The government has pegged more than S$80 million for a Singapore digital education program for SMEs.

With three broad initiatives, its SMEs Go Digital Program will be led by public-sector agencies such as the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Spring Singapore.

Firstly, sectoral Industry Digital Plans (IDPs) will be introduced to offer SMEs advice on the technologies they can leverage at each stage of their growth. Work will begin with sectors where digital tech has proven it can significantly improve productivity, such as retail.

Secondly, SME Centres will offer in-person help from business advisers on off-the-shelf software pre-approved for funding support, or on access to ICT (information and communications technology) vendors and consultants. More digitally advanced SMEs will be advised at an SME Technology Hub, to be set up by IMDA.

Finally, SMEs ready to pilot emerging ICT systems will receive advice and funding support.

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat says the government will work with groups of large and small firms to help them adopt “impactful, interoperable ICT solutions, to level up whole sectors”.

Market needs

Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) president Kurt Wee says the digital proposals are in line with market needs, and the new SME Technology Hub will be particularly useful as it addresses specific technological needs.

However, he says $80 million “may not be sufficient” for the program.

Deloitte Singapore tax partner Lee Tiong Heng says the venture’s success will depend on what relevant agencies can bring to the table. He says the plans nonetheless recognise that SMEs are at different stages of maturity in terms of adopting digital technologies, so targeted support is welcome.