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Singapore’s first generative AI Sandbox to familiarise and help SMEs get head start in capturing new AI opportunities

The new sandbox will allow SMEs to harness the benefits of generative AI and support their innovation and digitalisation journey, improve productivity, and elevate customer experiences.

SINGAPORE – 07 FEB 2024

1. To support companies in gaining hands-on experience with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solutions, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched the GenAI Sandbox for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) today. This is a first step in enabling local SMEs greater access to GenAI and builds on both agencies’ ongoing efforts to strengthen AI development and ecosystem in Singapore.

2. The GenAI Sandbox is expected to benefit some 300 SMEs from sectors including retail, F&B, education, and hospitality, which will be able to tap on a range of GenAI solutions to elevate marketing and sales, and customer engagement efforts.

  • Solutions in the Marketing and Sales category will enable SMEs to generate varied and unique marketing content such as customised emails and social media posts that are tailored to individual campaign strategies. These solutions allow SMEs to shorten their marketing preparation process and harness GenAI capabilities to develop engaging content.
  • Solutions in the Customer Engagement category will enable SMEs to better engage customers at scale using GenAI-powered chatbots, which allow customers to easily search for information, browse through personalised recommendations, or make reservations. These solutions enable SMEs to free up manpower to optimise operational efficiency, while concurrently improving customers’ experience.

3. EnterpriseSG and IMDA have identified 13 GenAI solutions that will be progressively onboarded to the Sandbox by the end of February 2024. These solutions were jointly curated with industry and technical experts from various Institutes of Higher Learning, based on ease of use and deployment for SMEs.

4. All local SMEs can apply to participate in the Sandbox. Successful and eligible applicants will receive grant support from IMDA to trial one of the GenAI solutions of their choice for three months, to gain hands-on experience and better understand the functions of GenAI and the benefits to their businesses. Applications to the Sandbox will close by end of May 2024, or if the maximum capacity for the Sandbox has been reached, whichever comes earlier. Following the conclusion of the Sandbox, EnterpriseSG and IMDA will review the feedback from SMEs to evaluate the suitability of these solutions and explore the feasibility to further scale the adoption of GenAI applications across the local business community.

5. Leong Der Yao, Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group, IMDA, said, “With the potential transformative impact of GenAI, SMEs can benefit from experimenting with the technology, as part of their broader digitalisation journey. The sandbox of curated solutions will provide our SMEs greater accessibility to GenAI before deploying it on a larger scale.”

6. “This latest initiative to make available ready-to-use GenAI solutions to our local SMEs is part of our ongoing efforts to collaborate with public and private sectors to accelerate the growth of the AI ecosystem and developments in Singapore. We strongly encourage SMEs to come onboard the Sandbox to experience how their businesses can benefit from GenAI solutions.” said Soh Leng Wan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing & Engineering, Enterprise Singapore.

7. More information and registration details for the GenAI Sandbox for SMEs can be found at https://go.gov.sg/sme-gen-ai.

LAST UPDATED: 07 FEB 2024

Jointly issued by Infocomm Media Development Authority and Enterprise Singapore

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 LinkedIn (@IMDA), Facebook (@IMDAsg) and Instagram (@IMDAsg).

About Enterprise Singapore

Enterprise Singapore is the government agency championing enterprise development. We work with committed companies to build capabilities, innovate and internationalise.

We also support the growth of Singapore as a hub for global trading and startups, and build trust in Singapore’s products and services through quality and standards. Visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg for more information.

For media clarifications, please contact:

(Ms) Sin Hui Ting
Manager
(Communications and Marketing)
IMDA
DID: (65) 9760 8503
Email: sin_hui_ting@imda.gov.sg

(Mr) Haley Chan
Senior Business Partner
(Corporate Communications)
Enterprise Singapore
DID: (65) 9179 3505
Email: haley_chan@enterprisesg.gov.sg

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