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The Singaporean government, in collaboration with owners and associations, is driving targeted support to facilitate the digitalisation of Heartland enterprises. Initiatives such as Heartlands Go Digital and Our Heartlands 2025 have been introduced to foster high-quality growth and prepare businesses for the digital era. Significant progress has already been made in this endeavour.
“We want our heartland enterprises to do well and thrive, especially as more of their customers are becoming digitally savvy,” said Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information.
He added that a remarkable nine out of ten heartland enterprises in Singapore have embraced e-payment solutions, while two-thirds have incorporated digital tools and platforms. This shift demonstrates a strong commitment to staying competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.
The Heartland Enterprise Centre Singapore (HECS), which opened in March 2019, is a dedicated institution backed by Enterprise Singapore to champion the revitalisation of heartland town centres and enterprises.
To equip businesses with the necessary skills, the HECS has launched a comprehensive range of capability development initiatives. These include business advisory services, in-shop training, and group-based projects focused on enhancing skillsets such as digital marketing, visual merchandising, customer service, and financial management. These initiatives aim to empower heartland enterprises to thrive in the digital economy.
Recognising the challenges faced by small businesses in adopting advanced digital technologies, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has introduced the CTO-as-a-Service platform. This one-stop platform helps SMEs leverage the support available under the SMEs Go Digital programme more effectively.
It offers a wide range of digital solutions, and subsidised digital consultancy, and brings together various government agencies to enhance firms’ capabilities.
Heartland enterprises can now benefit from the expertise of digital consultants provided through the CTO-as-a-Service platform. These consultants guide businesses in identifying and prioritising digital solutions tailored to their specific needs.
For instance, a small F&B business engaged a digital consultant who created a customised digital roadmap. The company will first implement digital accounting and HR solutions, followed by website and e-commerce platform enhancements to streamline manpower.
Continued collaboration and networking among business owners are crucial for the success of enterprises in their digital transformation journeys. The government encourages enterprises to explore opportunities for collaboration, fostering innovation and growth within the heartlands.
Singapore’s commitment to empowering enterprises through digitalisation is evident. The government’s initiatives, combined with the proactive approach of business owners, have resulted in significant progress.
With continued support, enterprises will be well-equipped to thrive in an evolving digital landscape and deliver exceptional experiences to both existing and new customers. The ongoing digital transformation journey promises a prosperous future for Singapore’s enterprises.
Singapore believes that digitalisation enables companies to provide seamless, personalised, and convenient consumer experiences. Through digital channels, businesses can interact with customers in real-time, offer targeted marketing campaigns, provide self-service options, and collect valuable customer feedback. This increases consumer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and brand reputation.
Digital platforms and online marketplaces offer businesses access to a global consumer base, overcoming geographical limitations. With digital marketing strategies, search engine optimisation, and targeted advertising, businesses can expand their reach, increase brand visibility, and discover new market opportunities.
Further, digitalisation enables businesses to respond rapidly to market shifts, adapt to emergent trends, and maintain a competitive advantage. With agile business models and digital infrastructure, organisations can embrace innovation, experiment with new technologies, and develop disruptive solutions that foster business growth and competitiveness.
As businesses increasingly operate in a digital ecosystem, ensuring strong cybersecurity and data protection becomes crucial. To protect sensitive information and maintain consumer trust, businesses must invest in cybersecurity technologies, implement robust data encryption, adhere to data privacy regulations, and educate employees about cyber threats.
