According to UOB research, around one in three restaurant owners have yet to implement AI tools.
[SINGAPORE] A new initiative to help restaurants introduce artificial intelligence processes into their workflows was launched by EnterpriseSG and UOB on Wednesday (July 15).
Announcing the F&B AI and Digital Integration Program in his opening remarks at Restaurant Asia 2026, Senior Minister of Trade and Industry Lo Yen Lin said participating companies will benefit in two key ways.
First, receive advisory support from UOB SME Banking to identify the AI-enabled digital solution that best suits your needs.
Second, EnterpriseSG provides up to 50% financial support for various AI-enabled solutions and digital integration services.
According to a joint fact sheet by UOB and EnterpriseSG, the program currently includes an initial panel of three solution providers: OpenMinds, PayBoy and VisionTech.
We offer a wide range of services, from business systems integration and workflow automation to AI assistants and customer engagement tools.
We expect more providers to be added in the future.
Lowe said the goal of the program is to “enable food and beverage companies to harness and integrate AI into their businesses and operations and benefit from its power and efficiency.”
Deploying AI is key to the next stage of F&B growth
In his speech, Mr Low, who is also Senior Minister for Culture, Communities and Youth, acknowledged the uncertain business environment facing restaurants.
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Still, she said, “How we respond to these pressures will determine the next chapter in Singapore’s F&B history.”
He added that AI presents a huge opportunity to improve productivity and competitiveness in this sector.
Less-cited applications such as demand forecasting, staff optimization, inventory management, and task automation point out that AI can also improve the customer experience through greater personalization.
“The potential is huge. But realizing the benefits of AI requires more than simply deploying the latest tools,” she said.
“Companies that invest in understanding their data, upskilling their people, and redesigning their processes will succeed.”
Lo noted that many restaurant operators are embracing digitalization through online ordering systems, inventory management tools, and customer relationship platforms.
She said a recent UOB survey found that six in 10 people still operate these solutions as standalone systems.
This limits the value that such technology can provide, Lo added.
The same study also found that approximately one in three restaurant owners have yet to implement AI tools.
However, 80 percent are interested in solutions that improve operational efficiency, and 70 percent are enthusiastic about tools to acquire new customers and strengthen customer loyalty.
“For many food and beverage businesses, the toughest challenge may not be finding out among the many AI solutions out there, but knowing which one is right for their business and how to get started in a practical and sustainable way,” said Loh.
He added that initiatives such as the EnterpriseSG-UOB program will help companies advance their AI transformation.
“The government has made AI a national priority, and this commitment extends to the food and beverage industry,” she said.
“AI is not just for large corporations and technology companies, it is for all business owners and executives.”
