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Singapore: First Generative AI Sandbox to allow SMEs to harness the benefits of Generative AI

By 4 Mins Read

In brief

On 7 February 2024, Enterprise Singapore (“EnterpriseSG“) and the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched the Generative AI Sandbox (“Sandbox“) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through the Sandbox, SMEs will be able to receive funding support to experience Generative AI (“GenAI“) enterprise solutions over a three-month period. This initiative builds on Singapore’s existing efforts to strengthen the development and ecosystem of AI locally.

In more detail

The Sandbox was designed to provide SMEs in Singapore the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with GenAI solutions. The Sandbox is anticipated to benefit approximately 300 SMEs across the retail, food and beverage, education, and hospitality sectors, amongst others. These SMEs can take advantage of the GenAI solutions across two categories: (1) marketing and sales and (2) customer engagement.

Marketing and sales

Under the marketing and sales category, SMEs can utilise solutions for the creation of diverse and personalised marketing content, such as customised emails, copywriting and social media posts that are tailored to the participating SMEs campaign strategy. Such campaign strategies and content ideas may similarly be developed through the use of GenAI solutions. The leveraging of GenAI capabilities not only streamlines the marketing process for SMEs but also helps in the development of engaging content based on competitive intelligence.

Customer engagement

SMEs can enhance their customer interaction on a larger scale by employing GenAI-powered chatbots. These chatbots facilitate easy information searches that will help improve customer experience, provide personalised recommendations to customers, and offer automated customer support requests (e.g., reservations and purchase transactions). These solutions can help SMEs better manage manpower planning and therefore enhance operational efficiency, while simultaneously elevating the overall customer experience.

Who can apply

Interested SMEs that meet the following requirements will be eligible for participation in the Sandbox:

ACRA-registered, taxable, and operating in Singapore

Minimum of 30% local shareholding

Group sales turnover not more than S$100 million per annum or group employment size not more than 200 employees

Have not adopted any other solutions under this GenAI Sandbox for SMEs

An eligible SME may receive funding support to trial one of the supported GenAI solutions for three months. Participating SMEs that wish to continue using the same solution after the trial are eligible to apply for funding support for an additional nine months.

Please note that the deadline for registration may differ for the respective solutions. SMEs are required to contact the solution vendors directly to find out more about the solution features and functions, onboarding process, as well as any associated risks and mitigation measures. More information can be found here.

Key takeaways

GenAI solutions offer SMEs an unprecedented opportunity to leverage AI capabilities within their operations. These solutions have the potential to enhance productivity across key business functions, drive innovation in the products and services offered, and elevate customer experiences. As we usher in a new digital era shaped by AI, it remains important for businesses to keep abreast of the latest AI developments by exploring and integrating these technologies in their operations.

Therefore, through this sandbox, SMEs can navigate and experiment with GenAI solutions to have a better understanding of their functions and benefits. This includes the generation of new revenue streams and optimizing business operations for increased efficiency.

The Sandbox itself is an exciting initiative that further demonstrates Singapore’s dedication to stay ahead of the curve and foster innovation while encouraging responsible and trustworthy AI solutions. SMEs are therefore encouraged to participate in the Sandbox as the curated solutions provided will give them greater accessibility to GenAI before deploying it on a larger scale.

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Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

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Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

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Ken Chia is a member of the Firm’s IP Tech, International Commercial & Trade and Competition Practice Groups. He is regularly ranked as a leading TMT and competition lawyer by top legal directories, including Chambers Asia Pacific and Legal 500 Asia Pacific. Ken is an IAPP Certified International Privacy Professional (FIP, CIPP(A), CIPT, CIPM) and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators.

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