Singapore Management University and Future of Privacy Forum Form Partnership to Advance Expertise in Digital Law and Data Governance in Asia-Pacific

March 10, 2025 — Singapore Management University (SMU) and the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in data governance, privacy, and emerging technology regulation across the Asia-Pacific region. 

By combining SMU’s expertise in digital law with FPF’s global leadership in data protection, privacy and emerging technology governance, this partnership aims to drive impactful research and thought leadership. Through this MOU, SMU and FPF will collaborate on a variety of initiatives, including joint events, research publications, and advisory participation, while also expanding stakeholder networks across academia, industry, and government. 

SMU’s Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL), ranked among the top 100 globally in the QS World University Rankings, is home to the Centre for Digital Law (CDL), which aims to become Asia’s premier law and technology research hub by integrating expertise from law, computer science, and digital humanities.

“This partnership with SMU’s Yong Pung How School of Law marks an important step in our mission to foster meaningful collaborations with leading academic institutions in the region,” said Josh Lee Kok Thong, FPF Managing Director for APAC. “As two organizations that share a common vision of fostering greater digital trust and innovation, we are excited to forge a strong partnership that will maximize our collective strengths and capabilities.”

With the rapid evolution of AI, digital finance, and cross-border data governance, this collaboration will play a key role in shaping regional and global conversations on responsible and forward-looking digital governance.

“Privacy and data protection is a fundamental aspect of each of our research pillars at the SMU CDL–society, economy, and government. We are excited to announce this closer collaboration with FPF after several years of informal collaboration, including taking part in many of FPF’s excellent events, and to working together to build a community of interest with diverse stakeholders in the region and bringing our regional voice to the global conversation”, said Jason Grant Allen, Director, Centre for Digital Law . 

FPF has established a global presence across the US, Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, India, Israel, and Latin America, monitoring policy developments and providing stakeholders with key insights. Its partnership with SMU strengthens this strategy, advancing its expertise and thought leadership in data protection and emerging technology regulation.

“FPF remains committed to leveraging our global reach and expertise in data governance to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions and research,” said Gabriela Zanfir-Fortuna, VP for Global Privacy.

As digital regulation continues to evolve, this collaboration will provide critical insights and policy guidance to ensure balanced, responsible and forward-thinking governance in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.