To drive artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among local enterprises seeking to transform their businesses in Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has rolled out the new Digital Leaders Accelerator Bootcamp (DLAB) as part of the National AI Impact Program.

The firm said in a statement on last Friday that targeted at business leaders of digitally progressive enterprises, also known as Digital Leaders, each bootcamp is a modular, hands-on program that will run multiple times a year.

Participating enterprises will build AI know-how by implementing practical AI projects that address real business challenges and create immediate value. Doing so helps build confidence to scale AI usage across their businesses.

They can also expect to leave the bootcamp with an actionable digital roadmap to guide their AI adoption.

DLAB represents a shift in how enterprises are supported in adopting AI, recognizing that successful implementation requires both technical expertise and organizational readiness.

Unlike traditional technology-focused programs, DLAB equips participating enterprises with capabilities, practical tools and methodologies across AI transformation and digital change management needed to implement AI across teams, processes and operations.

This program contributes to IMDA’s goal of supporting 2,000 Digital Leaders, across different sectors to harness AI over the next three years.

As a start, IMDA will collaborate with two global consulting firms, Boston Consulting Group and EY-Parthenon, to run the bootcamps, combining local market insights with global AI transformation experience.

The bootcamp offers a practical field guide for participating enterprises to help kickstart their AI transformation.

They will receive hands-on coaching from experienced practitioners through strategy planning workshops and project development sessions to identify high-impact use cases, review digital workflows, and implement viable AI solutions to tackle business challenges such as rising costs and productivity pressures.

Upon completing DLAB, these enterprises will gain greater confidence and practical experience in deploying AI within their organizations.

They will also acquire an understanding of critical topics covering business process redesign, cost-benefit analysis, data management, infrastructure, and better appreciation of AI tools, AI applications and cybersecurity, as well as develop an actionable digital roadmap with measurable business outcomes to guide the next phase of their AI transformation journey.

Over the course of the bootcamp, Digital Leaders will work through four key stages with IMDA and its DLAB partners.

Firstly, identifying high-impact opportunities. Enterprises will identify their priority business challenges and define a clear problem statement with measurable goals.

Secondly, designing the right AI solutions. Enterprises will assess possible digital approaches and tech tools, evaluate costs and benefits, and develop an implementation plan.

Thirdly, delivering early-value AI solutions. With guidance from trusted tech experts, enterprises will develop and test small-scale, viable AI solutions using accessible digital tools and data to deliver AI confidence projects.

These projects can be implemented in under three months to demonstrate the early value of AI before enterprises scale up deployment.

Fourthly, committing to digital transformation. Enterprises will develop an implementation roadmap with clear milestones and performance indicators to scale AI adoption and guide their AI transformation journey.

This process includes identifying the core digital competencies required and engaging in structured discussions with IMDA to explore tailored support options for establishing in-house digital teams.

Beginning on March 26, the inaugural run of the bootcamp will be conducted by EY-Parthenon.

Boston Consulting Group will commence their DLAB runs from the second quarter of this year.

IMDA will progressively onboard new industry partners to expand the program and support more enterprises across different sectors.

DLAB builds on the Digital Leaders Program (DLP), which has been offered by IMDA since 2021.

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