Singapore SMEs do not seem to have a lack of interest in artificial intelligence. What many lack is a clear starting point and the funding, partners, and safeguards needed to move from trial to deployment.
DBS, Corporate Singapore And Infocomm Media Development Authority They are working to close this gap through an expanded Spark GenAI program that combines consulting support, government-backed resources and financial solutions to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt AI.
The enhanced program comes as more SMEs seek practical guidance on AI adoption.
DBS said its 2026 Business Pulse Check Survey found 39 per cent of SMEs were seeking expert advice on how to meaningfully integrate AI into their operations.
The initiative is aligned with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, which aims to accelerate corporate adoption of AI across the economy.
Under the enhanced program, SMEs will receive support based on their level of artificial intelligence maturity and business readiness.
Participating companies will have access to IMDA’s advisory sessions, training and free workshops.
The program will also connect SMEs to IMDA’s Open Innovation Platform, which gives businesses access to a network of more than 16,000 solution providers.
Companies can also explore IMDA’s pre-approved AI-powered solutions, where eligible SMEs can receive grant support of up to 50% of eligible costs from Enterprise Singapore.
DBS said businesses can also leverage its financial solutions, including cyber protection coverage, to support the application of AI while strengthening digital resilience.
DBS corporate and SME banking group head Chen Ze Ling said customer conversations last year showed growing interest among SMEs in how AI can create real business value.
“What many people are looking for is practical support on where to start and how to proceed,” Chen said.
Johnson Poh, deputy head of IMDA’s Enterprise Transformation and Innovation Group, said the partnership will provide SMEs with a clearer path from AI awareness to adoption through workshops, pre-validated solutions and access to technology providers.
The program highlights a broader shift in SME financing and digital enablement, where banks are moving beyond traditional lending to support technology adoption through consultancy, ecosystem partnerships and risk management tools.
