Microsoft announced today a series of new initiatives to accelerate the adoption and innovation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft has launched new AI initiatives in Singapore to empower organizations and uplift the AI skills of employees through collaborations with various partners.
- The initiatives aim to benefit 2,000 SMEs, enhance adult education with AI, and establish the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program to enable organizations to use AI effectively.
- The partnerships with SkillsFuture Singapore, NTUC LearningHub, Enterprise Singapore, AI Singapore, and IMDA demonstrate a commitment to accelerating AI adoption and innovation in Singapore.
The company has launched different initiatives to expand the adoption of AI between employees and enterprises by collaborating through new skilling initiatives with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and NTUC LearningHub..
Companies like Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), AI Singapore, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will also collaborate and partner in the new AI initiatives.
As part of the execution of the AI initiatives, Microsoft signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the different partners, including the Minister for Education, Mr. Chan Chun Sing, and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Mr. Desmond Tan.
With the launch of the new AI initiatives, the company will aim to play a crucial role in the development of AI adoption in Singapore by empowering organizations and uplifting the AI skills and capabilities of employees across all levels as part of the national SkillsFuture movement.
Mr. Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore.added “We are very encouraged to see Microsoft stepping up to help equip our companies and workers with deeper skills in AI. This builds on the already solid work Microsoft has done as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee. This is also a timely initiative, coming in the wake of the budget announcement on the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme. It takes a twin commitment by industry and Government to the SkillsFuture movement, to give Singapore workers the competence and confidence to adapt to change and to seize new opportunities. We look forward to more companies stepping up likewise,”
Microsoft new initiatives
The new initiative will benefit 2,000 SMEs over the course of three years by delivering practical programs that equip SMEs with the expertise needed to harness AI solutions. This will enable them to transform, seize new opportunities, and be future-ready in today’s dynamic business environment.
Microsoft also closed a partnership with the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to develop the use of the AI into the adult education levels by aiming to develop and test new AI tools and methodologies to enhance the learning experiences of adult learners.
Finally, Microsoft will develop a new program titled the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program with the objective of enabling organizations in Singapore to use AI.
The program will include Certis, HTX, Mediacorp, Seatrium, and Synapxe. It will aim to facilitate co-creation and co-innovation of AI use cases and foster an AI-first culture and ecosystem. Through this, the program seeks to inspire new ways of working and support organizations in building capabilities to tap opportunities in the era of AI.
