The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) set up in January 2013, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) and a Data Protection Committee to administer and advise respectively on the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Charmian Aw, Associate Director at Drew & Napier LLC, said “It is widely anticipated that Singapore’s first baseline personal data protection law will not only serve to protect consumer interests, but also improve Singapore’s economic competitiveness through strengthening consumer confidence in the emerging data management industry.” The PDPA was passed in October 2012, however there is a staggered transition period for businesses to adjust their compliance practices in light of the new law. Despite some initial compliance costs involved, the law is anticipated to strengthen Singapore businesses in the long run.
