UOB has enhanced financing support and added prototyping workshops to help SMEs put AI to use across their businesses.
The changes form part of AI Ready 2.0, the expanded programme led by UOB FinLab and developed in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
The programme aims to help SMEs overcome resource and expertise gaps when moving from exploring AI to implementing solutions.
Enhanced financing support will help technology vendors deliver AI solutions and give SMEs resources to develop and scale applications, strengthen capabilities and upgrade their technology infrastructure.
Hands-on workshops will help businesses identify opportunities, validate use cases and build prototype AI agents for further development and deployment.
A new peer-led UOB AI Ready Community will also connect SMEs with technology experts, AI practitioners and business owners who have adopted AI for practical advice on implementation and scaling.
Janet Young, Head of Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB, said,
“The goal is to help SMEs move beyond experimentation and implement AI solutions that improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and create long-term business value.
Through our partnership with IMDA and ecosystem partners, UOB is making it easier for businesses to access the expertise, resources and support they need to adopt AI with confidence and at scale.”
Since its launch in July 2025, the AI Ready Programme has engaged more than 600 SMEs.
It has conducted over 10 workshops and more than 50 personalised AI discovery engagements.
It has also facilitated over 800 connections between SMEs, technology providers and industry experts.
UOB aims to expand participation from 600 SMEs in the first year to 3,000 by the third year.
Participating SMEs have worked on AI solutions for sales prospecting, tender preparation and quality assurance.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by UOB
