SMU launches hands-on generative AI Industry Graduate Diplomas for SMEs

SMU Academy, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and Straits Interactive have launched an Industry Graduate Diploma in Generative AI, Large Language Models and AI Governance, which the partners describe as Singapore's first hands-on programme of its type.

The programme targets non-technical business professionals and centres on the idea of "AI Bilingualists". The partners use the term to describe people who can work across business strategy and AI delivery, with a focus on governance and responsible use.

SMU Academy will run the programme as part of Singapore Management University's professional training arm. ASME and Straits Interactive form the other two parties in the collaboration.

Programme design

The partners said the Industry Graduate Diploma includes training in generative AI, large language models and AI governance. The course structure uses stackable components. Participants complete two Advanced Certificates as part of the Industry Graduate Diploma requirements.

The first is the Advanced Certificate in Generative AI, Ethics and Data Protection. The second is the Advanced Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) Apps Design and Prompt Engineering.

The partners said the programme focuses on roles and functions across business. They listed customer service, compliance, human resources, learning and development, and marketing. They said the programme does not require programming expertise.

The Industry Graduate Diploma also includes an assessment component. Learners must pass an overall examination. They must also complete additional requirements through a project route or a workshop and networking route.

Project route

Under the Integrated Learning Project option, learners design and implement an AI solution that addresses a business challenge. The partners positioned the project as a route for applied learning within organisational contexts.

The alternative route requires learners to attend 16 enrichment workshops and or networking sessions. The partners said this route focuses on professional skills and connections.

The three organisations positioned the applied element as a key point of difference. They said the Industry Graduate Diploma links learning with work-based outcomes and governance practices.

Collaboration roots

The Industry Graduate Diploma builds on a collaboration the three organisations announced previously. The partners said ASME contributes access to SMEs through its network. SMU Academy contributes course delivery. Straits Interactive contributes experience in data protection and AI governance.

The partners also linked the programme to a book titled 'AI Factory: AI Capability Guide for SMEs', authored by Straits Interactive CEO and Founder Kevin Shepherdson. They described the book as a learning resource for the programme and a reference point for SMEs that want to introduce AI into operations.

The partners also said the new Industry Graduate Diploma sits within a broader pathway of qualifications at SMU Academy. They said it provides a route into the SMU Industry Practise Master of Digital Economy. They described that degree as modular and focused on applied learning for working professionals.

They also said the initiative connects with SMU's expanded credit exemption framework for polytechnic post-diploma holders. They framed this as an access route for individuals without degree qualifications.

SME adoption

The launch comes as industry groups and training providers increase focus on workforce skills tied to generative AI and governance. SMEs often face constraints around staff time and specialist expertise. Training programmes have increasingly offered modular formats and applied project work.

ASME linked the Industry Graduate Diploma to its wider work on AI adoption among SMEs. The association said it runs free community AI resources, workshops and an experimentation space for SMEs.

"For SMEs, AI adoption is no longer optional, it is a competitiveness imperative. The Industry Graduate Diploma strengthens our ecosystem by ensuring that AI skills translate into real business capability, grounded in governance and practical application," said Ang Yuit, President, ASME.

SMU Academy framed the programme as part of its approach to professional education in the digital economy. The organisation highlighted curriculum content that includes client projects and governance frameworks.

"This Industry Graduate Diploma is a strategic leap in how Singapore develops AI‐ready business leaders. By integrating real-world client projects and governance frameworks directly into the curriculum, we go beyond teaching AI tools - we empower professionals to design and come up with AI solutions. Together with our partners, SMUA is committed to building a new generation of 'AI Bilingualists' who can translate business goals into responsible, real-world outcomes for Singapore's digital economy," said Jack Lim, Executive Director, SMU Academy.

Governance focus

Straits Interactive said its contribution to the programme sits in its work on data protection and AI governance. It also pointed to its Capabara Gen AI platform. The company said the platform provides "Capability-as-a-Service" for SMEs. It said the platform uses a no-code approach and includes safeguards.

"The Industry Graduate Diploma completes the vision of the tripartite collaboration by closing the gap between learning and doing. It supports the journey of the non-technical professionals towards becoming true AI Bilingualists - not just users of AI, but builders and governors of it. Through the AI Factory concept, we are equipping SMEs to convert their content, processes, and expertise into trusted AI systems, effectively manufacturing intelligence that drives real and sustainable economic value for Singapore," said Kevin Shepherdson, CEO and Founder, Straits Interactive.

The partners said registration is open, ahead of a planned programme start later in the year.