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DEPA International Centre

An independent think tank on digital market, technology innovation and emerging digital opportunities among countries such as Chile, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea or interest parties including but not limited to Australia, ASEAN, Canada, China, Eastern European countries, Peru embracing digitalisation and transformation in their cross border trades

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ABOUT DEPA
ABOUT DEPA Depa Contents
ABOUT DEPA Gains momentum

ABOUT DEPA

The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA)

Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) is a ground-breaking and innovative initiative to conclude a digital-only trade agreement, which aims to establish digital trade rules and digital economy collaborations.

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In January 2021，DEPA came into effect. DEPA represents a new type of trade agreement to facilitate digital trade and creating a framework for the digital economy, was born out of the common interest of Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. In early June 2023, DEPA welcomed Korea as its new member.

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DEPA is not only revolutionary but forward looking as live and evolving agreements inclusive of the countries that would like to embrace digital economy and cross border digital collaboration. The agreement empowers SMEs by levelling the playing ground in cross border trade through technologies and digitalisation efforts.   DEPA will prepare the member countries to collaborate and cater for new development empowered by digital trade and technological innovation globally.   DEPA looks into new emerging areas that may not have been covered by the traditional Free Trade Agreements, such as RCEP, CPTPP or the old TPP.   DEPA enriches the content for all the Free Trade Agreement especially on the tremendous digital growth possibilities at post Covid stage. 

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DEPA provides member countries the opportunity to focus on emerging technologies for the benefits of human and economic progress, including but limited to Artificial Intelligence, trusted data flow, end-to-end digital trade, online security, digital identity.  DEPA complements the Free Trade Agreements and provides borderless business opportunities. 

Summary of DEPA Contents

1. Business and Trade Facilitation

  • Paperless Trading

  • Domestic Electronic Transactions Framework

  • Logistics

  • Electronic Invoicing

  • Express Shipments

  • Electronic Payments

 

2.  Treatment of Digital Products and Related Issues

  • Customs Duties

  • Non-Discriminatory Treatment of Digital Products

  • Information and Communication Technology Products that Use Cryptography

 

3. Data Issues

  • Personal Information Protection

  • Cross-Border Transfer of Information by Electronic Means

  • Location of Computing Facilities

 

4. Wider Trust Environment

  • Cybersecurity Cooperation

  • Online Safety and Security

 

5. Business and Consumer Trust

  • Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages

  • Online Consumer Protection

  • Principles on Access to and Use of the Internet

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6. Digital Identities

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7. Emerging Trends and Technologies

  • Financial Technology Cooperation

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Government Procurement

  • Cooperation on Competition Policy

 

8. Innovation and Digital Economy

  • The importance of technological innovation, creativity, and the transfer and dissemination of technology

  • Public Domain

  • Data Innovation

  • Open Government Data

 

9. Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperation

  • Cooperation to enhance trade and investment opportunities for SMEs in the Digital Economy

  • Information sharing

  • Digital SME Dialogue

 

10. Digital Inclusion

 

11. Transparency

 

12. Dispute Resolution

For full content of the agreement, refer to The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) (mti.gov.sg)

DEPA is gaining momentum

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Source:  www.mti.gov.sg

DEPA came in effect in 2010, born out of common interest from Singapore, Chile and New Zealand. DEPA signifies a new form of economic engagement at a time when many business activities have gone online. Singapore also signed a digital economy agreement (DEA) with Australia through Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement (DADEA) and this has been in force since December 2020.

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Singapore and United Kingdom signed the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (UKSDEA) in August 2022 and the agreement entered into force in June 2022.  According to Singapore MTI’s announcement, “UKSDEA includes binding disciplines on cornerstones of the digital economy, such as data, as well as cooperative elements in a wide range of emerging and innovative areas such as Artificial Intelligence, fintech and regtech, digital identities and legal technology.

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South Korea requested to participate on September 13, 2021 and was accepted in June 2023. China requested to participate on October 31, 2021 and its formal accession process began on August 18, 2022.

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More countries are interested in DEPA, including Eastern Europe, Canada and Peru.  With the global digitisation efforts, it is believed that DEPA will gain momentum that will further propel the digital economy. 

