Digital Leaders Programme (DLP)
The Digital Leaders Programme (DLP) helps digitally ambitious and progressive local non-ICT companies accelerate their digital transformation plans and brings together industry leaders to connect and create a vibrant digital leaders community. Launched in 2021, the programme supports companies in three key areas: (i) charting digital roadmaps to prioritise impactful projects, (ii) hiring in-house digital teams to implement digital transformation plans, and (iii) embarking on projects that incorporate emerging technologies, particularly AI, for productivity, innovation, and growth. In September 2025, IMDA announced an enhanced DLP with intensified efforts to support 2,000 local digitally mature enterprises ("Digital Leaders") from various sectors to harness AI with confidence over three years. The enhanced programme follows a three-pronged approach: uplifting leadership mindset (through Tech Discovery Workshops and Playbooks), instilling confidence to design and deliver AI projects (tapping into tech giants and partner networks), and building internal self-sustaining competencies (funding support for hiring in-house digital teams). To date, more than 600 enterprises have benefitted from the DLP, with close to 50 supported in recruiting digital teams and implementing AI projects.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
ACRA-registered, taxable, and operating in Singapore
- 02
Minimum 30% local shareholding
- 03
Non-ICT companies keen to invest in in-house digital capabilities as part of business strategy
- 04
Already have basic digital processes in place
- 05
Have ambition to embark on larger-scale digital transformation projects
- 06
Digitally ambitious and progressive (demonstrated digital maturity)
How to Apply
1. Express interest by submitting inquiry via the IMDA DTC Inquiry Form at https://go.gov.sg/dtc-inquiry-form 2. Email DIGITAL_LEADERS@imda.gov.sg with interest and queries 3. IMDA evaluates company's digital maturity and ambition 4. Participate in structured programme components once accepted 5. Execute digital transformation roadmap with IMDA support
Note: More details on the enhanced programme are expected by end of 2025.
Claims and Disbursement
Claims and disbursement details are managed through direct engagement with IMDA. Typically aligned with project milestones and deliverables, with salary support claims following IMDA's standard grant disbursement procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digitally ambitious local non-ICT companies that already have basic digital processes in place and want to embark on larger-scale digital transformation, particularly incorporating AI.
SMEs Go Digital focuses on basic to intermediate digital adoption. DLP is for digitally mature companies ready for advanced transformation, particularly with AI and emerging technologies.
Three types — (1) leadership uplifting through training and workshops, (2) confidence-building through expert coaching and access to tech giants, (3) capability-building through funding for in-house digital teams and project implementation.
Over 600 enterprises have benefitted, with close to 50 receiving deeper support including digital team recruitment and AI project implementation.
The programme accepts expressions of interest on an ongoing basis. Contact DIGITAL_LEADERS@imda.gov.sg or submit the inquiry form.
No. DLP specifically targets non-ICT companies keen to build in-house digital capabilities as part of their business strategy.
Related Grants
Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS)
IMDA
Grant support assessed through Call for Proposals (CFPs), with co-funding rates determined per CFP and project
Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) was announced as part of Singapore's Resilience Budget 2020 on 26 March 2020 to support enterprises in deepening their digital capabilities, strengthening business continuity measures, and driving digital transformation to build business resilience for growth in a digital economy. ADS is designed to go beyond the basic digital solutions supported under PSG, focusing on more advanced and integrated solutions. ADS is an initiative aimed at supporting enterprises to pilot advanced digital solutions as early adopters. It targets three types of solutions: (1) advanced or integrated solutions aligned with Stage 2 or 3 in the Industry Digital Plans (IDPs), (2) sustainability solutions such as carbon management and resource optimisation, and (3) e-commerce platforms that enable SMEs to scale their businesses locally and globally. The programme operates through a Call for Proposals (CFP) model where industry partners submit proposals as Project Leads. When clear business outcomes and demand are demonstrated from early adoption use cases, solutions may then transition to be supported under the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) scheme.
