New IMDA tools and partnerships aim to accelerate SME digital transformation through AI, cybersecurity, and tailored support.

Singapore is doubling down on digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a suite of new initiatives launched by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to simplify technology adoption and safeguard businesses in the AI era.

Go Digital Advisor: A New Era for SMEs

At the inaugural SMEs Go Digital Day held on October 7, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How unveiled the Go Digital Advisor, a new tool integrated into IMDA’s Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service (CTO-as-a-Service) platform.
This refreshed platform allows SMEs to assess digital readiness, access vetted solutions, and consult experts for tailored transformation strategies. Businesses can now identify their needs in just three clicks—selecting a business area, pinpointing challenges, and receiving a list of recommended solutions complete with estimated costs.

The Go Digital Advisor represents a more “business-needs driven” approach, enabling SMEs to focus on key areas such as human resources, operations, cybersecurity, and sustainability. According to IMDA’s Singapore Digital Economy (SGDE) report, 95% of local SMEs have adopted at least one digital solution, yet rapid technological change demands continuous adaptation.

AI Adoption Driving Efficiency and Cost Savings

The SGDE report also revealed that the number of SMEs adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tripled between 2023 and 2024, resulting in 52% average cost savings.
Tan emphasized that AI enables smaller firms to “punch above their weight,” helping them enhance productivity, deepen engagement, and unlock new opportunities without large-scale IT infrastructure.

IMDA’s initiatives are part of Singapore’s broader Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) launched in 2024, which aims to help enterprises integrate AI tools effectively and sustainably.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Singtel Partnership

To protect SMEs against cyber threats, IMDA announced the Singtel Cyber Protect Programme, a collaboration with Singtel and Enterprise Singapore.
The initiative will offer 12 months of free cybersecurity protection for 14,000 SMEs’ mobile devices and free broadband security for another 35,000 SMEs’ office networks.
Singtel will also conduct cybersecurity workshops and produce educational videos to help business owners understand and mitigate digital risks.

Registration for the programme opens on November 1, 2025, via the CTO-as-a-Service platform.

AI Experience for SMEs: SCCCI Partnership

Another highlight is the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) AI Experience for SME Programme, launching in January 2026.
The initiative will leverage SCCCI’s network of 5,000 corporate members and 160 trade associations—representing more than 40,000 companies—to drive AI adoption through hands-on workshops using IMDA’s pre-approved AI and generative AI (GenAI) tools.
Participants will receive direct guidance from solution providers and attend interactive sessions designed to boost confidence in applying AI across various business functions.

Growing a Future-Ready SME Ecosystem

Since its inception, more than 400,000 users have accessed IMDA’s CTO-as-a-Service platform to explore market-proven solutions. Over 20,000 enterprises have already benefited from IMDA’s partnership-driven programmes.
Tan reiterated that while technology can disrupt sectors, it also provides vast opportunities:

“There are going to be winners and losers in the world of AI. We are committed to help Singapore companies and workers be on the right side of that divide,” he said.

IMDA’s new initiatives reflect Singapore’s ongoing mission to empower SMEs to thrive in the digital economy. By combining AI integration, cybersecurity support, and tailored digital tools, these programmes not only uplift local enterprises but also strengthen cross-border business ecosystems — a move that resonates across the region, including Indonesia’s growing digital industries.

Sources: The Business Times (2025) , AsiaOne (2025)

Keywords: IMDA, SME Go Digital, AI Adoption, Singtel Cyber Protect, SCCCI AI Experience, CTO-as-a-Service