Excerpt from Business Times Article, Published on July 7, 2025
Singapore has taken a major step forward in its digital governance journey by elevating its Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) to a national standard. This move, announced by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), signals the city-state’s deepened commitment to safeguarding personal information and enhancing trust in the digital economy.
The DPTM certification, which has so far been voluntary, is now officially recognized as Singapore’s national standard for data protection practices. This development aims to boost adoption across industries, helping businesses demonstrate responsible data stewardship while fostering consumer confidence.
According to the IMDA, more than 150 organizations have already been awarded the DPTM since its launch in 2019. By formalizing the Trustmark as a national standard, Singapore hopes to increase that number significantly, especially among SMEs and startups.
The enhancement of the DPTM aligns with global calls for stronger data privacy frameworks and underscores Singapore’s proactive stance in addressing cyber risks and digital compliance. It also supports broader ASEAN efforts to create interoperable data protection systems across the region.
Data protection has become a competitive advantage, not just a compliance requirement. Companies certified under the DPTM gain credibility, reduce regulatory risks, and open doors to cross-border digital collaboration. This move is expected to especially benefit sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare, where secure data handling is mission-critical.
The IMDA will work alongside Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council to provide training and financial support to encourage adoption.
To delve deeper into this topic, read the full article on Business Times.