CTO-as-a-Service (CTOaaS)
Infocomm Media Development Authority
Free digital advisory and project management services for first-time eligible users, plus access to 300+ subsidised digital solutions (30% AI-enabled) with up to 50% PSG co-funding
Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service (CTO-as-a-Service) is IMDA's one-stop self-help platform that enables SMEs in Singapore to self-assess their digital readiness, access market-proven digital solutions, and engage digital consultants for in-depth digital transformation strategy advisory and project management services. It is a core component of the SMEs Go Digital programme, serving over 400,000 users in 2024. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools and services: a Digital Health Check for assessing digital readiness, recommendations of digital solutions based on business needs, the ability to compare over 300 pre-approved solutions by functions and costs, success stories from other SMEs, and the new Go Digital Advisor tool (launched in 2025) that helps SMEs identify the right solutions in just three clicks. Beyond self-service tools, CTO-as-a-Service also provides access to digital transformation consultants from appointed operators (Accenture and Stone Forest IT) who can provide tailored digital advisory, including digital solutions and training roadmaps, cybersecurity risk assessment, data usage and protection requirements, and project management services for digitisation implementation.
Growth and Transformation Scheme (GTS)
Building and Construction Authority
Up to 70% of qualifying costs from S$90 million fund for alliance-based initiatives
The Growth and Transformation Scheme (GTS) is a strategic BCA initiative designed to support the formation and development of strategic alliances among Built Environment (BE) value chain partners. Recognizing that the BE sector is made up of many independent businesses with heavy inter-dependencies, GTS encourages multiple partnering companies — developers, consultants, builders, and sub-contractors — to come together and collectively develop strong, capable supply chains over the long term. Unlike firm-level grants, GTS goes beyond project-specific support and enables companies to take a long-term view on business and workforce transformation. It supports partnership efforts to strengthen technical capabilities as well as corporate, digital, and innovation practices, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes over a sustained period. The government has set aside S$90 million under GTS to co-fund up to 70% of qualifying costs for alliance-based transformation initiatives.
Business Improvement Fund (BIF)
Singapore Tourism Board
Up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs, up to 50% for non-SMEs. Additional 10% enhanced funding available for hotels implementing productivity solutions with Job Redesign plan
The Business Improvement Fund (BIF) helps tourism businesses boost productivity and competitiveness by supporting technology innovation and adoption, business model and process enhancements, and sustainability initiatives across the tourism industries. It is one of STB's most established grant schemes and is particularly targeted at companies within the tourism sector. BIF supports projects that lead to business transformation, capability development, and long-term sustainability. Companies in the tourism ecosystem — including accommodation providers, travel agencies, attractions, MICE organisers, tour operators, and lifestyle/retail businesses with a strong tourism focus — can leverage BIF to drive innovation, improve operations, and deliver exceptional visitor experiences. The fund supports both SMEs and non-SMEs with different funding levels for each category.
Company-Led Training Programme (CLT)
Infocomm Media Development Authority
Full salary support for up to 12 months during training
IMDA's Company-Led Training (CLT) programme is designed to accelerate the professional development of fresh professionals, mid-career professionals and mature PMETs in the tech and media sectors. It provides on-the-job training to equip trainees with competencies for jobs in demand by industry, especially those supporting digital economy sector transformation efforts. The programme covers in-demand job roles in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Infrastructure, Product Development, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Virtual Production and more. Trainees gain employment and receive a salary while being equipped with in-demand tech and media skills, working on projects guided by experienced mentors.
BuildSG Transformation Fund (BTF)
Building and Construction Authority
Varies by sub-scheme: BETC (S$100M), GTS (S$90M), GMIS-EB 2.0 (S$63M), PSG (up to S$30K per firm), EEG (up to S$350K), and others
The BuildSG Transformation Fund (BTF) is an umbrella framework that brings together all the various industry development support schemes managed by BCA under one unified platform. It is not a single grant but rather the overarching fund that facilitates transformation plans for Built Environment (BE) firms under key Built Environment Industry Transformation Map (ITM) areas. The BTF also enables individuals to tackle key transformation areas through upskilling and training. The BTF covers a comprehensive range of support schemes across multiple transformation pillars: workforce development, DfMA/IDD adoption, green buildings and sustainability, holistic firm transformation, and research & innovation. Each sub-scheme under BTF has its own specific eligibility criteria, funding levels, and application processes. By consolidating these schemes under one umbrella, the BTF aims to make it easier for industry players to discover and access relevant support while ensuring coordinated transformation across the entire value chain.