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Singapore Artificial Intelligence and Data Protection

Recently, Singapore has worked on several important initiatives focused on data protection and artificial intelligence (AI) for businesses. These initiatives include the new Global AI Assurance Sandbox, the Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) Adoption Guide; the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) Singapore Standard; the Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement (CAPE) from the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum; and an upgraded version of its MERaLiON large language model (LLM) – which was developed by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) Institute for Infocomm Research (A*STAR I2R) in collaboration with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and AI Singapore

IMDA and the AI Verify Foundation have expanded the Global AI Assurance Sandbox to address agentic AI and associated risks such as data leakage and vulnerability to prompt injections. This Sandbox uses IMDA’s new Starter Kit for Safety Testing of LLM-based applications, allowing for a more standardized and structured approach to testing.

Additionally, Singapore has upgraded its MERaLiON large language model (LLM), which now features multimodal capabilities. This enhancement allows the model to process and interpret text, images, and other data formats. The advanced tool is designed for organizations aiming to deploy AI solutions tailored to the Southeast Asian markets. The upgraded Merlion model is expected to drive innovation in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and logistics, where a nuanced understanding of local languages and contexts is essential.

The new Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) Adoption Guide aims to unlock greater business value by enabling AI and machine learning through increased access to data and the sharing of insights between various stakeholders, such as teams within organizations or across different sectors. Businesses can now more easily adopt Privacy Enhancing Technologies thanks to this comprehensive guide.

As data protection evolves globally, the IMDA has collaborated with Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Accreditation Council to enhance the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM), aligning it with the new Singapore Standard (SS 714:2025). This elevates the DPTM to global data protection benchmarks and international best practices. Companies that implement accountable data protection practices can now apply for certification under the new DPTM Singapore Standard, which sets a benchmark for data protection excellence. The DPTM Singapore Standard outlines more precise requirements for data protection in critical areas, such as third-party management and overseas data transfers. This helps certified organizations demonstrate their commitment to effective data protection. The Singapore Accreditation Council will oversee the certification bodies to ensure that assessments for the DPTM Standard are conducted professionally and adhere to globally recognized standards. Organizations certified under the DPTM assure consumers that they follow world-class practices and actively protect their data.

The Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum has introduced a new global certification through the Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement (Global CAPE) that includes Singapore, along with markets such as the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Mexico. This certification streamlines compliance with cross-border data regulations and provides a robust framework for secure and compliant data transfers. The CBPR certification establishes unified privacy standards that facilitate international business operations while protecting personal data. This development simplifies regulatory compliance, reduces legal risks, and supports seamless data-driven operations across borders.

Companies that are interested in the Singapore AI, data protection, and digital markets should take note and work with IMDA and A*STAR to participate in these initiatives.  For more information on AI and data protection in Singapore, please contact Amelia Yeo, Commercial Specialist.