IMDA rolls out new standards for SME digital solutions

SINGAPORE — The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced on Friday (July 21) that over 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have adopted 24 pre-approved digital solutions under the SMEs Go Digital programme since it was rolled out in April.

This has generated over S$2.4 million in revenue for infocomm media suppliers, said IMDA.

IMDA also announced that the standards for pre-approved digital solutions, that enable SMEs adopt digital technology to boost productivity and build in digital capabilities, are being progressively raised to take into account factors like digital capabilities such as cybersecurity and data protection.

The current evaluation is based criteria including functionalities that meet SMEs’ requirements, ease of use and pricing.

“To enable our SMEs to continually benefit from innovative digital solutions, we will progressively raise the standards of the pre-approved digital solutions under the SMEs Go Digital programme and catalyse the development of digital platforms that provides them the access to game changing technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics,” IMDA chief executive Mr Tan Kiat How said at an industry briefing on Friday.

The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) was appointed the agency to operate the SME Digital Tech Hub — which will provide specialist digital technology advice to SMEs with more advanced digital needs such as data analytics and cyber security. It is slated to be rolled out later this year.

“The SME Digital Tech Hub is timely as SMEs navigate the rapidly evolving infocomm media landscape. The specialist advice provided by the Tech Hub will be much welcomed by SMEs as they embark on their digital transformation journey,” said Mr Kurt Wee, President of ASME.

Currently, SMEs have the option of choosing from 56 pre-approved digital solutions under the SMEs Go Digital programme through the SME Centres.

According to IMDA, the scheme also aims to uplift whole sectors by working with influential partners to deploy emerging technologies. The implementation of the 3D IoT (three-dimension Internet of Things) Platform for Smart Buildings in Orchid Hotel was cited as an example by IMDA.

The solution, implemented by Asahi Security Technologies, provides fully integrated facilities and security services that helps building and business operators to improve decision making through 3D visualisation in the command centre.

With the ability to retrieve timely and accurate data, Orchid Hotel has improved manpower deployment to generate greater customer satisfaction besides raising the efficiency of their staff by allowing them to concentrate on their core functions.

According to Ms Kayn Chng, assistant general manager at Orchid Hotel, SMEs are usually at a disadvantage compared to big brands. “With this solution we will be able to get more timely and accurate data that will enable us to have better time management and manpower deployment,” Ms Chng said.

IMDA also issued a call for commercially-managed digital platforms that can drive the adoption of game changing technologies such as artificial intelligence by companies, including SMEs. Submissions will be open until Sept 8.