Source: www.mti.gov.sg/Trade/Digital-Economy-Agreements/UKSDEA

DEPA's Coverage

Importance of DEPA

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Source:  asiapacific.ca

  • The first ever digital only trade agreement;

 

  • Prepare the future growth of digital economy including standards, adoption and cross border deployment with support of latest technologies;

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  • Address issues and harmonise standards in anticipation of the growth of digital economy, technologies and data;

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  • Promote digital trade among member countries;

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  • Help the global economic supply chain to reorganise digitally;

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  • DEPA is inclusive, for countries and SMEs;

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  • Cover new areas out of existing FTAs, complementary to the important agreements such as CPTPP, RCEP.

ABOUT DEPA Coverage
ABOUT DEPA: Importance
Worker with Ladder
ABOUT DEPA IC
Vision and Mission

ABOUT DEPA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

The DEPA International Centre is the Singapore-based DEPA centric independent think tank.  The Centre provides ecosystem for digital market, technology innovation and emerging digital opportunities among countries such as Chile, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and South Korea or interestsed countries including but not limited to China, ASEAN, Canada, Peru and Eastern European countries embracing digitalisation and transformation in their cross-border trades.

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DEPA IC and its global digital ecosystem aims to serve the TARGET audience. TARGET stands for Technology enabled Academia, Researchers, Government, Entrepreneurs and Businesses as well as Talents. 

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DEPA IC set up DEPA Linkhubs globally to enhance the global digital connectivity. The Centre in Singapore leverages Singapore’s global hub status as headquarter to connect seamlessly with the DEPA International Link.

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VISION

DEPA International Centre (DEPAIC) aspires to be the best global digital connectivity linkhub with integrated global ecosystem.

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MISSION

DEPA IC Global connectivity that connects, coordinates and constructs TARGET Digital Ecosystem to:

  • Promote the global digital progress and exchange (including talent exchange);

  • Enhance the digital supply chain, digital trade and business digital collaboration among global industries;

  • Increase the robustness of the global digital TARGET ecosystem;

  • Harmonise the international standards to encourage growth of digital economy;

  • Establish and sustain technology, research and trade ecosystem globally and digitally;

  • Help the member countries to leverage fully on the DEPA’s framework.

The Centre will provide sustainable services to international companies, industrial parks, universities, research institutes, Think Tanks and Governments in the member countries.

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DEPA LINKHUBS

DEPA International Centre (DEPA IC) has established strategic DEPA linkhubs in countries that will strategically integrate and connect with network and ecosystem among the member countries and countries with common interests. The DEPA linkhubs will further tighten the collaboration among the TARGET ecosystem.  TARGET stands for Technology enabled Academia, Researchers, Government, Entrepreneurs and Businesses as well as Talents. 

 

DEPA Linkhubs are established in Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, China (Beijing, Chongqing) 

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The Linkhubs integrate the essential global digital network of businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, industries, technologies, digital channels and digital industries’ expertise for businesses to leverage and scale. 

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Casual Business Meeting
Target Audiences

Target Audiences and Programmes

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The Business Leaders and Owners 

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For our business leaders who own your business and are our members, DEPA International Centre would like to invite you to leverage DEPA for your business expansion, diversification, digitalisation and new market growth, DEPA International Centre and our DEPA linkhubs overseas have wide ranging programmes that aims to help you understand DEPA framework more, expand your business horizon and get connected to like-minded overseas business leaders armed with opportunities.Some of the programmes you may want to consider include:

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  • Qualifications Enhancement Programmes

    • Access to online learning system and courses with issuance of certificates in completion of DEPA related short courses curated by experts for Business Leaders who wish to gain knowledge on strategic elements of the digital economy .

    • Graduates of these courses shall be part of the DEPA IC Alumni providing them deeper access into the DEPA IC ecosystem.

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  • DEPA Webinars

    • - Decoding DEPA Framework, Policies and Implication

    • - DEPA Challenges, Potential and Possibilities

    • - DEPA in Trade Facilitation and Investment

    • - Decoding DEPA for different regions

    • - DEPA for different industries

    • - DEPA’s Opportunities and Challenges

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  • DEPA Industry and Digital Leaders’ Roundtable

    • Medical and Biomedical + Digital

    • Green Sustainability + Digital

    • Education, Finance and Trade  + Digital

    • DEPA Possibilities: Blockchain, AI, Quantum Computing, Digital Identities and Data + Industries

    • Touching on DEPA’s sensitivities: Legal, Digital Future,  and Data

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  • DEPA Leaders Conferences and Exchanges

    • Industry specific Conference and Exchanges (such as Healthtech Conferences)

    • DEPA Linkhubs Annual Conference 

    • Emerging DEPA Trends 

 

  • DEPA Leaders’ Acceleration Camp (Overseas Immersion for Entrepreneurial leaders) 

