The International French School (IFS) (Singapore) recently became the first international school to receive the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) certification awarded by the Infocomm Media Development Authority. The school tells us how this highlights their commitment to high standards of personal data protection for students and families.
Better data privacy
Schools are reservoirs of a huge amount of information about students, from exam grades to parents’ details. IFS (Singapore) says receiving the DPTM certification from IMDA demonstrates that the school’s data protection policies and handling of personal data are robust. With the DPTM certification, families can feel comfortable in the knowledge that all that data is private and safe with the school.
The school says says that the entire process, from application to achievement of the certification, took approximately one and a half years. It was a thorough and comprehensive process that began with an initial gap analysis to assess the school’s current data protection practices.
From there, enhanced security measures were implemented, extensive staff training undertaken, and internal audits performed. IFS (Singapore) worked with an accredited third-party assessor to ensure that each stage met the stringent criteria set by IMDA.
A word from Gaelle Leroux, Legal Manager & Data Protection Officer at IFS (Singapore)
We’re proud to be the first international school in Singapore to receive the DPTM certification. Relatively few schools, whether public or private, have done so. We hope this will inspire other schools to prioritise data security and privacy for the benefit of their communities.
Reinforcing school’s commitment to personal data protection
Achieving the certification reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding the personal data of our students, staff and families. It validates the robust data protection policies we have in place, showing that we meet and exceed the highest data governance standards.
Additionally, it reflects our proactive approach to safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders. This strengthens our reputation with external partners, positioning IFS as a responsible and forward-thinking institution.
We have always maintained strong privacy protocols, including advanced security systems, encrypted data storage and strict access controls. The certification process helped us to stay ahead of emerging data protection challenges.
The certification ensures the highest level of security in different ways for our community.
What DPTM means for students, parents and staff of IFS (Singapore)
For our students, it’s a safer, more secure digital environment. Whether it’s the personal information they share with IFS (Singapore) or the data they access for their studies, they can be confident that their privacy is fully protected. We’re also embedding more privacy-conscious practices in our educational programmes by teaching students about the importance of data protection in the digital world, which is an essential life skill.
For parents, it’s a reassurance that their children’s personal information is handled with the highest level of security and care. This reinforces the trust they place in us in protecting their data.
For staff, it equips them with the necessary training and resources to manage data responsibly.
The certification fosters a culture of accountability and vigilance, ensuring that data protection remains a priority in every aspect of school life.
International French School (Singapore) is at 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.
6805 0000 | ifs.edu.sg
This article on IFS Singapore first appeared in the November 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Read on for more about the school’s renewable energy efforts. And we also have some great outdoor indoor playgrounds in Singapore. To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
