Enhancing AI for a Future-Ready Singapore

In 2023, Microsoft unveiled AI’s potential to the world. We continue to innovate and build upon decades of research to provide innovative tools. In 2024, we set our sights on developing more advanced capabilities with Copilot, including expanded multi-modal and complex task tools. You’ll see AI’s transformative power enhancing productivity, advancing healthcare, improving cybersecurity, and fuelling scientific breakthroughs, all grounded in responsibility and humanity.

Our goal is to democratize our breakthroughs in AI to help people and organizations be more productive and to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Singapore is leading the way in the region and, in many ways globally, by focusing on excellence in AI and maximizing value creation.

AI for Empowerment

AI is about empowerment and amplifying human capabilities. It accelerates the pace of progress, though it’s human connection and emotional intelligence that continue to define our path forward. For every dollar invested in AI, companies are seeing an average return of 3.5x. In Singapore, SMEs make up 99% of all companies, and Generative AI offers these businesses a remarkable opportunity to enhance productivity, creativity, and operational efficiency, thereby boosting their competitiveness on the global stage.

With AI, SMEs can accelerate product development, improve customer experiences, and automate routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on more complex and creative work. Yet the lack of a skilled workforce is the biggest barrier to adopting and scaling AI, validating the need for skilling initiatives that will provide individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to stay ahead.

We know that leaders like you must be at the forefront of reimagining the workplace to help employees use AI to increase individual impact and to thrive at work. In our annual Work Trend Index launched last week, 71% of Singaporean leaders said they would not hire someone without AI skills. Additionally, 77% said they’d rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without AI skills.

When we launched the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program two months ago with five pioneering organizations – Certis , HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency) , Mediacorp Pte Ltd , Seatrium , and Synapxe – we were excited to provide the platform to enable co-creation and co-innovation and foster an AI-first culture and ecosystem in Singapore.

And I’m equally thrilled to announce the next phase of the AI Pinnacle Program. Our collaboration with Enterprise Singapore , IMDA , and AI Singapore will accelerate the adoption of Copilot, support to develop and deploy customized GenAI solutions and skilling of our local SMEs, in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore, the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) and NTUC LearningHub.

The Microsoft Copilot for SMEs program will support SMEs to deepen their AI capabilities by accelerating the adoption of Microsoft Copilot across critical business functions to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and enable employees to focus on higher-value tasks. EnterpriseSG will defray 50% of the Microsoft Copilot licence costs for eligible businesses for a 12-month usage period to support their adoption of the solution. The program will also leverage Microsoft’s partner ecosystem to provide additional training support and resources for SMEs on both Copilot and the responsible use of AI.

Singapore’s Leadership and Vision

I’m proud to see how Singapore's intentional adoption of AI technology for a Smart Nation sets a global example for AI for the public good. Our sincere appreciation goes to AI Singapore for spearheading the initiative to support Singapore SMEs to become early adopters of AI. This effort aims to enhance SME’s competitiveness through digitalization. And we extend our gratitude to Enterprise Singapore and IMDA for their valuable partnership in accelerating the adoption of Microsoft Copilot by local SMEs.

Commitment to Growth and Innovation

We’re guided by a culture grounded in growth mindset, enabling us to embrace this time of transition and change. Thanks to our ongoing research and strategic investments, including the recent announcement made by Satya Nadella two weeks ago to skill 2.5 million people in ASEAN, and partnerships like the AI Pinnacle Program, we’re well-positioned to deliver a diverse portfolio of AI-powered solutions tailored to meet the needs of individuals and organizations, regardless of their size.

Prospects and Inclusivity

By leveraging AI to enhance economic prosperity and societal well-being, we’re proud to see Singapore equip individuals, organizations, and communities with the skills and resources to thrive in an AI-enabled future. The programs we are announcing today in partnership with Enterprise SG, AI Singapore, and IMDA will make AI more accessible and pave the way for meaningful, long-term advancements in Singapore’s business ecosystem. Our partnership ensures every person and every organization in Singapore can participate in and benefit from AI advancements, bridging the digital divide, safely and responsibly.