SMEs leverages NYP’s suite of expertise; members can expect injections of technology including AI, and help to jumpstart their sustainability journey 

Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) today announced a three-year partnership to deepen the capabilities of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). ASME member companies will receive assistance to kickstart sustainability efforts, embark on AI and digitalisation transformation journeys, and shore up their cybersecurity abilities. Additionally, SMEs within the Precision Engineering sector will have additional avenues to enhance their workforce development capabilities.

 

Encouraging Sustainability

SMEs can leverage NYP’s business management expertise to develop sustainability roadmaps, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate on concrete plans to achieve their sustainability goals.

In addition, SMEs under ASME will be given direct membership to NYP’s Alliance for Sustainability Innovation (ASI), where they can tap ASI’s resources, including consultancy services, workshops and training sessions, to further advance their sustainability efforts.

 

Incorporating AI & Digitalisation

NYP will also provide comprehensive support for SMEs to leverage AI and digitalisation within their business processes. This includes a Digitalisation & AI readiness survey to measure and track adoption levels, a curated list of targeted programmes and incentives tailored to the SMEs' needs, as well as seminars and events on AI and cybersecurity to equip SMEs with essential skills and knowledge for digital transformation.

Additionally, NYP has partnered EnterpriseSG to launch a new Applied AI programme – where eligible SMEs can work directly with NYP to identify their business gaps and co-create effective AI strategies and implementation plans. These SMEs will also be able to tap on funding subsidies from EnterpriseSG to adopt and roll out these customised AI solutions.

 

Comprehensive cybersecurity assessments will also be conducted for each SME, to help them understand their online vulnerabilities and risks. NYP staff and students will then work with these companies through industry projects or internships, to implement solutions to strengthen their cyber defences. Additionally, Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes will equip SME employees with essential cybersecurity knowledge and skills to protect their businesses from digital threats.

 

Job-Skills Integrator for Precision Engineering (JSIT-PE)

SMEs in the Precision Engineering sector will gain an edge in their training needs through the JSIT-PE. They will have access to a suite of products and services tailored to their industry, including consultancy, placement and training, and networking opportunities. SMEs can also participate in a series of recruitment and training events designed to help them attract and develop talent.

 

Mr Russell Chan, Principal & CEO, Nanyang Polytechnic, said: “Our multi-pronged partnership with ASME empowers SMEs to embrace sustainability and wield AI, digitalisation and cybersecurity as their strategic arsenal in driving business growth and innovation. Industry partnerships like this are at the core of what we do at NYP, enabling us to support businesses in overcoming challenges and bridging manpower and skills requirements. It also provides our students with invaluable opportunities to work on real-life projects, preparing them to meet the demands of the evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to the industry.”

 

Mr Ang Yuit, President, ASME, said: “Local SMEs occupy a crucial place in the national economy, contributing to Singapore’s GDP and providing employment to Singaporeans. ASME is an association that represents these businesses and promotes entrepreneurship. This partnership with NYP is a prime example of how ASME is constantly working to find ways to enable SMEs and empower them towards excellence. Through this MOU, our members will be able to tap the expertise of NYP in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and sustainability; and, at the same time, provide direct input and feedback to NYP on the job market and skills needed in the industry.”