Build AI-Ready Companies: Singapore Launches New Initiative to Accelerate AI Adoption and Strengthen Digital Resilience

Singapore has launched the inaugural SME AI Impact Awards and new public-private partnerships to accelerate AI transformation in business, strengthen cybersecurity, and secure digital infrastructure.

As businesses rapidly adopt artificial intelligence (AI), challenges have shifted from testing to secure large-scale implementation. Many firms face technical hurdles, operational complexity, and rising cyber threats when moving from pilot projects to full deployment. Over eight in 10 companies experience at least one cybersecurity incident annually, highlighting the growing need for robust digital resilience.

At ATxEnterprise 2026, part of Asia Tech x Singapore, organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Informa, Senior Minister and Minister for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How announced new initiatives to help companies adopt AI, bolster cybersecurity, and prepare Singapore’s digital infrastructure for the future. The announcements include new partnerships under the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) and further investment in quantum-resistant infrastructure.

New Awards to Recognise AI Pioneers in Singapore

AI adoption among Singaporean companies has surged in recent years. According to IMDA’s 2025 Singapore Digital Economy (SGDE) Report, SME AI adoption has more than tripled from 4.2% to 14.5% in a single year. Non-SME adoption rose from 44% to 62.5% in 2024.

To recognise SMEs that have created tangible business impact through AI, IMDA and the Singapore Business Federation launched the inaugural SME AI Impact Awards 2026. The initiative is part of the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP), supporting the implementation of the National AI Strategy (NAIS).

Up to 30 winners across two categories—companies developing their own AI solutions and those successfully implementing ready-made AI solutions—will receive the SME AI Impact Award Trustmark to enhance their business credibility and reputation.

Registration opens from 1 June to 14 August 2026, with winners announced at the SMEs Go Digital Day event on 13 October 2026.

New Partnerships to Enhance AI and Cybersecurity Capabilities

To help SMEs strengthen their digital capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, IMDA is expanding the Digital Enterprise Blueprint through new partnerships with Grab and RSM Stone Forest IT (RSM). Both collaborations will provide direct mentoring, practical tools, and expertise needed for SMEs to adopt AI and bolster cybersecurity.

Grab, in partnership with IMDA, will launch the Grab AI Programme for SMEs targeting 10,000 SMEs in food and beverage, e-commerce, and retail. The initiative includes AI literacy enhancement, training, and practical implementation support through online learning materials, webinars, intensive classes, and a two-day AI course developed with the Singapore University of Technology and Design. The programme assists SMEs in creating AI adoption plans using IMDA-approved AI solutions.

Additionally, RSM will roll out the RSM Cyber2SME™ Programme, offering free phishing attack simulations to 2,000 SMEs and workshops on cybersecurity risks. Up to 1,000 SMEs will also gain access to webinars and tabletop exercises covering cyber threats, AI and data risks, and incident response strategies.

These partnerships build on DEB’s success since its May 2024 launch, which has supported over 26,000 SMEs. With Grab and RSM joining, IMDA aims to add 12,000 more SMEs, bringing the programme closer to its target of supporting 50,000 SMEs by 2029.

New Guide to Simplify AI Transformation

IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and Workforce Singapore (WSG) have developed the AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook, a new guide to assist more digitally mature companies in adopting AI.

Compiled from over 1,000 business interactions, the guide helps firms assess AI readiness, identify available support, and determine the right implementation steps. It also consolidates programmes and resources from IMDA, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), SSG, and WSG into a single, user-friendly framework.

Addressing AI Vulnerabilities

Sonar has globally launched a new AI remediation agent at the ATxSummit Singapore. Developed with IMDA and Singaporean engineers, the technology helps companies automatically detect, fix, and verify issues in code generated by AI-powered software development. This enables businesses to implement AI-driven development tools more securely.

Building Singapore’s Resilience Against Quantum Threats

As a digital economy hub, Singapore must ensure its telecommunications sector can withstand threats from quantum computing advancements.

IMDA has signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) with Singtel, Ericsson, and NCS Singapore to test and validate quantum-resistant technologies during Singtel’s infrastructure and system migration. The collaboration aims to strengthen Singapore’s defences against quantum threats, promote wider adoption in the telecom industry, and