Giving SMEs the Boost They Need for Innovation and New Growth

A new partnership launched today will offer SMEs advanced consultancy services, on a complimentary basis, to help them make the most of digital technology and assist them in developing their digital transformation roadmap.

SINGAPORE – 17 November, 2017: A new partnership launched today will offer SMEs advanced consultancy services, on a complimentary basis, to help them make the most of digital technology and assist them in developing their digital transformation  roadmap. SMEs that do not have market-ready digital solutions can also tap on Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) expertise and resources to develop and prototype customised solutions for them. 

The new partnerships between the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and ten IHLs, under the SMEs Go Digital Programme, are aimed at helping SMEs’ digitalisation efforts. SMEs can approach these partners through the SME Digital Tech Hub’s Principal Consultants. The Consultants will be able to assist the SMEs and connect them to the most appropriate partners, such as A*Star or an IHL. 

“Digitalisation is massively transforming every sector of our economy. Through the SMEs Go Digital programme, SMEs can access resources and partners to help them develop digitial capabilities and take full advantage of the opportunities in a Digital Economy. IMDA is excited to expand the network of partners available to SMEs with this latest collaboration with A*STAR, the Institute of Technical Education and our Institute of Higher Learning partners. SMEs can look forward to getting support in areas such as strategic technology planning, protoyping of digital solutions and training in frontier technologies” said Tan Kiat How, Chief Executive, IMDA.

Helping SMEs identify and prioritise digital technology

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IMDA and A*STAR will enable SMEs to work with the agency to develop their Operation & Technology Roadmapping (OTR). The OTR will be designed to help the individual SME better understand their digital needs and in doing so, prioritise their digital investments. The OTR will also help the individual SME plot out a tailor-made longer-term technology roadmap which identifies the digital technologies that are aligned to their business goals.

Building the digital leaders of tomorrow

IMDA has partnered the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and Institute of Higher Learnings (IHL) that include polytechnics and  universities to help SMEs build strong digital capabilities.

Digitalisation not only requires the implementation of digital technology but also a skilled digital workforce. The partners provide courses and workshops tailored to equip an SME’s employees with essential digital skills.

SMEs seeking to deploy innovative solutions can further benefit from the access to partners’ expertise and capabilities, including assistance prototyping specialised digital solutions.

Progress of SMEs Go Digital

Announced at Budget 2017 and officially launched in April 2017, 480 SMEs have adopted pre-approved digital solutions. This has also generated over S$8.5 million in revenue for Infocomm media solution providers. To accelerate the pace of digitalisation of SMEs, IMDA has issued an open call for pre-approved digital solutions for SMEs. IMDA encourages ICM solution providers to take be part in the SMEs Go Digital programme. For more information, please visit www.imda.gov.sg/SMEsGoDigital. 

Related Resources

Annex A: Factsheet on SMEs Go Digital (395.48KB)

Annex B: Factsheet on MOU with A*STAR (363.82KB)

Annex C: Factsheet on MOIs/MOUs with IHLs (311.71KB)

ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission.

For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.

For media clarifications, please contact:

CHOONG Chloe (Ms)
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing 
Direct: 6211 0527
Email: Chloe_Choong@imda.gov.sg