PDPC launches new framework to bolster data protection in Singapore

The pilot programme will combine data protection and innovation competencies to train DPOs.

The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) announced a new framework and the appointment of an accountability agent to advance Singapore’s goal of regional data protection and data innovation.

Aspiring Data Protection Officers (DPOs) will undergo a programme patterned after the Data Protection Officer Competency Framework and Training Roadmap. The framework combines both data protection and data innovation competencies to show how a viable career progression path can be had in the nascent sector.

The first course to be offered is a one-year pilot programme with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) together with NTUC LearningHub and the Employment and Employability Institute. PDPC is also reportedly working with other training partners to come up with courses such as the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, National University of Singapore Law Academy, Singapore Management University Academy and Singapore Polytechnic. More details will be announced in the coming months.

The data protection-related courses will be available starting Q4, and PDPC expects at least 500 DPOs to benefit from the framework in the first year. 

PDPC also announced the appointment of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) as Singapore’s Accountability Agent for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Cross Border Privacy Rules (APEC CBPR) and Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) Systems certifications. IMDA’s appointment will allow organisations in Singapore to be certified under APEC CBPR and PRP Systems for accountable data transfers across borders to other certified organisations. The two certifications will complement IMDA’s Data Protection Trustmark Certification.

The initiatives were announced by S. Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information, at the 7th Personal Data Protection Seminar.