Free AI trials open to SMEs as IMDA adds three tech partners

Singtel, Salesforce and Beyondsoft will offer complimentary trials of up to six months.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is expanding its collaboration with tech industry players to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) integrate data and artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations.

IMDA announced three new partners, Singtel, Salesforce, and Beyondsoft, which will offer initiatives that provide practical support for AI adoption.

Singtel's International Digital Services launched the two-year Stack-EZ AI Data Enablement Programme to help SMEs manage and organise paperwork using AI.

Up to 10,000 SMEs will receive complimentary six-month access to SPACE, an AI-powered platform that automatically classifies and organises documents such as contracts, invoices, and receipts.

“Many SMEs recognise the potential of AI but may not know where to start,” said Derrick Heng, chief commercial officer of Singtel’s International Digital Services. “Having a strong data foundation is an important first step.”

Salesforce, through Slack, launched the Slack AI Launchpad Programme to guide SMEs in identifying and implementing AI applications in their day-to-day operations. Up to 1,000 SMEs will receive a complimentary two-month trial of Slack Business+ for up to 10 users each.

Under the two-year initiative, participating enterprises will also attend workshops to help identify relevant AI use cases and receive support to build at least one AI-enabled workflow.

“Agentic AI represents an extraordinary opportunity for SMEs to augment their workforce and levels the playing field so small businesses can deliver the same fast, personalised customer service as large companies,” said Vernon Cheo, country general manager for Singapore at Salesforce.

Meanwhile, Beyondsoft rolled out the Tech Bridge Programme to provide up to 1,000 SMEs with a curated catalogue of AI solutions covering sales management, store operations, customer engagement, retail analytics, and market intelligence.

The programme will initially focus on the retail, wholesale, and food and beverage sectors, Beyondsoft said. Participating enterprises will receive a complimentary two-month trial of the solutions, along with guided onboarding and technical support.

The first Tech Bridge showcase event will take place on 5 November, where SMEs can watch live demonstrations and sign up for trials on the spot. More showcase events are planned through 2027.

SMEs interested in any of the three programmes can sign up through the SMEs Go Digital platform.