    • Preparatory course and companies’ assessment

    • Companies’ visit to DEPA countries

    • Projects and companies’ market/technology access

    • Preparation on the CPTPP extension (Optional)

    • Digital Leaders’ Clinic (Individual)

 

  • Bridging Exchange and Matching

    • Government, industry leaders, technology/digital leaders, scientists, association

    • Ecosystem Matching

 

  • Talents’ Corner

    • Recruitment, training, pitching, job attachments, conversion, 

 

  • DEPA Leaders’ Club (Government leaders, industry, business and digital leaders)

    • DEPA LEAP Programme (Multiple Modules Training in, Cross Border Data, Digital Assets overseas, Emerging Technologies, Legal practices, Raising fund & IPO, Interpretation with a difference plus clinic and cross border projects )

    • Others:  Digital marketing network, Creating and Managing Digital Assets, Blockchain, Digital law Discussion and Think Tank, DEPA Projects, Funding and Investment, Cultural Market Access.) , latest news.

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The Entrepreneurs

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For our entrepreneurs who have your own ventures and are our members, DEPA International Centre would like to invite you to leverage DEPA for your business expansion, outreach to investors, acceleration, diversification, digital collaboration and new market growth, DEPA International Centre and our DEPA linkhubs overseas have wide ranging programmes that aims to help you understand DEPA framework more, expand your business horizon and get connected to potential customers, investors or partners.  Some of the programmes you may want to consider include:

 

  • Qualifications and Education

    • Access to online learning system and courses with issuance of certificates in completion of DEPA related short courses curated by experts for Managers and Professionals who wish to develop their skillsets in the digital economy .

    • Graduates of these courses shall be part of the DEPA IC Alumni providing them deeper access into the DEPA IC ecosystem.

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  • DEPA Webinars for Entrepreneurs

    • Decoding DEPA Framework, Challenges, Potential and Possibilities

    • DEPA Innovation, standard and data  

    • DEPA’s Opportunities and Challenges for Entrepreneurial leaders

    • Leveraging DEPA for Next Stage of Digital Economy

 

  • Fireside Chat

    • With Unicorns on DEPA

    • With Investors

    • With Accelerators

    • With Government on DEPA

 

  • Global Entrepreneurs and Second Generation Club

    • DEPA Ready Incubation and Venture Building Programme

 

  • Entrepreneurs’ Pitching Corner for Investors

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  • Global Talents for Entrepreneurs

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  • Entrepreneurs for DEPA emerging technologies (with regional Scientists, Enterprises, Researchers and Businesses)

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  • Entrepreneurs DEPA Mentorship and Immersion Programme

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The Management Team

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For our management who have your own business needs and are our members, DEPA International Centre would like to invite you to leverage DEPA for your business expansion, diversification, digitalisation and new market growth, DEPA International Centre and our DEPA linkhubs overseas have wide ranging programmes that aims to help you understand DEPA framework more, expand your business horizon and get connected to potential customers or partners.Some of the programmes you may want to consider include:

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  • Qualifications and Education

    • Access to online learning system and courses with issuance of certificates in completion of DEPA related short courses curated by experts for Managers and Professionals who wish to develop their skillsets in the digital economy .

    • Graduates of these courses shall be part of the DEPA IC Alumni providing them deeper access into the DEPA IC ecosystem.

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  • DEPA New World Webinars

    • Leading with foresight in DEPA New World

    • Leveraging DEPA for Next Phase of Growth

    • Navigating the delicate path of digital trust, data and trade

 

  • DEPA Management Bootcamp

    • DEPA Management Immersion Trip

    • Followed by Workshops on DEPA  and Management Exchange

 

  • Digital Talent Selection Corner

    • Talent and digitalisation training

    • Talent pitching and management recruitment corner      

    • Management to Digital Talent Conversion Programme

    • Management DEPA Executive Coaching

 

  • Digital Management Club

    • Management Digital Project Collaboration Corner

    • Digital Assets and Investment

    • Into the Emerging Technologies

    • DEPA Management Roundtables

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The Professional Specialists

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For our professional specialists who have your own professional expertise and are our members, DEPA International Centre would like to invite you to leverage DEPA for your overseas exposure, market and digital access, knowledge enrichment, business expansion, and new market growth, DEPA International Centre and our DEPA linkhubs overseas have wide ranging programmes that aims to help you understand DEPA framework more, expand your business horizon and get connected to potential customers, network or partners.Some of the programmes you may want to consider include:

 

  • Qualifications and Education

    • Access to online learning system and courses with issuance of certificates in completion of DEPA related short courses curated by experts for Managers and Professionals who wish to develop their skillsets in the digital economy .

