability to move from passive users to active creators of Gen AI will determine our nation’s competitiveness in the digital age. According to Singapore’s Digital Economy Report 2025, AI adoption among SMEs has already risen to 14.5 per cent — up from 4.2 per cent the year before — but we need to deepen that capability. This initiative equips SMEs with the skills and structured support to move beyond AI literacy and build real AI capability as a competitive edge. By partnering with Straits Interactive and SMU Academy, ASME is helping SMEs transform their domain expertise into AI-powered solutions and take a leading role in Singapore’s AI-driven economy.”
Kevin Shepherdson, CEO of Straits Interactive, added:
“AI adoption is not just about having access to powerful tools — it’s about having the right skills and applying AI in relevant business contexts. Our goal is to help SMEs design Gen AI applications that integrate seamlessly into their operations, creating real business value while addressing AI risks and constraints.”
The initiative builds on ASME’s broader efforts to strengthen SME innovation and complements SMU Academy’s practice-oriented Gen AI certification programmes that equip professionals with hands-on skills to apply AI safely and effectively in business.
To complete the roadmap, SMU Academy is exploring the possibility of a new IGD in this area, building on its two Advanced Certificates, as part of its strong support for responsible Gen AI talent development. The programme is currently under development and slated for launch in 2026.
When launched, the IGD will add to SMU Academy’s current offering of 14 IGDs, which provide progression pathways to SMU Academy’s Industry Practice Masters in Digital Economy (IPMDE). These stackable qualifications ensure learners can build AI fluency in a structured and sustainable manner, from practical skills to postgraduate mastery. SMU Academy’s recent expansion of credit exemptions for polytechnic post-diploma graduates has also made it easier for individuals with non-degree qualifications to access higher-level education and advance their careers.
More details about the press release can be found here.
