PRESS AND MEDIA

Singapore. TÜV SÜD, the German training, consultancy, testing and certification giant, today, announced that they have been empanelled by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to assess organisations for the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) certification through detailed evaluation. The certification, conceived by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), aims to develop a trusted data ecosystem in Singapore, making the environment for businesses conducive for innovation while continuing to ensure that individuals’ personal data is safeguarded. TÜV SÜD will be responsible to assess that applicant organisations’ personal data protection practices fulfil the DPTM certification requirements.

The DPTM certification, awarded for a period of three years, provides a competitive lead for businesses that are certified and inspires trust among consumers. Transparency and accountability in data protection practices will boost consumer confidence in a business’s management of personal data and thereby maintain brand reputation. The objective of the certification is also to view data protection as a natural element of best practices for businesses required to be vigilant about consumers’ personal data.

With this empanelment, TÜV SÜD is empowered to assess – via reviews of documented information and on-site audits - if data protection practices of businesses are aligned to DPTM certification requirements. TÜV SÜD will also identify gaps during the assessment as well as prepare and submit reports to the IMDA that explain the assessment findings.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr. Richard Hong, CEO, TÜV SÜD ASEAN said, “Artificial Intelligence, Big data and Internet of Things are rapidly changing consumer expectations and the way businesses operate. Digitalisation has penetrated nearly every aspect of our lives and adapting to this dynamic environment is not without benefits and challenges. Data collection, and exchange takes place every minute. In such a scenario, it is critical for businesses to reassure its consumers their personal data is well-protected. We are proud to be among the three empanelled assessment bodies to support the IMDA in their effort to make businesses more trustworthy and ensure consumers feel safer about their personal data. Digitalisation is pivotal to TÜV SÜD’s operations and we recognise it as a key pillar of advancement. Our aim is to imbue the vigour of digitalisation’s transformative power in our core services to answer the ever-evolving industry needs of the businesses that collaborate with us.”

In the advent of Industry 4.0 gaining foothold and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) within the industrial space; digitalisation is bringing about advances in contemporary automation, IT security & privacy and smart manufacturing technologies. TÜV SÜD supports companies integrating the latest technologies into their businesses across sectors while ensuring functional safety, interoperability, and minimising IT security risks. They also support companies to tap into the potential of digitisation and minimise the risks involved in increased connectivity.