What do a fifth-generation soya sauce brewer and a fireman in Singapore have in common? They’re both using artificial intelligence (AI) to do their work faster and smarter.
When Alvin Choo’s ancestors came up with their iconic family recipe for soya sauce in the 1890s, they could never have imagined that he would be successfully operating the Kwong Cheong Thye brewery in 2024, let alone growing the business with the help of AI.
The 132-year-old KCT Soya Sauce is a remarkable example of how tradition can not only coexist but thrive with technology. By introducing AI and automation in sales analysis and procurement planning, the brewery has saved significant time on these tasks, effectively doubling its efficiency. This transformation has freed up valuable resources, empowering Alvin and his team to focus on customer relationships and revenue growth.
Small and medium sized businesses right across Singapore have begun adopting AI, with owners and employees of manufacturing, retail, HR, and F&B companies achieving more every day with the help of easy-to-use tools, just like KCT has with Microsoft Copilot.
Organisations in the public sector are also using AI. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is a great example. They’ve created Power Platform apps to automate rostering and manage catering for thousands of front liners to reduce waste. In important news for emergency services, using Microsoft AI, their firemen will also be able to predict fire risk. Copilot is also reducing admin for SCDF personnel by summarising emails, reviewing presentations and helping write proposals, freeing up time for their important responsibilities.
SCDF is augmenting their frontliners’ capabilities with AI and strengthening public service effectiveness, helping keep Singapore safe – and this is just the beginning.
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These stories bust the myth that AI is only for big corporations, like banks or telcos and the kind with dedicated IT teams to implement the latest and greatest new technology, targeting mainly office workers. In reality, AI is helping all kinds of people and organisations in unique ways including frontline workers, even firefighters with the SCDF.
The AI imperative
Businesses that hesitate to explore what AI can do for them risk becoming uncompetitive. That’s why it’s so important to dispel lingering myths that adopting AI requires dedicated IT resources or significant upfront costs, or that it will simply replace workers.
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As Minister Josephine Teo said at a forum recently, it’s not about AI replacing people, but “about "AI-proficient workers displacing AI-deficient workers," emphasizing "Humans with AI" over "Humans vs AI." That’s why the Singapore government crucially thinks of AI “as an opportunity to empower people.”
It's clear we have the appetite for AI, with Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index finding that 88% of Singapore’s knowledge workers already use some form of generative AI, compared to 75% globally, and leaders increasingly expect their employees to have AI skills.
Understanding how to use AI is becoming a necessity. That’s why it’s so valuable that our Government’s National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0) includes upskilling initiatives with community groups and corporations as AI cements itself as a cornerstone of our economy.
The economic potential of AI in Singapore is immense. Kearney estimates that AI could contribute up to US$110 billion ($150 billion) to Singapore’s GDP by 2030, driven by enhanced productivity, operational efficiency, and new business opportunities.
Having seen firsthand how AI transforms organisations, I believe it’s crucial for leaders to guide their teams in harnessing AI effectively, building a brighter future for our Smart Nation.
The democratisation of AI is not just enhancing business operations, it is reshaping entire industries and creating new economic paradigms, accelerating innovation and competitiveness in our region.
Partnerships for progress
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Singapore has a unique opportunity to lead in AI through public-private partnerships, ensuring this transformative technology benefits all sectors responsibly. Unlocking AI's potential requires collective effort. The Government’s NAIS 2.0 lays the groundwork for AI adoption, while technology firms are stepping in to provide tools, expertise, and workforce development to integrate AI across industries. This collaboration is key for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Singapore’s economy, ensuring that AI is accessible for businesses of all sizes.
One such initiative is Microsoft’s AI Pinnacle Program, which equips organisations with AI tools, resources, and training, including grants through the Copilot for SMEs Program, which has just been extended by our partner Enterprise Singapore to May 2025 after a wave of demand. We also continue to partner with educational institutions to upskill the workforce, ensuring Singapore remains at the forefront of AI innovation and global competitiveness.
A future empowered by AI
AI is transforming Singaporean industries, from SMEs to emergency services, optimising operations and creating growth. The NAIS 2.0 positions Singapore as a leader in AI innovation, with tech companies working to make AI accessible to all. As Singapore progresses, AI will drive innovation and economic expansion, solidifying its status as a global AI leader. Together, we can create a future where AI empowers every sector and enriches every aspect of the lives of Singaporeans, from their soya sauce to life-saving services.
Lee Hui Li is the managing director of Microsoft Singapore
