Muslim-Owned Enterprise Certificate Holders attended the workshop.
Most business owners have heard of AI. Many have tried ChatGPT once or twice. But for a large number of Malay/Muslim SME owners, AI still feels like something designed for tech companies. It can seem complicated, expensive, and not quite relevant to the daily realities of running an F&B stall, a retail outlet, or a services business. The SMCCI Digital Capability Series: AI for Business, held on 21 May 2026 at SMCCI @ MacPherson Road, set out to change that. Participants discovered that AI’s versatility goes far beyond chatbots, and that when applied effectively, it can streamline operational workflows and unlock real business growth opportunities.
SMCCI — building the capability our community needs
The session was part of SMCCI’s ongoing Digital Capability Series, a programme designed to give Malay/Muslim business owners practical exposure to the tools and knowledge reshaping how businesses operate. Complimentary for SMCCI members, the workshop reflected the chamber’s commitment to ensuring that our community is not left behind as Singapore’s economy accelerates toward greater digitalisation and AI adoption. The message from the outset was direct: capability building is not a luxury. The time to start is not later.
Omnitron Pte. Ltd. — AI & Digital Solutions Partner
The session was delivered in partnership with Omnitron Pte. Ltd., SMCCI’s AI & Digital Solutions Partner for the event. Founder and CEO Aric Hidir Amin led participants through a grounded, no-jargon walkthrough of how AI is already being used by businesses across F&B, retail, and services. The session covering automation, customer response, content creation, and operational workflows. His approach was deliberate: dispel the myths first, then show what is actually possible. Two remarks from the session captured the spirit of his delivery well.
“If you’re new to AI and you’re running a business, the least you could do is use publicly available tools to help you operate your business better. The only commitment you need is to learn prompt engineering from YouTube or take up simple courses on prompt engineering. This will help you operate AI-driven applications more efficiently.” — Aric Hidir Amin, Founder & CEO, Omnitron Pte. Ltd.
Trainers, Hanafi Sam (left) and Aric Hidir (right), conducting the AI for Business workshop.
What participants walked away with
The session was designed around doing, not just listening. Live AI demonstrations showed participants how real tools work in real business scenarios. Practical workflows were shared that attendees could begin applying immediately, without needing a technical background or a large budget. The Q&A and networking session that closed the afternoon gave participants space to ask the questions they had not yet felt comfortable asking publicly, and to connect with fellow business owners navigating the same challenges. The room was engaged throughout, and left with something tangible: clarity on where to start, and the confidence that starting is within reach.
What comes next
SMCCI Enterprise continues to strengthen the business foundation of our community and support the growth journeys of Malay/Muslim SMEs. If this session sparked a question, an idea, or simply the realisation that AI is more accessible than it first appeared, the next step is yours to take. Upcoming sessions under the Digital Capability Series will continue building on this foundation. Stay connected with SMCCI to be among the first to know.