Initiatives to enhance data protection competencies in Singapore

As part of the launch of a Data Protection Excellence (DPEX) Network, SMU Academy and Straits Interactive announced two initiatives aimed at enhancing data protection competencies in Singapore.

The collaboration will see two Advanced Certificates:

• Advanced Diploma in Data Protection
• Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) for Data Protection Officers (DPO).

The Advanced Certificates, which cover data protection principles and operational requirements of data protection laws in the ASEAN region, Greater China and the European Union, can be accumulated via a credit system, leading to an Advanced Diploma in Data Protection and Operational Excellence.

It is targeted at non-legal professionals interested in data privacy and protection.

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The PCP for Data Protection Officers, supported by Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore, provides skills conversion to place and train professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) in the role of a data protection officer.

The PCP will leverage on SMU’s existing SkillsFuture Series in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity and Tech-Enabled Services, and will be delivered jointly by SMU and Straits Interactive.

The PCP aims to develop a pool of pre-qualified candidates for data protection officer roles. Participants will undergo an initial DPO hands-on training course, before being matched with employers participating in the PCP.

This initiative will benefit SMEs by lowering the cost of hiring staff with data protection skills to develop and implement safeguards around processing personal data – the PCP will help SMEs acquire their own data protection expertise.

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC and assistant secretary-general, NTUC, Melvin Yong, said: "Data protection presents new and sustainable job opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans."

"These initiatives will equip our workers with the relevant skill sets as they prepare for new and emerging jobs of tomorrow in data protection. PMETs and retirees with a wealth of operational experience behind them can pick up new skills to function effectively as data protection officers or as consultants in data protection," he added.

Kevin Shepherdson, chief executive officer, Straits Interactive, said: "We envisage these initiatives helping to professionalise the role of the data protection officer, training individuals to attain international certification standards and making aconcrete contribution to meeting the demand for data protection expertise in Singapore as well as in the ASEAN region generally.”

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