Best Communications Practices For Evolving Data Governance Across Asia Pacific
As organisations look to diversify their global presence amidst conflicting signals about tariffs and potential trade wars, the Asia Pacific is appearing attractive relative to many other regions. But to operate efficiently here in this digital economy, understanding the patchwork of data governance and privacy regulations becomes critical. Unlike the harmonised approach in the European Union with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Asia Pacific presents a more complex landscape defined by differing legal systems, political priorities and development levels.
Asia Pacific is culturally diverse with languages and stages of progress differentiating countries within the region. The more developed legislative environments of Singapore, Malaysia1, Thailand and Australia have enacted advanced and sophisticated data protection laws.
Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and Australia’s Privacy Act 1988, for example, align closely with international standards, offering clarity and consistency. Others like Vietnam and Indonesia2 are still refining their regulatory frameworks. Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia3, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Australia are also among the nations that have some form of data residency requirements, compelling companies to operate, process and store certain, if not all, data within their respective countries.
With its Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023, India has also taken a decisive step toward protecting personal data. The law establishes individual consent as a cornerstone of data processing while granting the government broad powers to exempt certain agencies. Global firms must be especially cautious of compliance timelines, cross-border data transfer restrictions, and sector-specific regulations.
Amidst the kaleidoscope that is Asia Pacific, how can organisations establishing a presence in the region best operate while efficiently navigating the disparate data governance and privacy laws here? As this is an important topic that is regularly covered in the regional media, we work with clients to navigate the complex data privacy landscape through communications, education and community engagement programmes customised to local cultures, regulations and nuances.
Some key strategies are:
Local developments happen quickly, so communications professionals should translate regulatory developments into narratives that go beyond reassuring all stakeholders to positioning the organisation as a trusted advisor and balanced commentator that is proactive.
Craft country-relevant messaging as what resonates in Singapore may not in India or Vietnam. Customised content reflects understanding of local cultural values and regulatory priorities.
Where data residency is required, proactive communications around investments in keeping the data local demonstrates your commitment to the country, customers and data protection regulatory environment.
Establish your trusted voice by participating in industry forums, public consultations and contributing to opinion-editorial opportunities to engage regulators, consumers and other key stakeholders.
While the diversity of laws in Asia Pacific, especially Southeast Asia and India, can appear daunting, it also presents an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate leadership and adaptability in communicating their data ethics and privacy. By adopting a tailored, proactive communications and education approach to data governance in each country, businesses can build trust and accelerate growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
At Priority Consultants Group we have been working with multinational clients operating in Asia Pacific for 40 years. Understanding and leveraging the cultural differences with an intimate appreciation of national agendas has given us the licence to craft locally nuanced narratives and stories to pitch our clients as committed, engaged partners in the countries in which they operate.
Be it a mature market like Singapore or Australia, multi-ethnic, diverse region like Southeast Asia or the intricately diverse country that is India, we weave our deep industry experience with local knowledge in developing thought leadership4 and public affairs campaigns for clients looking to establish their brand in this region.
Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you build your brand, engage all relevant stakeholders and help shape policy to drive your business.
References
1. Malaysian Digital Finance Has Transformed To Meet Consumer Needs
2. Multilayered communications – a snapshot of Indonesia’s media landscape
3. Indonesia: The Emerging Tech Giant in Southeast Asia
4. Content That Educates Builds Brand Equity With Senior Executives
