One of the most significant factors determining business success today is the strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has evolved from being a futuristic concept to an essential tool that gives businesses a competitive edge. Staying ahead requires more than just traditional strategies; it demands an embrace of cutting-edge technologies like AI.

Recognizing this, Global Business Chambers held an event called “SME Arena”. It brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and AI innovators to explore how AI can drive business growth. Held on 6 February 2025 at Maybank Tower – Singapore, this event served as provider for SMEs with an opportunity to learn about the latest AI solutions and how they can be applied to optimize operations and boost efficiency.

Organized by Global Business Chambers

The SME Arena event was organized by Global Business Chambers (GBC), an organization dedicated to supporting SMEs in achieving growth and sustainability. GBC is renowned for its commitment to empowering SMEs by providing training, resources, and networking opportunities. Their mission is to act as a transformational catalyst, helping businesses thrive amidst global challenges. Through partnerships with various industry leaders, GBC ensures that SMEs have access to cutting-edge knowledge and technology.

SME Arena: Unfolding AI Technologies for SMEs

The SME Arena event aimed to educate, inspire, and equip business owners with latest AI-powered technologies that can optimize operations, drive efficiency, and empower their workforce. Featuring an impressive lineup of AI solutions, the event showcased how businesses could integrate automation into different functions, from hiring to productivity enhancement and cybersecurity.

The AI solutions highlighted at the event included:

• AI Job Portal – Hiring the right talent with precision.
• AI Training – Developing skills and talent for future readiness.
• AI Productivity App – Enhancing efficiency for individuals and teams.
• AI Process Automation – Cutting costs and increasing operational effectiveness.
• AI Chatbot – Engaging customers and prospects in real time.
• AI for Office Automation (Microsoft Co-Pilot) – Simplifying everyday office tasks.

Additional AI showcases included innovative platforms such as:

• AI App Builder – Empowering businesses to create applications with ease.
• AI Website Builder – Simplifying website development.
• AI Cyber-Security – Protecting businesses from digital threats.
• AI M&A Platform – Facilitating business exits and acquisitions through AI-driven insights.

Event Highlights

The afternoon commenced with a warm where industry professionals, AI innovators, and business leaders exchanged ideas. The first talk, delivered by Maybank, focused on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), shedding light on cross-border business opportunities and economic collaborations between the two regions. The event then continued with presentations from 4 AI-topic speakers.

The AI Talks

Shortly after, Axiom‘s Director, Pang Ngean Lam took the stage to introduce attendees to the Hidden Power of Microsoft Co-Pilot. This session explored how AI-powered office automation is transforming workflows, helping businesses enhance productivity by integrating smart automation tools into their daily operations.

Proceeded by our CEO, Christopher Lim, as he delved into AI Process Optimization and Automation with Gleematic. The highlight of his presentation was the demonstration of how AI-driven automation streamlines complex business processes, reduces human error, and accelerates operational efficiency. Christopher Lim highlighted the latest feature of Gleematic – Agentic AI, an intelligent virtual assistant that reads documents, answers questions, and performs administrative tasks. This Agentic AI act as a digital workforce that integrates seamlessly with existing IT systems.

The conversation around AI’s impact on talent acquisition and workforce transformation brought by Global Business Talents who was presenting AI Talent and the Future of Work. This session addressed the evolving landscape of recruitment and skill development, emphasizing the importance of AI in shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

GBC AI Ready SMEs (AIRS) took center stage, offering insights into AI’s role in ensuring small and medium-sized enterprises stay competitive in an AI-driven world. This was followed by the POI Connections Showcase, where innovative AI solutions were introduced, demonstrating real-world applications that businesses could adopt immediately.

AI Process Optimization and Automation with Gleematic Agentic AI

Christopher Lim emphasized how automation, powered by AI, can significantly enhance business processes, reducing manual workload and minimizing errors. Gleematic, as Singapore’s first home-grown autonomous automation software, is revolutionizing industries by introducing AI-driven decision-making capabilities. Christopher Lim pointed out Gleematic as an AI-powered automation technology that can:

• Automate repetitive tasks, reducing time spent on administrative work.
• Enhance decision-making by processing vast amounts of data in real-time.
• Improve customer interactions by enabling AI-driven virtual assistants.
• Integrate seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure to optimize business operations.

Agentic AI: The Next Evolution of AI in Business

During his talk, Christopher Lim shared Gleematic’s vision of transforming businesses through AI-powered automation. One of the most exciting announcements at the event was Gleematic’s new feature: Agentic AI. This is a virtual assistant that goes beyond automation. It actively engages with business processes, much like a human employee.

Unlike traditional automation, Agentic AI not only processes tasks but also “thinks” and “acts” like a staff member. It can handle administrative duties such as generating quotations, analyzing data, and seamlessly working alongside any IT system.

What Can Agentic AI Do?

• Acts as a Virtual Assistant Powered by AI: Unlike traditional automation, Agentic AI has decision-making capabilities, allowing it to respond to complex business scenarios.

• Reads and Understands Documents: Agentic AI can analyze documents, extract key information, and provide insights—reducing the need for manual data entry.

• Answers Business-Related Questions: Instead of manually searching through files, users can ask Agentic AI questions, and it will fetch the relevant information.

• Performs Tasks Like a Human Employee: From creating quotations to scheduling meetings, Agentic AI handles multiple business functions autonomously.

• Works Seamlessly with Existing IT Systems: Integration is hassle-free, making AI adoption easier for businesses without disrupting existing workflows.

Insights from Other Thought Leaders

Alongside Christopher Lim, other distinguished speakers shared their expertise. Pang Ngean Lam from Axiom provided deep insights into how Microsoft Co-Pilot is reshaping office automation and driving workplace efficiency by automating routine tasks. Simon Preketes from 68OnDemand discussed the impact of AI in revolutionizing talent management, including strategies for breaking down organizational silos to optimize workforce potential while also explained how AI can enhance workforce planning and skills development.

Key Takeaways from the Event

The SME Arena event reinforced several important themes:

1. AI is no longer optional for businesses – It is a necessity for staying competitive.
2. Process automation can significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency – AI solutions like Gleematic enable businesses to automate repetitive tasks effortlessly.
3. AI is transforming the workforce – From AI-driven job portals to virtual assistants, the way businesses manage talent is evolving.
4. The future of AI is agentic – AI will no longer be limited to simple automation but will actively engage in decision-making and execution.
5. Collaboration is key – Events like these provide SMEs with valuable insights and partnerships to navigate digital transformation successfully.

How is The Future of AI in SMEs?

The SME Arena event was more than just an event – it was a glimpse into the future of AI-driven business transformation: the transformative power of AI and its potential to reshape businesses. With innovations spanning automation, talent development, cybersecurity, and AI-powered applications, the event showcased how businesses can harness AI to stay competitive.

For SMEs looking to stay ahead, the key takeaway is clear: AI is not just a tool; it is a strategic asset that must be integrated into every aspect of business operations.

As businesses continue to navigate the digital landscape, those who embrace AI early will be the ones leading the future. The question is not whether to adopt AI—but how fast you can integrate it into your business.

See our Agentic AI (The AI Agents):

Written by: Kezia Nadira

Save to your reading list: Generative AI Automation: How to Adopt to Optimize Your Business Value?