Thursday, 17 April 2025
24.1 C
Singapore
29.9 C
Thailand
26.8 C
Indonesia
28.2 C
Philippines

Singapore businesses embrace AI to boost efficiency

Singapore businesses and government agencies use AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity, as shared at Microsoft’s AI Tour.

Companies and government agencies in Singapore are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance work efficiency and improve business outcomes. This trend was highlighted at Microsoft’s AI Tour in Singapore, where industry leaders shared their experiences of AI adoption and its impact on operations.

Speaking at the event, Microsoft ASEAN President Andrea Della Mattea emphasised how Singapore businesses recognise the benefits of generative AI in streamlining processes and boosting competitiveness. Mattea also discussed the rise of AI agents and their ability to integrate Copilot into business operations. These AI tools connect to data and applications, automate processes, and support employees by handling repetitive tasks.

Companies share success stories of AI implementation

During a panel on AI innovation, executives from major companies shared their experiences using AI to improve efficiency and drive growth. Keith Leong, Managing Director at Singtel, explained how the company leverages AI for network optimisation, scam detection, and customer service. These AI-driven improvements have led to significant cost savings and revenue increases. Leong also stressed the importance of investing in AI talent and having a strong data foundation to support AI adoption.

Leong highlighted the key to aligning AI initiatives with company goals as having clear timelines and business objectives. He also underlined the importance of choosing the right technology partner to ensure continuous innovation.

Quah Ley Hoon, Group Chief Corporate Officer at CapitaLand, discussed how the property company has successfully integrated Copilot into its operations. She explained that AI adoption at CapitaLand focuses on increasing efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and driving revenue growth. To encourage AI adoption, the company set a target of implementing 100 AI use cases, aiming to make AI a core part of the company’s culture rather than just a technical initiative.

Rajesh Sreenivasan, Partner at law firm Rajah & Tann, described how AI is being used to streamline legal workflows. The firm has introduced AI tools for drafting documents, summarising legal opinions, and capturing meeting notes, resulting in a 30% time-saving across these tasks. Sreenivasan noted that proper data governance is crucial to manage sensitive legal information securely.

“If you have a team of 20 people supporting one senior counsel, and each staff member saves 30% of their time, the return on investment (ROI) is significant,” he said.

Government agencies explore AI for efficiency

Another panel, “From hype to habit: The real value of Generative AI at work,” focused on AI adoption within government agencies. Participants included Hitesh Bhilcabhai from Microsoft, Joseph Tan, and Christina Seah from the Infotech and Digital Transformation Department, who represent statutory boards HTX and PUB, respectively.

Seah explained that implementing AI in the public sector is more complex than in private businesses. PUB officers involved in the Copilot trial mainly used AI to write reports and summarise meeting notes in Microsoft Word and Teams. “Copilot helps officers summarise and refine their writing, making reports clearer and reducing review time,” Seah noted.

Tan highlighted the impact of Copilot at HTX, particularly in helping public officers manage cases more efficiently. He recalled that when ChatGPT was first introduced, public service workers had limited access to AI tools. With Copilot integrated into their systems, they can click a button to receive AI assistance, improving their workflow and productivity.

As AI continues transforming workplaces in Singapore, businesses and government agencies are finding innovative ways to leverage its capabilities. With ongoing investment in AI talent and technology, Singapore is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven efficiency and productivity.

Hot this week

Apple marks 10 years of the Apple Watch with Global Close Your Rings Day

Apple marks the Apple Watch’s 10th anniversary on April 24 with Global Close Your Rings Day, offering badges and health insights.

UiPath announces AI partnership with Google Cloud to transform medical processes

UiPath partners with Google Cloud to launch an AI agent that cuts medical record summarisation time and streamlines healthcare processes.

YouTube launches free AI tool to help you create background music

YouTube introduces a free AI tool in the Creator Music section that lets you create copyright-free background music using simple prompts.

US government places licence rule on Nvidia’s H20 chip exports to China

Nvidia must now get a licence to export its H20 AI chips to China, as the US cites supercomputer risks and the company braces for a US$5.5B impact.

NetApp partners with Google Cloud to enhance scaling of high-performance workloads

NetApp and Google Cloud introduce new features to help businesses scale high-performance workloads and simplify data management in the cloud.

Xbox lets you buy games in its mobile app – but removes remote play

The Xbox app adds in-app game buying and Game Pass sign-up but removes remote play. New features are coming to mobile and console platforms.

Five fun new games arrive on Apple Arcade this May, including a quirky multiplayer title

Apple Arcade will add five fun new games in May, including What The Clash? and updates to Hello Kitty, PGA TOUR, and What The Car?

Garmin launches Varia Vue, its first cycling headlight with 4K camera

Garmin’s new Varia Vue headlight features a 4K camera and smart lighting to boost cycling safety and visibility on the road.

ABA Bank partners with SUSE to enhance digital banking in Cambodia

ABA Bank expands its partnership with SUSE, improving service uptime, reducing costs, and preparing for AI-driven digital banking in Cambodia.

Related Articles

Popular Categories