PDPC Starts Data Protection Officers Certification Programs in Singapore

PDPC, consumer data protection body in Singapore, has started a local certification programme to prepare data protection officers (DPO) to protect the data in future.

Personal Data Protection Commission of Singapore has recently started a local certification programme to prepare data protection officers (DPO), according to Straitstimes.com. These officers are expected to “equip companies for a digital future in which more and more data must be protected”. The programme will not only train DPO’s, but also give their role more recognition and encourage more people for participation. According to experts, the nation would require more than 10,000 jobs over the next three years.

“Certification will accord DPOs with professional recognition and equip them with the skills and knowledge to better carry out their responsibilities.” says Mr Tan Kiat How, commissioner at the PDPC in an interview with The Straits Times. He further said that the details relating to the program would be made public in a later announcement.

The local certification programme is said to be cheaper than its American counterpart, International Association of Privacy Professionals, which has certified 100 DPOs in the nation so far. The certification programme charges over $1,000, despite being subsidized by the government.

This is seen as the revolutionary move by PDP which has warned many organizations to be serious about protection measures for consumer data since its inception. Besides, organizations can be fined up to $1 million per breach under the Act.