Microsoft launches AI QuickStart programme in Singapore with IMDA and UOB support
Microsoft launches AI QuickStart in Singapore to help Digital Leaders deploy enterprise AI in three months with IMDA and UOB support.
Microsoft has launched the AI QuickStart programme in Singapore, a new initiative aimed at helping digitally mature enterprises accelerate the deployment of practical, enterprise-ready artificial intelligence solutions. The programme targets organisations identified as Digital Leaders, including small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large enterprises, that are ready to move beyond experimentation and implement AI at scale.
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Supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority and United Overseas Bank, the programme is designed to shorten the time from concept to deployment for real-world AI use cases. It focuses on key business areas such as knowledge mining, customer engagement, operations automation, content creation and conversational analytics. The initiative reflects a broader push in Singapore to translate AI ambition into measurable business outcomes across sectors.
The programme was officially launched on 6 February in Singapore by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, alongside representatives from Microsoft, IMDA, UOB, policymakers, industry leaders and ecosystem partners. The launch marks Microsoft’s role as one of the first technology partners under IMDA’s Generative AI x Digital Leaders initiative to roll out a structured deployment-focused programme.
A structured pathway for rapid AI deployment
AI QuickStart is positioned as a fast-track approach for enterprises that already have a degree of digital maturity but need support in execution. Under the programme, participating organisations can complete AI projects within three months, with costs capped at up to S$20,000 per project. This cost includes cloud and compute resources, as well as professional services covering solution development and implementation.
To reduce complexity and risk, Microsoft has curated a set of solutioning services that enterprises can select from. These solutions are then customised to specific business needs using proven large language model-based architectures, with responsible AI guardrails built in. The approach is intended to help organisations avoid common pitfalls around governance, scalability and tool selection, while maintaining predictable costs.
Eligible enterprises may also receive funding support from IMDA and UOB, further lowering barriers to adoption. The programme builds on IMDA’s GenAI x Digital Leaders initiative, launched in 2024, which has focused on helping organisations deepen their understanding of generative AI while providing access to expertise and technology partners to move from pilots to production.
Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive of IMDA’s Enterprise Transformation and Innovation Group, said public-private collaboration is critical to scaling AI adoption. He noted that IMDA’s partnership with Microsoft has combined local business insights with advanced AI capabilities, and that expanding access to Microsoft’s ecosystem of partners would enable more Digital Leaders to deploy AI solutions that are both reliable and practical.
Supporting SMEs through partnerships and financing
A central focus of AI QuickStart is small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of Singapore’s economy but often face resource constraints when adopting new technologies. Rachel Bondi, Corporate Vice President for Small, Medium Enterprises and Channel at Microsoft Asia, said SMEs need AI solutions that are affordable, secure and able to deliver results quickly.
She described a growing group of frontier SMEs in Singapore that are using AI as a core operational capability rather than an experimental tool. According to Bondi, AI QuickStart is designed to remove key barriers such as implementation complexity, governance concerns and the cost of engaging trusted technology partners, while providing a low-risk entry point for SMEs to realise the value of AI.
UOB’s involvement adds a financial and advisory layer to the programme. As a partner, the bank will support participating enterprises through its UOB FinLab AI Ready programme, which provides SMEs with access to knowledge, tools and expert guidance to scale AI adoption. This is complemented by financing packages to support both AI projects and broader digital transformation initiatives.
Kavita Bedi, Head of Group SME Banking at UOB, said the bank recognises the urgency for enterprises to become AI-ready in order to build long-term resilience. She highlighted that in 2025, UOB engaged more than 1,000 SMEs across ASEAN through the AI Ready programme, including supporting a local SME in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry to develop an agentic customer acquisition platform despite limited resources.
From productivity gains to measurable outcomes
The AI QuickStart programme is positioned as a progression from earlier initiatives that focused on awareness and productivity. It builds on programmes such as GenAI x Digital Leaders and Copilot for SMEs, which provided subsidised licences for Microsoft 365 Copilot and helped thousands of business owners and workers begin using AI in their daily work.
With many Singapore enterprises now familiar with AI-assisted productivity tools, the emphasis is shifting towards scaling solutions that deliver measurable operational and commercial impact. Organisations across sectors, including education and manufacturing, have reported growing demand for more advanced AI capabilities that can be embedded into core workflows.
Industry participants shared examples of how AI adoption has translated into operational improvements. David Lee, Director of Innovation at At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, said collaboration with IMDA and Microsoft enabled the institution to move beyond pilots and achieve tangible outcomes, including streamlining academic workflows and enhancing learner support. He noted that this has allowed educators to focus more on developing globally ready food and beverage professionals.
Christophe Ng, Head of Information and Technology at BRC, highlighted how adopting Microsoft AI reduced manual data entry from documents and images, improving data reliability and freeing teams to focus on higher-value activities. He said the use of a secure and trusted platform supports the organisation’s long-term AI adoption plans.
The launch event also featured an interactive AI Experience zone, allowing businesses to explore solutions from Microsoft technology partners participating in the programme. These partners will work with enterprises to transform workflows and operations as part of AI QuickStart.
