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First SME AI Impact Awards and new public-private partnerships will accelerate enterprise AI transformation, enhance cyber resilience, and secure Singapore’s digital infrastructure
SINGAPOREMay 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As enterprises accelerate their adoption of AI (Artificial Intelligence), the challenge is shifting from experimentation to secure, scaled deployment. Many businesses still face technical barriers, operational complexities, and growing cybersecurity threats as they move from pilots to full implementation. Over 80% of organizations experience at least one cybersecurity incident annually, underscoring the urgent need for stronger digital resilience.
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information Mr. Tan Kiat How delivering an address at ATxEnterprise 2026
At ATxEnterprise, part of Asia Tech x SG (ATxSG), Singapore’s flagship tech event, co-organized by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Informa, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Mr. Tan Kiat How, announced several new initiatives aimed at helping enterprises adopt AI with confidence, enhance cyber resilience, and future-proof Singapore’s digital infrastructure. The announcements include new collaborations under the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) framework and continued investments in quantum-safe infrastructure.
New Awards to Recognize Singapore’s AI Pioneers
AI adoption among Singapore enterprises has grown rapidly in recent years. The IMDA’s Singapore Digital Economy Report 2025 (SGDE Report 2025) shows that AI adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) more than tripled in just one year, jumping from 4.2% to 14.5%. Meanwhile, AI adoption among non-SMEs surged from 44% to 62.5% in 2024.
To recognize SMEs that have achieved measurable business outcomes through AI, IMDA and the Singapore Business Federation will launch the inaugural “SME AI Impact Award 2026“, as part of the “National AI Impact Initiative (NAIIP)” and in support of the “National AI Strategy (NAIS)“.
The award will recognize up to 30 winners across two categories: enterprises that develop proprietary AI tools in-house, and those that successfully deploy off-the-shelf AI solutions. Winners will receive the “SME AI Impact Award Trustmark” to enhance their business credibility and market reputation.
Nominations will be open from June 1 to August 14, 2026, with winners announced on October 13, 2026, at the “SMEs Go Digital Day”.
New Collaborations to Boost Enterprise AI Capabilities and Cyber Resilience
To help SMEs build stronger digital capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, IMDA is expanding the Digital Enterprise Blueprint through two new collaborations with Grab and RSM Stone IT (RSM). Both collaborations provide SMEs with hands-on guidance, practical tools, and expertise to adopt AI with confidence and enhance their cyber resilience.
Grab will partner with IMDA to launch the “Grab AI Programme for SMEs”, reaching 10,000 SMEs in the food & beverage (F&B), e-commerce, and retail sectors through AI literacy initiatives, training, and practical application support. The programme includes online training resources, webinars, masterclasses, and a two-day AI course developed jointly with the Singapore University of Technology and Design, helping SMEs create actionable AI roadmaps using IMDA pre-approved AI solutions.
RSM will launch the “RSM Cyber2SME™ Programme”, offering free phishing simulation exercises to 2,000 SMEs and hosting cybersecurity awareness workshops covering cyber risks. Up to 1,000 SMEs will also benefit from cybersecurity awareness webinars and tabletop exercises covering cyber risks, AI and data threats, and incident response strategies.
These collaborations build on the DEB, which has supported over 26,000 SMEs since its launch in May 2024. With the addition of Grab and RSM, IMDA aims to reach another 12,000 SMEs, bringing the programme close to its target of supporting 50,000 SMEs by 2029.
A New Action Guide to Make AI Transformation Easier for Digital Leaders
IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and Workforce Singapore (WSG)[1] have jointly developed the “AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook” to help digitally leading enterprises smoothly advance their AI adoption.
Based on insights from over 1,000 enterprise interactions, the playbook helps businesses assess their AI adoption readiness, identify relevant support resources, and take actionable next steps. It also consolidates programmes and resources from IMDA, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), SSG, and WSG into a unified framework.
Staying Ahead of AI Security Vulnerabilities
Sonar globally launched its new AI Fix Agent at the ATxSummit in Singapore, a tool developed jointly by Sonar, IMDA, and engineers in Singapore. The tool helps enterprises automatically detect, fix, and verify code issues arising from AI-assisted software development, enabling organizations to deploy AI coding tools more securely.
Building a Quantum-Safe Singapore
As a digital hub, Singapore must ensure its telecommunications sector can withstand quantum threats.
IMDA has signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with Singtel, Ericsson, and NCS Singapore to pilot and validate quantum-safe technologies for migrating Singapore’s telecommunications infrastructure and systems. This collaboration will strengthen Singapore’s defenses against quantum threats, support broader adoption across the telecommunications industry, and position Singapore as a reference benchmark for the transition to a secure quantum era.
These collaborations mark a significant milestone in Singapore’s digital journey, empowering enterprises to adopt AI with confidence, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, and lay the foundation for a more secure and innovative digital future.
For more information on ATxSG, visit asiatechxsg.com.
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[1] WSG and SSG will merge to form the new “Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA)”. |