Singapore, 22 January 2026 (Thursday) – Building on the tripartite collaboration announced in November 2025, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME), Straits Interactive (SI) and SMU Academy (SMUA), the professional training arm of Singapore Management University (SMU), are proud to announce the launch of Singapore’s first hands-on Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD) in Generative AI (GenAI), Large Language Models and AI Governance [生成式AI、大语言模型与治理行业毕业文凭], aimed at developing a new generation of AI Bilingualists.
The IGD empowers business professionals to apply AI within their fields, turning AI from concept to capability. Launching in May 2026, the programme is designed to equip learners with the skills to design, deploy and govern real-world GenAI solutions, bridging business strategy with AI execution while embedding responsible AI practices. To earn the IGD, participants must complete all modules from two Advanced Certificates in GenAI, along with other programme requirements, to build a strong foundation in AI tool design for industry use.
Designed specifically for non-technical business professionals, the IGD aims to enable participants to apply GenAI across functions, such as customer service, compliance, human resources, learning and development, and marketing, without requiring programming expertise.
The IGD is part of a tripartite collaboration that brings together ASME’s extensive SME network and reach, SMUA’s academic rigour, and SI’s industry leadership in AI and data governance. The collaboration was announced last November alongside the launch of 'AI Factory: AI Capability Guide for SMEs’, a book authored by SI’s CEO and Founder Kevin Shepherdson, which serves as a blueprint for SMEs looking to integrate AI into their operations and a core learning resource for the programme.
A Graduate Diploma Built Around Real Business Impact
What sets the new IGD apart is its strong emphasis on applied, real-world learning. In addition to passing the overall examination, learners must either complete an Integrated Learning Project (ILP) or attend 16 enrichment workshops and/or networking sessions.
Learners who undertake the ILP are required to design and implement a real-world AI solution to address an actual business challenge. This ensures that they move beyond theoretical knowledge to develop hands-on AI capabilities, gaining practical experience in building, deploying and governing AI responsibly within real organisational contexts.
On the other hand, those who opt to fulfil the workshops and/or networking requirements will gain essential career-relevant skills, and valuable professional connections to support their career development.
Structured Pathway to Becoming an AI Bilingualist
The IGD is built on two stackable Advanced Certificates which equip learners with a strong foundation in responsible AI use and the practical skills to design and deploy GenAI applications.
- Advanced Certificate in Generative AI, Ethics and Data Protection
- Advanced Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) Apps Design and Prompt Engineering
It provides a clear, stackable pathway into the SMU Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE), SMUA’s flagship applied higher degree programme for working professionals seeking industry‑relevant, future‑ready capabilities in the digital economy. Designed as a flexible, modular degree anchored in real-world projects and industry collaboration, the IPMDE allows learners to deepen their expertise in digital transformation while continuing to work.
Together, these stackable qualifications enable learners to build AI literacy in a structured and sustainable way, progressing from practical, job‑ready skills to postgraduate‑level mastery. This initiative also supports SMU’s expanded credit exemption framework for polytechnic post‑diploma holders, widening access for individuals with non‑degree qualifications to pursue higher‑level education and accelerate their career advancement.
Commitment to raising SME AI adoption in Singapore
The IGD aligns with ASME’s commitment to raising SME AI adoption through capability development, governance frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration, as outlined in its AI Adoption Policy Paper 2025. ASME also provides free community AI resources, hands-on workshops, and an experimentation space for SMEs to explore AI solutions as part of its push.
Ang Yuit, President of ASME said, “For SMEs, AI adoption is no longer optional, it is a competitiveness imperative. The Industry Graduate Diploma strengthens our ecosystem by ensuring that AI skills translate into real business capability, grounded in governance and practical application.”
Jack Lim, Executive Director of SMU Academy, said, “This Industry Graduate Diploma is a strategic leap in how Singapore develops AI‑ready business leaders. By integrating real-world client projects and governance frameworks directly into the curriculum, we go beyond teaching AI tools – we empower professionals to design and come up with AI solutions. Together with our partners, SMUA is committed to building a new generation of ‘AI Bilingualists’ who can translate business goals into responsible, real-world outcomes for Singapore’s digital economy.”
Straits Interactive’s role in the programme is underpinned by its deep expertise in data protection, AI governance, and capability development. Through its Capabara Gen AI platform, it delivers Capability-as-a-Service to SMEs to help them harness Gen AI with no-code safely, sustainably and securely.
Kevin Shepherdson, CEO and Founder of Straits Interactive, said, “The Industry Graduate Diploma completes the vision of the tripartite collaboration by closing the gap between learning and doing. It supports the journey of the non-technical professionals towards becoming true AI Bilingualists – not just users of AI, but builders and governors of it. Through the AI Factory concept, we are equipping SMEs to convert their content, processes, and expertise into trusted AI systems, effectively manufacturing intelligence that drives real and sustainable economic value for Singapore.”
Registration is now open. Click here to find out more.
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