Speech - Welcome Address by Mr Seng Chin Chye, Principal/ITE College Central, at the launch of AI Centre of Excellence at ITE College Central on 14 April 2025

Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health

Mr. Henry Kwek, Advisor to Kebun Baru GROs

Mr. Ang Yuit, President of ASME

Business Owners

Technology Partners

ITE Colleagues and Students

Ladies and Gentlemen

A very good morning to all.

Today marks a significant milestone that will create value across multiple stakeholders – ITE, SMEs, technology solution providers, and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME).

I am pleased to announce our partnership with ASME on an innovative initiative – the Launch of the AI Centre of Excellence, also known as SME@AITE.

This collaboration represents a new model of partnership, integrating education, industry, and technology providers to drive innovation and economic growth. Through SME@AITE, we offer a risk-free environment where SMEs can explore, implement, and scale AI solutions, supported by ITE staff and students, and technology partners.

Allow me to provide further details.

Firstly, the AI Centre of Excellence is designed to nurture the next generation of digital talent, with ITE students at its core. Through internships and industry projects, ITE students gain invaluable hands-on experience, collaborating directly with SMEs and technology partners on real-world AI solutions. This practical engagement equips our students with the skills required to excel in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, preparing them to become future-ready AI professionals.

Secondly, the Centre empowers SMEs, enhancing your capabilities, driving business growth, and unlocking greater value through innovative technology. It bridges advanced AI solutions and real business needs, providing a state-of-the-art environment for SMEs to experiment, co-create, and accelerate your AI adoption journey.

SMEs gain access to essential educational resources and strategic technology partners, enabling you to make well-informed decisions on your digital transformation journey. This opportunity allows you to test various solutions, assess implementation needs, and select options that best fit your business requirements, thereby optimizing operations, improving efficiency, and enhancing overall performance.

In return, SMEs offer valuable learning opportunities and internships for our students, helping them acquire practical, work-ready skills that prepare them for the digital workforce.

Thirdly, for our technology partners, this presents a unique opportunity to lead SME digital transformation, influence vocational education, and remain at the forefront of innovation.

By engaging directly with SMEs and ITE, technology partners gain critical market insights, identify new growth avenues, and refine your solutions for real-world applications. This partnership goes beyond product validation; it is about co-creating the future. Together, we are driving innovation that addresses business needs and advances industries.

In summary, the AI Centre of Excellence serves as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together ITE, SMEs, and technology providers to foster meaningful progress. By providing students with real-world experience, empowering SMEs with cutting-edge solutions, and enabling technology providers to refine and scale your offerings, we are shaping a future where all parties thrive. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards sustainable growth, industry evolution, and a digitally empowered generation of talent poised to lead and shape the future.

I look forward to all of us coming together, working together and achieving great success. Thank you.

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