Singtel is one of an initial eight Singapore companies agreeing to take part in a pilot trial of Singapore's new Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) certification program.
The program, a joint initiative of Singapore's The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), will see local organizations vetted for strong data protection practices.
Organizations passing certification under the scheme will be able to use and display a DPTM logo for a three-year period to engender trust among consumers.
IMDA and PDPC have also appointed three independent assessment bodies for the scheme - ISOCert, Setsco Services and TUV SUD PSB.
The scheme has also incorporated international data protection principles including the APEC Privacy Framework and the OECD Guidelines on the Protection of Privacy and Transborder Flows of Personal Data.
The scheme will be open to all Singapore based organizations, which will have to pay assessment fees in order to secure certification.
Singtel and seven other large Singapore companies are taking part in the pilot program designed to fine tune the certification controls and processes.
The IMDA has also invited other organizations to apply to participate in the program and go through the full certification processes. Organizations will have until the end of September to sign up for the pilot program, and the certifications awarded during the pilot will be official and remain valid past the pilot period.