Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) said in a statement today (Jan. 2) it had launched the AI Nexus Lab to facilitate accessibility of digitalisation and artificial intelligence adoption for Singapore’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
“Real-world projects incubated in this lab will be built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), enabling learners to apply classroom AI development skills directly through hands-on company projects,” the statement added.
NYP targets to reach 500 SMEs over the next five years through pathways such as generative AI training workshops.
64 use cases from their SME network have been identified for prototype development in a pilot project with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI).
Dr Phua Chee Teck, Deputy Principal (Sustainability & Technology), said AI Nexus Lab provides analytical solutions for the needs of the SMEs, according to NYP’s statement.
“The AI Nexus Lab serves as a one-stop solution bridging education and innovation, helping SMEs embrace AI with confidence,” Phua said. “When they come to us with a business need, our learners can analyse their challenges and develop practical AI solutions that they can scale.”
NYP works with SMEs to identify specific use cases that tackle real business challenges. Learners then work closely with business owners to develop proof-of-concepts, employing AWS’s services to create applications.
The statement cited the example of a two-year diploma student who developed a solution, optical character recognition (OCR), that enables workers in the automotive industry to find parts through keyword searches rather than manual searches through physical catalogues.
Danny Hoe, Director of AMS, said: “The solution has delivered productivity gains of over 16% and saves us approximately 180 man-hours monthly by eliminating tedious manual searches.”
The student, Teo Yu Xiang, has since started a company with AMS and is now trying to replicating the success with motorcycle repair shops.
SMEs can gain deeper insights through two initiatives, AWS AI Springboard initiative and AWS Partner Network, that provide “credits and training” as well as “technical expertise and scaling capabilities” respectively.
“AI Nexus Lab can access subsidies of up to 90% through SkillsFuture Singapore’s Mentorship Support Grant (MSG) to accelerate their products from the piloting stage to full-scale implementation,” the statement said.
Elsie Tan, Country Manager, Worldwide Public Sector, Singapore, AWS, stresses on the practical aspects of the lab that “ultimately create solutions that transform actual businesses,” according to the statement.
“This hands-on approach prepares them not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of adapting to technological change.”
An estimate of more than 1,000 students from NYP’s School of Information Technology yearly will benefit from the integration of the program into their curriculum.
NYP is also working with other SMEs and trade associations to expand the pipeline of problem statements, extending the benefits of AI adoption across industries.
“By anchoring projects in real business needs, the initiative not only delivers practical solutions for enterprises but also develops graduates who are ready to lead digital transformation,” the statement added.
