Why Singapore firms fear data sovereignty failures but remain underprepared
Singapore’s position as one of Asia’s most advanced digital economies is built on a simple promise: global companies can move data, capital and operations through the city-state with confidence. A new study suggests that promise is becoming harder to keep. Research released by data storage and management company Everpure found that 89 per cent of […] The post Why Singapore firms fear data…
Singapore, one of Asia's most advanced digital economies, faces the challenge of maintaining data sovereignty in its thriving digital market. A new study by Everpure reveals that 89% of Singapore-based enterprise leaders believe a data sovereignty failure could cost them their jobs, with the same proportion fearing such a failure could damage their organization financially and reputationally.
However, 81% of surveyed Singaporean enterprises do not have a formal data sovereignty strategy in place, the highest among the eight markets studied. This gap between concern and action highlights the need for improved governance, technical controls, and response plans to manage data sovereignty risks. The issue is particularly relevant in Southeast Asia, where data may be generated, processed, and stored across multiple jurisdictions, making it difficult to track and govern.
The rise of artificial intelligence further complicates the issue, as sensitive data may move into AI systems without executives fully understanding its location or governance. With the pressure to adopt AI while maintaining strict controls over customer data, companies must address data sovereignty as a board-level issue, encompassing not just cybersecurity and compliance but also retaining effective control over data in the face of foreign laws, vendor dependencies, and geopolitical shocks.
Written by urgent.news from e27's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
