ISO 37301
International certifiable standard for compliance management systems
PDPA
Singapore regulation for personal data protection compliance
Quick Verdict
ISO 37301 provides certifiable CMS frameworks for global compliance culture, while PDPA mandates data protection laws for Singapore/SEA organisations with breach fines. Companies adopt ISO for integration/credibility; PDPA for legal avoidance.
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems requirements
Key Features
- Certifiable requirements standard replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- High-Level Structure alignment for integrated management systems
- Risk-based compliance obligations assessment and planning
- Leadership commitment and compliance culture emphasis
- Robust whistleblowing channels with anti-retaliation protections
PDPA
Personal Data Protection Act 2012
Key Features
- Mandatory Data Protection Officer appointment
- Nine core data protection obligations
- Breach notification for significant harm
- Data Protection Management Programme framework
- Cross-border transfer limitation safeguards
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021 is a certifiable international standard titled Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use. It specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an effective CMS using a risk-based approach and PDCA cycle, applicable to all organization sizes and sectors.
Key Components
- Core pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Follows ISO High-Level Structure (HLS) for integration with standards like ISO 9001, 14001, 27001.
- Emphasizes leadership commitment, risk assessment, whistleblowing, competence, monitoring, audits, continual improvement.
- Supports certification via accredited bodies like ANAB.
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates systematic compliance to stakeholders, reduces risks, fines, reputational harm.
- Enhances investor trust, ESG reporting, market access.
- Drives cultural integrity, early issue detection via whistleblowers.
- Provides competitive edge through third-party validation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: initiation, design, implementation, measurement, sustainment.
- Key activities: compliance register, risk assessment, training, audits, management reviews.
- Universal applicability; scalable for SMEs to enterprises.
- Certification involves initial audits, 3-year surveillance cycles.
PDPA Details
What It Is
The Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) is Singapore's key regulation for private sector organizations handling personal data. It protects individuals' data through nine core obligations, balancing privacy rights with legitimate business needs via a principles-based, accountability-driven approach.
Key Components
- Nine obligations: Consent/Notification, Access/Correction, Accuracy, Protection, Retention/Transfer Limitation, Accountability, Breach Notification.
- **Data Protection Management Programme (DPMP)four-step framework (Governance, Policy, Processes, Maintenance).
- Mandatory DPO appointment; risk-based DPIAs; no certification but demonstrable compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal mandates avoiding fines up to S$1M or 10% revenue.
- Mitigates breach risks, enhances governance.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables data-driven innovation.
- Supports partnerships, digital transformation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased DPMP rollout: baseline assessment, data mapping, policies, controls, training.
- Applies to all Singapore private entities; scalable for SMEs/enterprises.
- Involves audits, simulations; tools like OneTrust aid execution.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37301 | PDPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Compliance management systems (CMS) requirements | Personal data collection, use, disclosure protection |
| Industry | All sectors, global applicability | Private sector organisations, Singapore/Thailand/Taiwan |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable standard | Mandatory national legislation |
| Testing | Accredited certification audits, surveillance | Internal audits, PDPC investigations, self-assessments |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | Fines up to SGD1M/RM1M, criminal sanctions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37301 and PDPA
ISO 37301 FAQ
PDPA FAQ
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