Singapore, 29 May 2024 — Salesforce has unveiled its latest initiative, the Data + AI Boost SME Program, which is set to empower 5,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and unlock the value of their data. This program, launched in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), aims to support SMEs at various stages of digital maturity.
The announcement was made at the Asia Tech x Enterprise 2024 event and aligns with the Ministry of Communications and Information’s Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB). The DEB focuses on four key areas to enhance Singaporean enterprises’ digital transformation: enabling AI adoption, integrating digital solutions, improving cyber resilience, and upskilling workers.
Empowering SMEs with AI and Data Integration
Salesforce’s new program is designed to address the growing recognition among SMEs of the importance of emerging technologies such as AI. According to the Singapore Business Federation’s National Business Survey 2023/2024, AI is identified as a top business trend, with revenue growth being the primary focus for SMEs.
The effectiveness of AI largely depends on the quality and integration of the underlying data. Salesforce’s AI Trust Quotient research highlights that 61% of workers in Singapore believe that incomplete data undermines trust in AI. To address this, the Data + AI Boost SME Program aims to help SMEs utilize their often-underused data assets, typically spread across various systems like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, data lakes, and legacy systems.
Program Components and Support
The Data + AI Boost SME Program offers a comprehensive suite of resources and support, including:
- Webinars, Workshops, and Events: These sessions will provide Salesforce training to help SMEs harness AI and data for business growth, operational efficiency, and improved customer relationships.
- Complimentary 1-1 Consultation Sessions: Salesforce experts will offer personalized consultations to understand an SME’s specific business challenges and needs, and identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Access to Trailhead: Salesforce’s online learning platform, Trailhead, will provide employees with training on generative AI and responsible data usage. Dedicated modules such as Ethical Data Use in Personalisation and Ethical Data Use Best Practices will equip SME workers with the knowledge to use data and AI responsibly.
Industry Support and Collaboration
IMDA’s Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group, Mr. Leong Der Yao, emphasized the importance of AI adoption for SMEs. “Aligned with Singapore Digital Enterprise Blueprint, IMDA is excited to partner with Salesforce to enable our SMEs to stay ahead of the curve. The Data + AI Boost SME program will help strengthen AI adoption by providing the know-how to unlock data potential and resources for ethical data and AI use. We look forward to industry support to help SMEs leverage technology for competitiveness and faster scaling.”
Sujith Abraham, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Salesforce ASEAN, echoed this sentiment, stating, “SMEs are the bedrock of the Singapore economy and need access to AI to support their growth and competitiveness. Setting up the right data foundations is crucial for embracing AI. The challenge for SMEs is ensuring interconnected data sets are valuable. Through the Data + AI Boost SME Program, Salesforce is making AI more accessible for SMEs to compete and succeed in today’s economy.”
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The program’s objective is to democratize access to AI by helping SMEs unlock the potential of their data assets, ensuring they can make informed decisions and drive growth. By integrating valuable data with AI, SMEs can better understand customer preferences, market trends, and areas for improvement.
Salesforce’s Data + AI Boost SME Program is a significant step towards empowering Singaporean SMEs to harness the transformative potential of AI. By providing tailored tools, knowledge, and support, the program aims to help SMEs unlock the value of their data and leverage AI for sustainable growth. For more information on the program and upcoming events, SMEs can visit the Salesforce website.
About Salesforce
Salesforce empowers companies of every size and industry to connect with their customers through the power of data + AI + CRM + trust. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE:CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
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