Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore can now jump on the AI bandwagon at a discount when they join a programme unveiled today by Google Cloud and EnterpriseSG.
They can defray as much as 50 per cent of licence costs for 12 months of usage through the Gemini for Google Workspace Program (SMEs) programme, when they make use of Google’s cloud-based AI tools.
These can be used for a variety of scenarios, from simply creating marketing materials to organising meetings and improving customer service responses.
The Gemini for Google Workspace offering makes use of the Internet giant’s multimodal AI models, which are built into popular apps such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Chat, and soon, Google Vids. Enterprise-grade data protections are built in as well.
More than just a discount, the Singapore SME programme also includes hands-on workshops to help companies and their users identify how best to use AI. They also learn effective prompts to get the most out of the new technology for their everyday work.
“AI is a key driver of the Singapore economy, and it is critical for organisations of all sizes to embrace and deepen their use of AI to grow their businesses,” said Gan Kim Yong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry.
SMEs can leverage the new programme to kickstart their AI journeys and boost productivity, he added.
The new SME offering follows an SME pilot programme conducted last month. Big Tiny, Ikari Services, and Koufu participated as early adopters, and reported measurable benefits from using Gemini for Google Workspace.
The early adopters utilised AI to conduct competitive analysis, gather insights and close deals faster, create compelling marketing content, and standardise and personalise customer service responses.
The new SME programme makes it easier for SMEs to adopt and make use of GenAI, given that they typically operate with a tighter pool of resources, said Serene Sia, country director for Singapore at Google Cloud.
One person often does the job of many and they would benefit from having time freed up to focus on important work and innovation, she added.
