SAP Invests S$12 Million to Drive AI Adoption in Singapore Through Digital Innovation Accelerator

Singapore, October 14, 2024 – SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) has announced an expansion of its Digital Innovation Accelerator in Singapore. SAP is putting S$12 million into the accelerator, which debuted in 2019. It receives support from Digital Industry Singapore (DISG). This funding will target the development of AI-driven applications tailored to specific industries, focusing initially on advanced manufacturing, financial services, and travel and logistics.

Since its 2019 inception, SAP has dedicated nearly S$300 million to advancing Business AI and other deep technologies within Singapore. This includes the establishment of Southeast Asia’s first SAP Labs in 2022 and Asia’s first innovation centre for experience management (XM) in 2023.

SAP’s Business AI is seamlessly integrated into the applications that drive critical business functions for its customers across Asia Pacific and Japan. These AI innovations are grounded in deep industry knowledge and vast data sets, developed with a commitment to responsible AI practices.

Eileen Chua, Managing Director of SAP Singapore, highlighted the alignment of SAP’s vision with Singapore’s efforts to future-proof its businesses and citizens, stating, “Singapore is making significant investments to ensure its long-term competitiveness through initiatives like the National AI Strategy, workforce development programs such as SkillsFuture, and its Net Zero ambitions. SAP’s commitment to fostering local research and innovation will further enhance Singapore’s global standing.”

She further emphasised the importance of co-innovation, stating that SAP’s Digital Innovation Accelerator enables local businesses to rapidly scale their digital transformation efforts, leveraging SAP’s global expertise and ecosystem. “In the past five years, we have collaborated with over 80 Singaporean enterprises, co-developing solutions that have had a direct impact on their business processes and global growth,” Chua added.

Strengthening Singapore’s AI Ecosystem

Philbert Gomez, Executive Director and Head of Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “SAP has long been a key player in the development of Singapore’s digital ecosystem. The DISG is dedicated to fostering AI adoption across industries to enhance business competitiveness. We are pleased to collaborate with SAP on the expansion of the Digital Innovation Accelerator, which will work with industry leaders to develop, prototype, and scale AI solutions, particularly in the area of sustainability.”

The Accelerator will engage industry leaders, who will work closely with SAP’s team of business architects, data experts, and developers to build bespoke AI solutions for their specific business needs. A significant focus will be placed on sustainability, with AI being applied to areas such as environmental monitoring, reporting, and optimising supply chains for a positive climate impact.

Khoo Boo Hor, CEO and Executive Director of Sunningdale Tech, a precision plastics manufacturer, shared his optimism regarding SAP’s industry-focused AI initiative. “This initiative comes at a crucial time for Sunningdale, as we continue to pursue sustainable growth. AI-driven solutions will enable us to make more accurate predictions, reduce overproduction, and enhance our operational efficiency,” Khoo remarked. He also noted that AI has the potential to optimise the use of corrugated boxes, reducing waste across Sunningdale’s operations.

Chua reinforced the promise of AI in climate-related applications, commenting, “While AI’s role in addressing climate challenges is still emerging, leading companies are already demonstrating its potential. By combining AI with SAP’s sustainability solutions, we aim to support Singapore’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.”

Upskilling Singapore’s Workforce in AI

SAP has been actively involved in developing Singapore’s talent pool through its collaboration with the government’s SkillsFuture program, which has upskilled over 1,000 mid-career professionals in digital skills over the past five years.

In addition to this, SAP has launched eight free foundational AI courses, with plans to introduce Business AI certification courses later this year.

“These ongoing initiatives demonstrate SAP’s unwavering commitment to building Singapore’s digital and technological capabilities across all sectors. From nurturing young talent to transforming mature enterprises, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Singapore to shape the future of AI-enabled businesses,” Chua concluded.