SBF and V3 unveil regional data academy to support SMEs

Digital academy aims to help enterprises cope with the economic effects of COVID-19.

Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and V3 Fintech launched BEYOND Lab, a regional digital academy focused on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in adopting digital technology.

The official launch of the academy is said to be timely to the COVID-19 outbreak, which reshapes business practices and consumer habits.

The Lab aims to help SMEs in Singapore and the region learn and apply digital technology, highlighting the entry of knowledge partners Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) CET Academy and Singapore Management University (SMU) Academy.

Courses offered ranges from artificial intelligence in finance to data science bootcamps. NP and SMU may also undertake applied research projects, as well as work with start-ups and tech partners to apply customised solutions.

BEYOND Lab will match SMEs to suitable technology providers after receiving guidance on developing a digital roadmap. These will include investing in digital technologies to streamline human resources or finance processes, optimising topline revenue growth, or tapping on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to develop smart practices.

SMEs will also benefit from the larger BEYOND ecosystem, which consists of a network of SMEs across various industries. BEYOND Lab aims to have two intakes per year, which will see about 60 SMEs graduating at the end of each year.