Microsoft and DISG Forge Path to AI Transformation with Agentic AI Accelerator for Singapore Businesses
Introduction to the Agentic AI Accelerator
In a significant stride towards fostering technological advancement and digital transformation within Singapore, Microsoft and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) have jointly launched the Agentic AI Accelerator program. This initiative is a pivotal component of the Singapore Government’s broader Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI), aiming to catalyze the adoption of artificial intelligence among local businesses. The program is designed to support up to 300 businesses in Singapore over the next 12 months, providing them with the foundational resources and strategic guidance necessary to harness the power of agentic AI. This collaborative effort underscores a shared vision to position Singapore at the forefront of AI innovation and to cultivate a new generation of highly adaptive and efficient enterprises, often referred to as "Frontier Firms."
Comprehensive Support for AI Transformation
The Agentic AI Accelerator program offers a multi-faceted support structure tailored to meet the diverse needs of participating businesses. At its core, the program provides a baseline support package valued at up to S$250,000 per enterprise. This includes substantial Azure cloud credits, essential for leveraging scalable cloud infrastructure, alongside access to cutting-edge AI training and tools. These resources are fundamental for businesses looking to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their operations. Beyond this baseline support, Microsoft has committed additional funding of up to S$700,000 in services. This funding is specifically earmarked for select businesses that demonstrate high potential, enabling them to co-develop their agentic AI roadmaps in close collaboration with Microsoft’s technology partners. This co-development aspect is crucial for creating bespoke AI strategies that align with specific business objectives and industry challenges. The entire package is further enhanced by the Singapore Government’s Enterprise Compute Initiative, which offers capped funding of S$105,000 per enterprise for consultancy costs. This government support is designed to assist companies in establishing their own AI Centres of Excellence, ensuring a sustainable and in-house capability for AI development and deployment, with the guidance of Microsoft and its technology partners.
The Vision of Frontier Firms and Agentic AI
At the heart of this initiative is Microsoft’s vision of "Frontier Firms"—a new paradigm for organizations where human teams and AI agents work in synergistic collaboration. Ms. Cynthia Yeo, Acting Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore, articulated this vision, emphasizing that such organizations are poised to achieve greater scalability, move with enhanced agility, and unlock new avenues for value creation. Microsoft, as a recognized leader in both generative AI and the more advanced field of agentic AI, is dedicated to facilitating this transition. The program aims to embed AI solutions that are not only intuitive and secure but also seamlessly integrated into the daily workflows of businesses. This approach is expected to drive significant innovation and solidify Singapore
AI Summary
The Agentic AI Accelerator, a joint venture between Microsoft and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), has been launched as a key component of Singapore's Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI). This program is set to empower up to 300 businesses in Singapore over the next 12 months by providing substantial support for their AI transformation journeys. Participating companies will receive a baseline support package that includes up to S$250,000 in Azure cloud credits, along with access to AI training and essential tools. Furthermore, Microsoft has committed to offering up to S$700,000 in services to selected businesses, enabling them to co-develop their agentic AI roadmaps in collaboration with Microsoft's technology partners, contingent upon project approval. This comprehensive offering is designed to complement the Singaporean government's existing funding support of S$105,000 per enterprise for consultancy costs, specifically aimed at establishing dedicated AI Centres of Excellence with the assistance of Microsoft and its technology partners. Ms. Cynthia Yeo, Acting Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore, highlighted the significance of "Frontier Firms"—organizations where human and AI agents collaborate to achieve greater scalability, agility, and value creation. Microsoft's commitment to leading in both generative and agentic AI is underscored by this initiative, which aims to integrate intuitive, secure, and workflow-embedded AI solutions into businesses. The Agentic AI Accelerator builds upon Microsoft Singapore's AI Pinnacle Program, which focuses on industry-wide AI transformation and co-innovation with local organizations across various sectors. The launch event was attended by Ms. Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Mr. Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Digital Industry Singapore, emphasized the program's role in enhancing enterprise competitiveness by increasing access to advanced AI tools and services, thereby enabling companies to navigate rapid changes and capitalize on new opportunities. Microsoft, as a cloud partner in the ECI, is instrumental in supporting the government's objective of accelerating AI adoption through the establishment of industry-specific AI Centres of Excellence. The program facilitates bespoke solutions developed with technology partners to address critical business challenges and unlock competitive advantages through AI, covering areas such as operational scaling, productivity enhancement, and customer experience innovation. Industry leaders from NCS and Rajah & Tann shared their positive experiences with AI transformation and the Agentic AI Accelerator approach during a panel discussion at the event. Ying Shao Wei, Chief Scientist at NCS, noted the integration of agentic AI into real-world operations through trusted, hyperlocal AI solutions. Rajesh Sreenivasan, Partner and Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications at Rajah & Tann, spoke about the importance of precision and trust in the legal industry, and how Microsoft's secure and scalable solutions enable the firm to effectively manage legal practice risks while leveraging AI. The benefits for participants include access to Microsoft's AI technologies, cloud infrastructure, research resources, and regular workshops, alongside co-innovation opportunities with technology partners to create tailored AI strategies. The program encourages the use of Microsoft Azure, Copilot generative AI, and Copilot Studio for developing agentic AI solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. The financial support structure includes up to S$150,000 in Azure cloud credits and up to S$100,000 in AI training and tools, supplemented by up to S$700,000 in Microsoft services for roadmap development, all complementing the government's co-funded consultancy support. Microsoft's commitment to responsible AI development and its mission to empower every person and organization are central to this initiative. Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) aims to foster a robust technology ecosystem in Singapore, facilitating the growth of both global technology leaders and local companies through strategic policy guidance and investment in areas like data, talent, and digital infrastructure.