AI for the factory floor: Singapore rolls out S$45m boost for smaller firms

Singapore is stepping up efforts to bring artificial intelligence to factory floors, with more than S$45 million committed to supporting AI adoption among manufacturing SMEs. — AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 12:47 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 21 — Singapore announced a commitment of more than S$45 million (S$1=RM3.19) over the next three years to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the manufacturing sector.

In a statement, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) said the fund will support the newly launched Catalytic AI Solutions, a new initiative to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to deploy enterprise-level AI solutions.

It said the initiative for advanced manufacturing will help SMEs tackle key operational challenges and strengthen manufacturing production workflows.

“While many SMEs recognise the potential of AI, adopting it can be challenging due to the cost of development, limited access to sector-specific solutions and uncertainty over outcomes.

“Catalytic AI Solutions addresses these barriers by bringing together solution providers, system integrators, and trade associations and chambers (TACs) to support SMEs’ deployment of these solutions, including those developed by the Sectoral AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing,” it said on Wednesday.

In addition, EnterpriseSG said it is also developing Catalytic AI Solutions for the logistics and wholesale trade sectors.

EnterpriseSG assistant managing director (manufacturing) Wong Zeng Yi said the agency aimed to help more manufacturers embed AI into their core operations.

“Through Catalytic AI Solutions, EnterpriseSG will work with solution providers, TACs and industry partners to make AI solutions more accessible, and help our SMEs build stronger, more competitive businesses,” he said. — Bernama