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The new digital age has completely transformed society. It has revolutionised communication and access to information and is helping industries like entertainment, education, and healthcare progress rapidly.
But while new technologies are empowering digital transformation, they have also created new challenges. Industries now struggle with issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, data breaches, and similar threats. These threats are like mutating viruses, making mitigation efforts a daunting and open challenge for many industries.
The education sector is one such industry. Schools hold a vast amount of personal information and rely a lot on technology for various activities like online classes, grading systems, administrative processes, and more. All of this makes the industry an easy target. According to K12 Security Information Exchange, a nonprofit focused on helping the sector prevent such assaults, there were 1,619 publicly disclosed cyberattacks on schools between 2016 and 2022. A survey conducted by cybersecurity company Sophos reported that 80% of school IT professionals reported a ransomware attack in 2023.
Such risks can endanger students, staff, and families. Schools must strengthen their data protection and privacy and implement preventive measures and protocols.
A leading example in data protection is the International French School in Singapore (IFS), which recently made history as the first international school in the country to be awarded the prestigious Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) Certification from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), a statutory board in the Singapore government.
The DPTM certification sets a new standard for international schools in Singapore. It is a voluntary, enterprise-wide certification developed by the IMDA and the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), adapted from Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) with elements of international benchmarks and best practices. DPTM-certified organisations not only have to demonstrate good practices, but have an effective system to monitor, detect, and manage future threats.
“I would like to congratulate IFS for becoming the first international school in Singapore to obtain the DPTM certification, demonstrating their commitment to building trust with their students,staff, and the wider community,” says Denise Wong, Assistant Chief Executive, Data Innovation and Protection Group (DIPG), IMDA. “The DPTM certification recognises organisations that implement robust data protection practices to safeguard personal data and is a mark of excellence for organisations that are committed to enhancing privacy and security.”
Achieving the DPTM is no easy feat. The assessment process is rigorous and includes establishing clear data protection policies, responsible data management, implementing robust security measures, and creating a data protection culture through regular staff training. IFS meticulously reviewed existing practices, identified areas for improvement, and implemented enhanced policies and security measures.
“We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the DPTM Certification, reflecting our commitment to safeguarding personal data,” says David Binan, Principal of IFS . “This achievement showcases the dedication of our entire team to uphold the highest standards of privacy and security.”
IFS in Singapore is considered one of the top French international schools in Asia and the world. Source: International French School
Always planning ahead, the school remains committed to enhancing its data protection practices. To further secure its digital platforms, the school plans to implement advanced data encryption technologies and enhanced access controls. Staff and students will receive regular data protection training sessions to ensure they remain well-versed in the latest privacy protocols.
“The DPTM is a significant milestone for our school, and as a parent representative, it greatly enhances our confidence in how personal data is managed and protected,” says Ludovic Mathe, President of the Executive Committee at IFS. “This certification assures us that IFS is committed to academic excellence and maintaining the highest standards of data security. We, as parents, can rest assured that our children’s personal information is in safe hands, and we fully support the school’s ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of data protection.”
As it celebrates this achievement, IFS is dedicated to setting the new standard for Singapore’s education industry. The school’s ambitious benchmarks make it a model for responsible data stewardship. Paired with its reputation as a leader in education excellence, this cements it as a trusted institution for learning and growth.
IFS has a rich history, spanning over 50 years of preparing young minds for university and beyond. The school offers a unique bilingual French-English education to students aged two to 18 in a dynamic environment, encouraging them to thrive academically, socially and personally. Many expatriate families in Singapore choose IFS for its well-rounded education and multicultural, international experience.
Its accredited French education system is known to be one of the best in the world. Students benefit from high academic standards and a structured approach to learning, while practising values such as tolerance, equality, opportunity, and intellectual curiosity. These skills translate into future careers and better lives.
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