Why Singapore SMEs Get Stuck at the AI Pilot Stage

A UOB poll of regional business owners reveals that 65% of businesses have adopted AI, yet only 15% have achieved advanced capability. Consequently, four out of five companies remain stuck in the pilot stage. The primary barriers identified by respondents include data and system readiness at 47%, funding at 47%, and talent at 39%. While funding and talent are frequently cited, data readiness is highlighted as the critical factor preventing AI from fundamentally changing how companies work.