Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen trade opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across ASEAN through digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and capacity-building initiatives.
The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie and SBF Chairman Mark Lee, witnessed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Anindya, widely known as Anin, said the adoption of AI will play a vital role in improving the competitiveness of Indonesian MSMEs and helping them expand into international markets.
He noted that while Indonesia's exports to Singapore include commodities such as coal alternatives, palm oil, and iron products, a significant share also comes from MSME-produced goods.
"This is where artificial intelligence becomes essential. It helps identify the most promising export markets while leveraging existing free trade agreements and comprehensive economic partnerships, enabling our MSMEs to move up the value chain," Anindya said.
He added that Kadin continues to promote its "We Buy From Indonesia" campaign to strengthen the country's role in global supply chains. According to him, components used by leading international companies, including Boeing, Tesla, and Airtel, are already manufactured in Indonesia.
"This partnership is about using technology to accelerate exports in strategic sectors. It demonstrates how Indonesia and Singapore can work together to unlock new opportunities," he added.
AI Platform to Support Export Readiness
One of the key initiatives under the partnership is the development of the Trade AI Advisor (TAIA), a Generative AI-powered platform created by SBF.
The platform provides on-demand guidance for MSMEs on cross-border trade requirements, market entry strategies, and regulatory compliance, enabling businesses to access practical export information whenever needed.
TAIA is expected to help entrepreneurs make faster and better-informed business decisions while simplifying the export process through AI-driven assistance.
Strengthening ASEAN MSME Capabilities
Led by the SBF Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment (CFOTI), the partnership also includes a series of programs designed to improve the global competitiveness of Indonesian MSMEs.
These initiatives include training and mentoring programs to prepare businesses for international trade, as well as the continued development of AI-powered digital advisory services that provide accessible export guidance.
Through this collaboration, Kadin Indonesia and SBF aim to accelerate the digital transformation of Indonesian MSMEs, enhance their competitiveness, and expand their access to ASEAN and global markets.
Conclusion
By combining digital technologies, AI-driven trade solutions, and capacity-building programs, Kadin Indonesia and the Singapore Business Federation aim to help Indonesian MSMEs compete more effectively in international markets. The partnership is expected to strengthen regional trade cooperation while accelerating the digital transformation of ASEAN's SME ecosystem.
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