Singapore decides framework for allocation of 235 MHz of additional spectrum and encourages 4th MNO

On the 18 February 2016, Singapore’s Infocomm Development Agency (IDA) published its decision on the framework for the allocation of an additional 235 MHz of spectrum. This follows their earlier consultations. Key points are set out below: Two stage process to encourage market entry by new entrant (4th MNO) The IDA wants to encourage market entry …

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Governing development finance organisations: measuring development impact

Governance is important for both private and public sector organisations. For development finance organisations (such as IFC, CDC, Africa Development Bank and Asia Development Bank) which are publicly funded and invest in developing countries it is critical. A key part of governance is measuring the development impact that they have through setting goals and measuring the …

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Global IT tariffs eliminated? WTO wakes up?

“Mr. Praline: Look, matey, I know a dead parrot when I see one, and I’m looking at one right now. Owner: No no he’s not dead, he’s, he’s restin’! Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, idn’it, ay? Beautiful plumage!” – Monty Python Based on a press release from the World Trade Organisation, and tweets from its Director-General …

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ISO 27018 – the international standard for protecting PII in the public cloud – Where are we now?

Since its release in August 2014, ISO 27018 is becoming well established as the “go to” standard to help cloud customers to comply with their privacy obligations when using public cloud services.  Privacy regulators recognise and refer to the new standard.  Cloud customers are using it in their RFP requirements and in their assessments of …

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Myanmar mobile banking and payment: where to start?

Myanmar is currently largely a cash economy.  In this post we consider the types of mobile banking and payments solutions we predict will first gain traction in the Myanmar market: remittance services and banking the unbanked. Outside Myanmar, the way people bank and pay has been revolutionised: from the introduction of credit cards, telephone banking and …

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Will ISO 27018 help cloud customers to comply with Singapore’s data protection laws?

A key challenge for organisations who want to use cloud services is to do so in a way that is compliant with the organisations’ obligations under data protection laws. This guest post by Matt Hunter (@matthew1hunter) and Daniel Jung explains how ISO 27018 is relevant and why companies considering cloud solutions should look to cloud providers …

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Are Singapore’s Monetary Authority’s proposed outsourcing rules clear enough?

The Monetary Authority of Singapore  (“MAS“) is consulting on a new notice and guidelines on outsourcing. Having already commented on its positive message for cloud services, this post addresses the rest of the consultation. In summary, we think: MAS’s proposals are generally positive and helpful. However, in some areas more clarity could be provided. Background MAS first issued its ‘Guidelines on Outsourcing’ in 2004 …

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MAS Embraces Cloud: A Silver Lining

There should be relief at the moment felt by financial institutions and cloud service providers alike, following the release of the MAS’s consultation on the proposed new outsourcing notice and updated guidelines as mentioned in Rob’s previous post. The MAS doesn’t use the word “cloud” expressly in its consultation.  However, the MAS has made important changes …

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Responsible investment in Myanmar

Myanmar is a country with tremendous opportunities, but also tremendous risks. I was fortunate enough to host and chair a seminar in Singapore yesterday on responsible investment into Myanmar. Introduction by Rt. Hon Hugo Swire MP The seminar started with an introduction and overview by the Rt. Hon Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Hugo …

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