Alibaba Cloud, IMDA launch AI accelerator for 3,000 SMEs
Alibaba Cloud and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have entered a strategic partnership to facilitate the adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies among up to 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and digital solutions providers in Singapore.
The new initiative, named the Alibaba Cloud Digital Accelerator Programme, is intended to support the priorities of Singapore's Digital Enterprise Blueprint. This programme will provide local businesses with tailored resources and practical training to help them compete within the increasingly digital business environment.
The partnership is unveiled as Alibaba Cloud marks a decade of operations in Singapore, reflecting ongoing efforts to support the nation's digital transformation agenda. Over the past ten years, Alibaba Cloud has actively worked with both government agencies and local enterprises to expand digital infrastructure, improve technological capabilities, and nurture talent.
According to Alibaba Cloud, SMEs represent 99% of enterprises in Singapore and employ a significant majority of the workforce. The new programme is designed to provide these companies with access to essential cloud and AI technologies, alongside technical training and marketing support. The aim is to help SMEs innovate, scale operations, and access new business opportunities.
The Alibaba Cloud Digital Accelerator Programme offers a comprehensive suite of support tools for up to 3,000 eligible SMEs and digital solution providers. This includes cloud credits valued at $1,000 per participant to help mitigate upfront costs for cloud adoption and access to the majority of Alibaba Cloud services.
Participants will be able to engage in six hands-on AI workshops per year, encompassing training with Alibaba Cloud's Qwen large language model (LLM) as well as its generative AI development platform, Model Studio. In addition, quarterly ongoing consultations and technical support will be available to businesses to further optimise their adoption of these technologies.
Alibaba Cloud will also facilitate various outreach activities to promote the advantages of cloud and AI adoption among Singaporean SMEs. These events will include sharing of programme impact through success stories, and providing exclusive opportunities at Alibaba Cloud's own events.
Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, commented, "As a global leader in cloud computing and AI innovation, Alibaba Cloud brings world-class technology and deep industry expertise to empower Singapore's SMEs on their digital journey. We are honoured to collaborate with IMDA to support the government's vision of a vibrant digital economy. We are not only enabling businesses to adopt advanced cloud and AI tools but also fostering an ecosystem of continuous learning and digital resilience that will position Singapore as a leading smart nation in the years ahead."
Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group, IMDA, said, "As technologies like cloud computing and AI continue to reshape the global economy, it is critical for our SMEs to build the digital capabilities needed to compete and thrive. This collaboration with Alibaba Cloud brings together deep technological expertise and global best practices to support our digital solutions providers and SMEs in adopting advanced tools such as generative AI and scalable cloud infrastructure. By equipping businesses with the right tools and knowledge, we are strengthening the foundation of enterprises to be future-ready for Singapore's digital economy."
The new partnership marks an additional phase in the ongoing collaboration between Alibaba Cloud and Singapore public agencies, with particular focus on helping to establish Singapore as a centre for digital and AI-driven innovation.
