Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), have announced a strategic partnership to help accelerate the digital transformation of up to 3,000 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and digital solutions providers through the adoption of cloud technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
Alibaba Cloud said in a statement on last Wednesday that SMEs represent 99 percent of Singapore’s enterprises and employ seven in ten local workers, underscoring their critical role in the nation’s economy.
The program aims to unlock the potential of these SMEs by providing tailored cloud and AI resources, technical training, and marketing support to help them innovate, scale, and create new business opportunities.
Up to 3,000 SMEs and digital solution providers will benefit from a comprehensive package of resources and expertise designed to accelerate their adoption of cloud and AI technologies.
This is including cloud credits to reduce upfront costs and promote adoption, eligible participants can receive cloud credits worth $1,000 (for SMEs and digital solutions providers). These can be used for most Alibaba Cloud services.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and technical training are also included with participants will gain access to six hands-on AI workshops annually, including training with Alibaba Cloud’s proprietary Qwen large language model (LLM) and its generative AI development platform, Model Studio.
Ongoing quarterly consultations and technical support will be provided to help businesses optimize their adoption of cloud and AI technologies.
The program also includes outreach and engagement, in which, Alibaba Cloud will conduct events to raise awareness and promote the adoption of cloud and AI technologies among SMEs.
Success stories will be highlighted to showcase the program’s impact, with exclusive opportunities for participants at Alibaba Cloud’s events.
“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,” said Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.
“We are honored 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,” she added.
Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group, IMDA, added that as technologies like cloud computing and AI continue to reshape the global economy, it is critical for the 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,” he added.
The launch of the Alibaba Cloud Digital Accelerator Program comes as Alibaba Cloud celebrates its tenth year in Singapore, a milestone reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting the nation’s digital ambitions.
Over the past decade, Alibaba Cloud has worked closely with government agencies, enterprises, and innovators to build digital infrastructure, advance capabilities, and grow local talent.
This new collaboration with IMDA represents the next chapter in helping position Singapore as a global hub for AI and digital innovation, said the statement.
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