The Analytics Times

SIFT Analytics Talk Series: 4 Game-Changing Trends in Data Analytics Transforming Singapore’s Businesses

Data analytics is no longer a niche function reserved for IT departments. In Singapore, it has evolved into a strategic pillar that shapes how businesses innovate, optimize operations, and compete on a global stage.


But as the field matures, new technologies are reshaping what’s possible — and how quickly businesses can unlock value from their data.

In this edition of SIFT Analytics Talk, we explore four exciting trends that are revolutionizing analytics in Singapore: Generative AI, Augmented 

Analytics, Citizen Data Scientists, and Data-as-a-Service (DaaS).

Whether you’re a startup founder, SME leader, or enterprise decision-maker, these innovations are redefining how you can work smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively.

1. Generative AI in Analytics: From Data to Decisions in Seconds

It’s impossible to talk about innovation without mentioning Generative AI. What started as text generation tools (like ChatGPT) has now entered the analytics space — and the implications are huge.

What is Generative AI in Analytics?
Generative AI uses machine learning to not only understand data but generate new outputs:

  • Automatically generate reports and dashboards
  • Write formulas and queries in natural language
  • Suggest actions based on predictive models
  • Build simulations and scenario planning tools


For example, instead of manually building a BI dashboard, a user can now ask a Gen-AI tool:

“Show me weekly sales trends with a forecast for Q3, and highlight underperforming regions.”

Seconds later — it’s done.

 

Why It Matters for Singapore Businesses

  • Saves time on manual tasks (especially for lean teams)
  • Speeds up decision-making by providing instant insights
  • Reduces reliance on technical experts for routine analytics tasks

 

Generative AI is ideal for productivity-focused companies trying to do more with limited resources — a common scenario for SMEs and mid-sized firms in Singapore.

2. Augmented Analytics: Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting

Augmented Analytics takes traditional BI tools and supercharges them with AI-powered automation. It doesn’t just show you what’s happening — it tells you why it’s happening and what you should do about it.

 

What Can Augmented Analytics Do?

  • Auto-discover patterns, anomalies, and correlations in your data
  • Generate smart narratives (i.e., explain trends in plain English)
  • Recommend next best actions based on predictive analysis
  • Perform advanced analytics with minimal user input

 

For example, if a spike in customer churn occurs, an augmented analytics platform can automatically flag it, identify the contributing factors (e.g., slower service response time), and suggest a fix.

 

Singapore in Focus
The push for AI adoption under the Smart Nation initiative has made augmented analytics a fast-growing area, especially in:

  • Retail: optimizing inventory and customer personalization
  • Healthcare: predicting patient outcomes and treatment optimization
  • Finance: fraud detection and credit risk modeling

 

With tools like Tableau Pulse, Qlik AutoML, and Microsoft Fabric, augmented analytics is helping Singaporean companies uncover insights that would take days (or weeks) with manual analysis — boosting both speed and accuracy.

3. Rise of the Citizen Data Scientist: Democratizing Analytics

One of the biggest shifts in the analytics space? You don’t need to be a data scientist to do data science anymore.

 

Who Are Citizen Data Scientists?
These are everyday business users — marketers, HR staff, operations managers — who use low-code/no-code tools to perform analytics tasks that previously required technical expertise.


With platforms like:

  • Qlik Self-Service BI business intelligence
  • Power BI with drag-and-drop dashboards
  • Alteryx for Automation workflows


…users can connect to data, build models, and create dashboards — all without writing a line of code.

 

Why This Is a Game-Changer in Singapore

Hiring skilled data professionals is expensive and competitive. Citizen data scientists allow organizations to:

  • Scale analytics across teams without inflating headcount
  • Foster a data-driven culture where decisions are based on insights, not intuition
  • Improve collaboration between IT and business units


This trend is particularly valuable for SMEs in Singapore looking to empower staff without overhauling their workforce or IT infrastructure. It’s productivity at scale.

4. Data-as-a-Service (DaaS): Turning Data into a Utility

Imagine subscribing to data the way you subscribe to Netflix or Spotify. That’s the premise behind Data-as-a-Service (DaaS).

 

Instead of managing complex infrastructure and data storage in-house, businesses can now:

  • Access real-time data from cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
  • Subscribe to third-party data feeds (weather, consumer trends, financial data)
  • Use APIs to plug data into their systems on-demand

 

What’s Driving DaaS in Singapore?

  • Cloud-first strategies in both public and private sectors
  • Smart city infrastructure that generates rich public datasets (via data.gov.sg)
  • Demand for agility and cost-efficiency

 

DaaS allows businesses to avoid upfront costs related to data infrastructure, and instead pay for what they use. It also reduces time-to-insight, enabling quicker business pivots — critical in fast-moving markets.

Why These Trends Matter: Productivity & Cost Efficiency

Each of these trends — from generative AI to DaaS — shares one common goal: helping companies do more with less.

Here’s how they translate into tangible business benefits:

Innovation

Generative AI

Augmented Analytics

Citizen Data Scientists

Data-as-a-Service

Boosts Productivity By…

Automating routine tasks and reporting

 

Giving fast, AI-powered insights

 

Empowering non-technical staff

 

Instant access to scalable data

Cuts Costs By…

Reducing reliance on manual processes and consultants

 

Minimizing data analyst hours

 

Avoiding need for large data teams

 

Eliminating infrastructure and maintenance overhead

Final Thoughts: The Future of Analytics in Singapore Is Now

Singapore’s analytics ecosystem is entering a bold new era — one that’s accessible, intelligent, and scalable. For businesses, this isn’t about jumping on a tech bandwagon. It’s about staying competitive in a digital economy where data drives every decision.

At SIFT Analytics, we’re helping companies across Singapore embrace these trends — with solutions tailored to their size, sector, and goals. Whether you’re exploring generative AI, want to empower your citizen analysts, or need help integrating DaaS into your stack, we’re ready to support your journey.

Let’s Talk Data

Looking to modernize your analytics strategy?
Talk to SIFT Analytics to see how we can help you innovate with speed, precision, and cost-efficiency.

SIFT Analytics – data analytics in Singapore – generative AI for business – low-code analytics platforms


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Connect with SIFT Analytics

As organisations strive to meet the demands of the digital era, SIFT remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering transformative solutions. To explore digital transformation possibilities or learn more about SIFT’s pioneering work, contact the team for a complimentary consultation. Visit the website at www.sift-ag.com for additional information.

About SIFT Analytics

Get a glimpse into the future of business with SIFT Analytics, where smarter data analytics driven by smarter software solution is key. With our end-to-end solution framework backed by active intelligence, we strive towards providing clear, immediate and actionable insights for your organisation.

 

Headquartered in Singapore since 1999, with over 500 corporate clients, in the region, SIFT Analytics is your trusted partner in delivering reliable enterprise solutions, paired with best-of-breed technology throughout your business analytics journey. Together with our experienced teams, we will journey. Together with you to integrate and govern your data, to predict future outcomes and optimise decisions, and to achieve the next generation of efficiency and innovation.

The Analytics Times

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