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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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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Singapore launches new cloud security standard

Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) has launched a new cloud security standard: Multi-Tier Cloud Security (MTCS) Standard For Singapore (SS 584). The IDA explains that the objective of the standard is: “to provide businesses with greater clarity on the levels of security offered by different cloud service providers (CSPs).” Objectives The IDA’s fact sheet explains that: [Customer …

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Singapore’s final data protection guidelines adopt business-friendly approach

On September 24, Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission published its final advisory guidelines on how the country’s Personal Data Protection Act 2012, which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data, will be interpreted and applied. As expected, these adopt a business friendly approach. For more details see my post on ZDNet’s Legal Tech …

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How much space do you need for structural separation?

I was intrigued to read today’s joint response (from Starhub, M1, MyRepublic, ViewQwest, SuperInternet, Nucleus Connect and the Asia Pacific Carriers’ Coalition) to the Singapore telecoms regulator’s (IDA) public consultation on whether to allow additional ownership consolidation in its national fibre-optic network market. With the benefit of hindsight, I was pondering how an apparently elegant solution to a regulatory challenge has ended …

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Singapore adopts 10 year master plan to become IP Hub for Asia

On 1 April the government of Singapore adopted a ‘Intellectual Property (IP) Hub Master Plan: Developing Singapore as a Global IP Hub in Asia’. Despite the date, this is emphatically no joke.  The plan helpfully summarises its key aspects in the following diagram:      The initiatives adopted are: OUTCOME / ENABLER KEY STRATEGY INITIATIVE Outcome 1:A hub for …

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Why bring your own device (BYOD) is not just an IT issue

I was fortunate this week to be both a speaker and a panellist at Questex Asia’s ‘BYOD and Mobile Security conference held in Singapore. It turned out I was the only lawyer in a room of 200 plus IT people, which was an interesting experience. Having made my presentation (Olswang_Asia_BYOD_presentation) my conversations with delegates brought home …

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