For SME owners in Singapore, marketing costs are one of the biggest barriers to getting professional digital marketing support. You are likely weighing two options: hire a digital marketing agency or tap into the NUS Mentorship Support Grant (MSG) through Jayon Inc.
The difference in cost and value might actually surprise you.
What Is the NUS Mentorship Support Grant (MSG)?
The MSG, a joint initiative by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), is a comprehensive 6-month digital marketing programme. Qualifying SMEs receive up to 90% funding support and the programme is co-mentored by NUS professor, Prof Lai Kok Fung, and his dedicated team.
Here is what the programme covers:
- Marketing strategy, product-market fit, key messages, and SWOT analysis
- Website upgrade with Google Analytics integration
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Content and Social Media Strategy
- Ad strategy across Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Display, Social, and Retargeting
What Does a Digital Marketing Agency Typically Cost?
| Factor | MSG (via Jayon Inc) | Other Digital Marketing Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months | 6 months |
| Full Project Value | Up to S$30,000 | S$18,000 – S$48,000 |
| Your Cost | Less than S$3,500 | S$18,000 – S$48,000 |
| Government Funding | Up to 90% | None |
Hiring a digital marketing agency in Singapore is not cheap. For a comparable scope of work, you’re typically looking at S$3,000 to S$8,000 per month, which adds up to S$18,000 to S$48,000 over just six months. That is a heavy investment and when the contract ends, the knowledge leaves with them. You are back to square one, dependent on the next agency, and the one after that. What if you could elevate your digital marketing capabilities without having to rely on external agencies long-term?
More Than Just Cost Savings
The financial advantage of the MSG is clear, but the real edge goes beyond the numbers.
1. You Build In-House Capability
Unlike an agency engagement where work is done for you and you remain dependent, the MSG is designed to transfer critical digital marketing knowledge to your team. At the end of the 6-month programme, your team will understand how to execute and optimise digital marketing campaigns independently.
2. You Get Academic and Strategic Rigour
Prof Lai Kok Fung brings an evidence-based, strategic lens to your marketing, not just textbook tactics. Your business gets a robust foundation to boost your digital platforms, not just a quick campaign.
3. The Application Process Is Faster
Jayon Inc’s project scope under the MSG has already received in-principle approval from NUS. This means a faster path to getting started and building your digital empire.
4. It Is Holistic
From strategy to execution to optimisation, the MSG covers the full digital marketing journey, from teaching you not just what to do, but how to think, act and grow like a marketer.
Who Is the MSG Best Suited For?
The MSG is ideal for Singapore-registered SMEs that:
- Want to build genuine in-house digital marketing capability
- Are looking to stretch their marketing budget with government funding support
- Need a structured, end-to-end approach, not just ad-hoc campaigns
- Want expert mentorship grounded in academic best practices
Ready to Make Your Marketing Budget Work Harder?
With up to 90% funding support from NUS, the MSG is one of the most cost-effective ways for Singapore SMEs to build a world-class digital marketing function. Jayon Inc is your dedicated partner in this journey, from teaching to execution.
Find out if your business qualifies today.
