Last week, I attended SMEICC25, hosted by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), seeking fresh insights into local industry trends and a perspective beyond my usual tech bubble. The dominant theme was digital transformation, a focus amplified by this year's National Day Rally's emphasis on AI adoption. In Singapore, government prioritisation typically signals incoming support mechanisms, making widespread adoption almost inevitable. However, the ground reality presents a more nuanced picture, with significant barriers around technical expertise, organizational change management, and demonstrable AI returns. The SCCCI's findings underscore these challenges: • 40.9% of SMEs lack sufficient internal expertise and resources • 36.7% face staff resistance to change • 34.6% struggle with uncertainty around transformation outcomes These statistics illuminate a crucial insight: successful transformation extends far beyond technology adoption, it requires addressing human capital, organisational culture, and change readiness. This reflection leads me to question our approach: apart from the usual PSG, EDG and rather than pushing AI as the starting point, how might we focus on strengthening digital fundamentals within local businesses first?
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