Singapore has launched the inaugural Singapore Data Festival (SDF), with Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo opening the event and outlining new initiatives aimed at helping businesses use data in areas including generative AI (GenAI), privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) and digital twin technology.
According to the press release, the festival includes the release of AI-specific consent guidance, a federated learning guide intended to show applications of PETs, and a “Digital Twin for Enterprises Playbook” focused on adoption approaches. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Japan’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC), aimed at supporting cross-border data flows.
The press release frames the festival as a forum for policymakers, industry leaders and data protection officers to discuss data protection in the age of AI, responsible data innovation and international collaboration.
Guidelines for personal data use in GenAI and chatbot transparency
PDPC has issued new Advisory Guidelines on the use of Personal Data in GenAI, which it says clarifies how personal data can be collected and used to develop GenAI models and sets out data protection responsibilities across the AI lifecycle, including for end-user prompts. The guidelines also address how organisations should handle individuals’ requests relating to personal data.
Separately, the Infocomm Media and Development Authority (IMDA) has published Transparency Guidelines for GenAI chatbots, which encourage chatbot deployers to provide consumer-facing information via “Chatbot Info Cards”. These are intended to cover a chatbot’s capabilities and limitations, safety and reliability practices, data use and protection, and reporting channels.
PDPC has also updated its Guide to Data Protection Practices for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Systems, citing current practices based on recent data breaches and “cyber essential measures” that industries are expected to adopt. The update includes practices relevant to implementing AI systems.
Digital twin playbook and PET guidance
IMDA launched a Digital Twin for Enterprises Playbook, described as a practical guide developed through engagements with early adopter enterprises, solution providers and technology leaders. The playbook is intended to help businesses identify use cases, assess data readiness, establish safeguards and implement digital twin projects.
IMDA said it will also conduct Tech Discovery Workshops and work with technology partners to support enterprise adoption of digital twin technology.
On PETs, PDPC published a new Guide on Federated Learning, developed in consultation with industry experts including Nvidia, to help organisations assess suitability and implement federated learning responsibly. PDPC also updated its Guide on Synthetic Data Generation to reflect updated use cases and developments in adoption.
IMDA’s PET Sandbox will continue to provide support, including grants for PET proof-of-concept projects. IMDA also said companies will be given access to demonstrations of different PET tools to help them evaluate applicability before starting proof-of-concept work. New PET Sandbox use cases involving Singapore General Hospital and Ant International were also published, according to the release.
Cross-border data cooperation with Japan
PDPC said its new MOC with Japan’s PPC is intended to deepen cooperation in promoting the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (GCBPR) and to establish a basis for developing model contractual clauses (MCCs). The release said the goal is to reduce friction and compliance costs for businesses transferring data between Singapore and Japan, while meeting both countries’ privacy requirements.
The MOC was signed by PDPC Commissioner Denise Wong and Japan’s PPC Chairman Dr Tezuka Satoru, with Japan’s Ambassador to Singapore Hiroshi Ishikawa and IMDA Chief Executive Ng Cher Pong witnessing the signing, the release said.
The Singapore Data Festival runs from 20 to 24 July 2026 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
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