IMDA launches new tool to help SMEs identify business solutions quickly
It also announces new programmes to boost cybersecurity and AI adoption among such organisations
[SINGAPORE] A slew of new measures aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with their digital transformation was launched by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Tuesday (Oct 7).
Under this effort, which were unveiled by Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How at the inaugural SMEs Go Digital Day, IMDA hopes to equip SMEs with tools and programmes to help them quickly find solutions to their business challenges, boost their cybersecurity and drive artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
In his speech, Tan noted that 95 per cent of Singapore’s SMEs have adopted at least one digital solution. Yet, with technology evolving rapidly and customer expectations rising, businesses cannot afford to keep still, he added.
AI, he said, offers SMEs powerful tools to boost productivity, deepen engagement and unlock new opportunities.
“With effective use of AI, SMEs can punch above their weight—and when they thrive, our economy thrives,” he added.
The first measure announced by Tan – Go Digital Advisor – is a new tool on the refreshed version of IMDA’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO)-as-a-Service platform.
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The platform is an on-demand way for SMEs to assess their digital readiness, access vetted solutions, and consult experts for tailored transformation strategies.
The revamp follows insights from IMDA’s Singapore Digital Economy report, released on Monday, which found that digitalisation boosts productivity, revenue and market access.
IMDA said in a media statement that the new Go Digital Advisor is designed to be more “business-needs driven”, and will allow SME owners to “identify the right solutions for their most pressing challenges in just three clicks”.
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Users start by selecting a business area to improve – such as human resources or sustainability – then identify specific challenges from a preset list.
They follow this by choosing desired solution features. Based on these inputs, the tool generates a tailored list of recommended solutions with estimated pricing.
More support
The second measure unveiled by Tan was the Singtel Cyber Protect Programme – a joint initiative by Singtel, Enterprise Singapore and IMDA.
It offers 12 months of free cybersecurity protection for business mobile devices to 14,000 SMEs, as well as 12 months of free broadband security for office networks to another 35,000 SMEs.
IMDA added that Singtel will complement the programme with cybersecurity workshops and educational videos to help SMEs better understand cyber threats and how to guard against them.
The third measure unveiled was the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) AI Experience for SME Programme, which aims to help businesses harness AI to drive transformation and growth in partnership with IMDA.
Leveraging SCCCI’s network of 5,000 corporate members and 160 trade associations representing more than 40,000 companies, the programme will promote AI adoption through hands-on workshops featuring IMDA’s pre-approved AI and generative AI tools.
SMEs will also receive guidance from solution providers and participate in interactive sessions designed to build confidence in applying AI to meet their business needs.
SMEs can register for the Singtel Cyber Protect Programme starting Nov 1, and for the SCCCI AI Experience for SME Programme from January 2026, via the CTO-as-a-Service platform.
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