Practical AI Solutions For SMEs - Our Programmes

An MGA Exclusive Executive Education Programme

Practical AI Solutions For SMEs

Boosting Productivity, Streamlining Operations & Driving Business Growth

BY Dr Marcel Lukas

Vice Dean Executive Education at the University of St Andrews Business School

MyCo ID

202501012329

Programme ID

10001597610

Dates

Tuesday, 4 November 2025

Time

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Venue

ALoft KL Sentral Hotel

Fee

RM 1,750

per person

The cost of the programme includes lunch and other refreshments, as well as programme materials for one participant. It is not inclusive of any applicable taxes.

This programme can be delivered in-house for your organisation although available dates are limited to the duration of Dr Marcel Lukas’ visit to Malaysia. If you would like to discuss further on having this in-house and/or have any questions about the programme, please contact us at info@manafgardner.com or +603-3001 0326.

This intensive 1-day masterclass equips SME leaders with a clear and practical understanding of two powerful forms of AI:

Generative AI – tools that create content, ideas, and responses to assist with everyday business needs, from marketing copy to customer support scripts
Agentic AI – tools capable of carrying out multi-step tasks automatically, such as processing orders, scheduling follow-ups, or compiling reports

Unlike generic AI training, this programme has been tailored to the realities of SMEs and designed specifically for organisations with lean teams and limited budgets, ensuring that every tool, technique, and strategy learnt is affordable, easy to start, and relevant to their business context. It focuses on low-friction adoption - building on the systems SMEs already use, such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, CRM or accounting software, and messaging platforms – to reduce costly infrastructure upgrades or specialised IT support.

Participants will get to learn quick, practical AI applications that can be implemented within weeks, producing visible results in a short time. They will leave with ready-to-use workflows, templates, and a detailed 8-week pilot plan to guide implementation. The overall benefit is a stronger competitive position - working more effeciently, serving customers better, and staying ahead in a fast-changing market. Whether new to AI or already experimenting with it, this masterclass will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to turn AI into a real business advantage quickly, affordably, and safely.

Programme Objectives

Delivers Practical Applications
Translates the latest AI tools into practical SME use cases
Provides a simple, fit-for-purpose governance framework
Guides participants in creating an 8-week pilot plan with measurable results
Introduce Actionable Insights
Affordable, accessible tools that can be used immediately
Quick proofs of concept to build confidence and momentum
Human-in-the-loop processes for safety and quality control
Clear, measurable outcomes: time saved, errors reduced, faster delivery
Empowers SMEs Operating in the ASEAN Region
Many operate across multiple languages and borders
Heavy use of chat, social platforms, and online marketplaces
Need to navigate varied invoicing and data protection regulations
Provides Context and Rationale
SMEs face the same competitive, customer, and compliance pressures as large companies, but with fewer resources and less tolerance for mistakes
Generative AI can create content and support daily tasks
Agentic AI can automate multi-step processes like producing quotations, invoices, and reports without major technology costs
Addresses Key Adoption Challenges
Uncertainty about where to start
Concerns about data security and output quality
Difficulty in proving value to owners, boards, or investors

Participant Profile

The programme will be a blend of trainer-led presentations, live tool demonstrations, real-world case studies, break-out discussions and peer collaboration, and guided design exercises for SME-specic use cases. Participants will actively apply learning to their own business context, ensuring relevance and immediate usability.

Learning Methodology

The programme will be a blend of lectures, vignettes/case studies, simulations and in-class development of practical illustrations to allow for a hands-on and deep learning experience.

Programme Outline

Module 1: Introduction to AI for SMEs
Understanding Generative AI and Agentic AI in practical terms
The business case for AI adoption in SMEs
Affordable tools already available in common productivity and business systems
Overcoming myths and misconceptions about AI
Module 2: Identifying High-Impact Use Cases
Mapping existing workflows for automation opportunities
Real-life ASEAN SME examples of AI-driven improvements
Prioritising use cases based on ROI and ease of implementation
Module 3: AI in Action – Key Applications
Multilingual markets – AI for content localisation and information retrieval
Chat-commerce and customer service – Serving customers through messaging platforms with escalation paths and audit trail
Compliance diversity – Developing adaptable responsible-use and data-handling policies
Integration on a budget – Linking tools like email, spreadsheets, accounting, and cloud storage without heavy IT investment
Module 4: Building the Pilot Plan
Designing an 8-week pilot project
Defining success metrics—time saved, error reduction, speed to market
Establishing risk management and quality control measures
Communicating results to owners, partners, and regulators
CAPSTONE: FROM PILOT TO SCALE
Reviewing pilot results and refining strategies
Deciding whether to scale, pivot, or pause based on measurable outcomes
Embedding AI into everyday business culture for sustainable benefits
Continuous improvement through feedback loops and governance updates

Programme Faculty

Dr Marcel Lukas

View Bio

About the university of st andrews

Founded in the early 15th century, St Andrews is Scotland’s first university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 named St Andrews Scottish University of the year and University of the Year for Student Experience 2025. The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked St Andrews as the top University in Scotland and second in the UK.

The newly formed University of St Andrews Business School brings together leading global academics and practitioners across management, finance and economics. It has extended its expertise to deliver world-class Executive Education at the University of St Andrews Business School where tradition meets innovation with cutting-edge research; and strong academic rigour and global perspective combine to inspire transformative thinking and leadership. This makes it vitally important as organisations face worldwide unprecedented challenges that require innovative thinking and decisive leadership.

For more information on the University of St Andrews Business School, visit www.st-andrews.ac.uk/business-school/

Dr Marcel Lukas

Programme Academic Lead

Dr Marcel Lukas is the Vice Dean Executive Education at the University of St Andrews Business School. Marcel’s research explores consumer financial decision-making, financial technology, and financial education, with particular emphasis on behavioural aspects of spending and saving. A policy advisor to government bodies and fonancial regulators, Marcel shapes financial education initiatives and serves as a Fellow at the Office for National Statistics. He leads executive education programmes on AI applications in business and finance, bringing valuable industry experience from his previous roles at Volkswagen and IBM to his academic and advisory work.

Marcel has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh focusing on Financial Technology (FinTech) and its influence on spending and investing behaviour, and an MSc in Banking and Finance from the University of St Andrews. His related research informed the UK Parliament and was covered by major news outlets such as the Times. His work on budgeting was covered by the Financial Times and the BBC.