In Singapore’s data-driven economy, businesses are under growing pressure to manage personal data responsibly and comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
Appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a legal requirement for all organisations that collect personal data—but maintaining an in-house DPO can be costly and inefficient for many small and medium-sized enterprises.
This is where outsourcing your DPO comes in. Beyond meeting regulatory needs, outsourcing can also bring significant financial and operational benefits to your organisation.
Entrust Network is a Singapore-based IT solutions provider specialising in managed services, cybersecurity, and data protection compliance. From cost savings to access to experienced professionals, let’s explore how outsourcing your DPO can deliver value for your business.
What Does a DPO Do?
A Data Protection Officer ensures your organisation’s personal data handling practices align with PDPA and other applicable regulations.
The DPO’s core responsibilities include:
- Advising management on data protection obligations
- Monitoring internal compliance processes
- Developing policies and training staff
- Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
- Acting as a liaison between your organisation and the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC)
While these responsibilities are critical, not all businesses require a full-time, in-house DPO to manage them. This is especially true for companies that handle limited personal data or operate in low-risk industries.
Why Outsourcing Makes Financial Sense
Reduced Overhead Costs
Hiring an in-house DPO requires a full-time salary, benefits, training, and overheads. In Singapore, the average salary for a mid-level data protection officer can be significant, particularly when CPF contributions and ongoing skills development are included.
In contrast, outsourcing allows you to pay only for what you need. Whether on a retainer or project basis, outsourcing drastically reduces fixed costs while providing the same, if not higher, levels of service.
Access to Experienced Professionals
Outsourced DPO service providers often employ a team of data protection professionals with diverse industry experience. This gives you access to a broader range of expertise at a lower cost than hiring a single in-house professional.
Moreover, outsourced DPOs are usually better equipped to keep up with regulatory changes and industry best practices. This reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes or oversights.
Minimise Risk of Non-Compliance Penalties
Non-compliance with PDPA can lead to financial penalties, reputational damage, and a loss of consumer trust. An outsourced DPO helps ensure your data protection policies and procedures are up to date, reducing the risk of fines or data breaches.
In effect, the cost of outsourcing is often significantly less than the potential cost of a compliance failure.
Scalable Support for Growing Businesses
As your business evolves, your data protection needs may change. An outsourced DPO offers flexible, scalable services that can grow with you, whether you’re expanding into new markets, launching a digital platform, or collecting new types of data.
Instead of recruiting and training new staff to keep up with these changes, you can rely on a trusted partner who already understands your business and regulatory environment.
Improved Internal Efficiency
By outsourcing your DPO function, you free up internal teams to focus on what they do best. Employees can concentrate on product development, customer service, or operational performance without being burdened by complex compliance issues.
This improves overall productivity and supports a leaner, more agile organisation.
No Need for Specialised Training
Data protection is a rapidly evolving field. Training your internal staff on the latest PDPC guidelines, technological changes, and risk mitigation strategies requires time and money.
An outsourced DPO eliminates this need entirely. Your business benefits from specialists who already possess the qualifications and stay continuously updated—at no added training cost to you.
Implementing Outsourced DPO Services
The transition to an outsourced DPO model is typically straightforward. It starts with an initial consultation to assess your current data protection practices and risks. From there, the outsourced provider can help develop a tailored compliance strategy and take over DPO duties based on an agreed service level.
At Entrust Network, our Outsourced DPO services are designed to be clear and responsive, ensuring minimal disruption to your business.
Whether you need end-to-end compliance support or targeted consultancy, we offer flexible packages that meet your needs and budget.
Who Should Consider Outsourcing?
Outsourcing your DPO is ideal for:
- SMEs that cannot justify hiring a full-time DPO
- Start-ups seeking to build a compliance culture from the ground up
- Businesses undergoing digital transformation
- Organisations that process limited personal data but still require expert compliance oversight
Reliable IT & Data Protection Solutions, Tailored for Your Business.
Outsourcing your DPO is a smart financial and strategic move in an environment where data protection is both a regulatory requirement and a trust-building opportunity.
It reduces costs, minimises risks, and gives your business access to professional expertise—all while allowing your team to stay focused on growth.
If you’re looking to strengthen your organisation’s compliance posture without inflating your overheads, outsourcing your DPO could be the answer.
Entrust Network offers comprehensive outsourced DPO services tailored to the needs of Singapore-based businesses. Contact us today to schedule a free assessment and take the next step in safeguarding your data confidently