    • Graduates of these courses shall be part of the DEPA IC Alumni providing them deeper access into the DEPA IC ecosystem.

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  • DEPA Webinars

    • Decoding DEPA for Professional Specialists

    • Equipping for DEPA and Digital Economic Possibilities

    • Leverage DEPA for Internationalisation, investment and transformation

 

  • DEPA-Future Ready

    • Fireside Chat with DEPA Specialists and Digital Leaders

    • Mentoring, Coaching, Workshops and Exchanges

    • Workshops for DEPA-Prepared

    • Cultural Ready for DEPA Market Potential

    • DEPA Immersion

    • Professional Specialists Conversion Programme to Digital Professionals and DEPA ambassadors

 

  • DEPA Linkhubs Conference

    • Same as the event stated in the business leaders Item one with spilt tracks for the targets

 

  • Professional Specialists’  DEPA Bootcamp

 

  • DEPA Roundtable Discussion

    • Based on Industries

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The Students and Youths

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For our youths who have your own aspiration and are our members, DEPA International Centre would like to invite you to leverage DEPA for your exposure, knowledge, practical experience and precious network, DEPA International Centre and our DEPA linkhubs overseas have wide ranging programmes that aims to help you understand DEPA framework more, advance preparation for future, expand your horizon and get connected to potential local and overseas career development and knowledge enrichment opportunities especially at the digital future.Some of the programmes you may want to consider include:

 

  • Digital Youth Bootcamp (with Universities and Polytechnics)

  • DEPA Entrepreneurial Venture and Acceleration

  • Future Digital Talents

  • Digital Talents’ Pitching Corner

  • Digital Internship, apprenticeship and attachment

  • Students/Youth Digital Conversion Programme (including Cultural Programmes)

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DEPA IC MEMBESHIP

DEPA IC MEMBERSHIP AND ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP

DEPA International Centre membership is open to interested corporates, institutions or individuals who would like to leverage DEPA International Centre and its DEPA Linkhubs’ resources for market and digital growth.  For interested parties, please email to membership@depacentre.org with the following information.

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DEPA IC MEMBERSHIP

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  1. Company Name

  2. Contact Person / Job Title / Whatsapp or WeChat

  3. Industry/s

  4. Market Focus (eg. Singapore, China)

  5. Area of Focus (eg. Trade Financing, Digital Transformation, Fintech)

  6. Area of Contribution (eg. Panel Speaking, Publications)

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If you are a Business Leader, Entrepreneur, Management Team, Professional Specialist, Youth or Student, our team and the respective Linkhubs shall process enquiries and applications in consultation with our panel experts to assist your journey in building the DEPA Ecosystem together.   

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DEPA ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP 

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DEPA International Centre and its DEPA Linkhubs have reliable network of pre-qualified ecosystem Partners who are able to give the best breed of services to our member customers.

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The list of services that the Centre can integrate and customise for you includes but not limited to:

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MEMBERSHIP AND ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP ENTITLEMENTS

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Creatives Discussing Project
CORE TEAM

OUR PEOPLE

Key Board Members

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Alice Chan

VICE-CHAIRWOMAN

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Goh Seh Harn

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Anthony Koh

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ms Chan has 30 years of experience in Singapore, Greater China, APAC and Middle East markets. She was the Director of Business China tasked to lead the FutureChina and Go East teams.

 

Ms Chan worked for the Singapore Government agency International Enterprise (IE) Singapore as the Divisional Director (China Group) since 2014. She led teams in Singapore and China on regional projects as well as sectorial initiatives related to Digital Economy, technology collaboration and industry innovation. Ms Chan has worked in both public and private sectors. She holds a Master of Business Administration and is currently the Executive Committee of the Enterprise Singapore Society.

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As the Vice-Chairwoman, Ms Chan oversees the Executive Committee on all businesses related to the DEPA International Centre.

Mr Goh has over 20 years of experience in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and China.

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He has been involved in projects over US$5b. His broad experiences in business ranges from fund management, investment management, asset management, project management, to development management. Mr Goh had been engaged for professional roles as an Expert Witness in the Supreme Court of NSW Australia. He maintains his chartered surveyor status and operates a licensed fund management company. 

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As a Non-Executive director, Mr Goh advises the board on business demands in the ASEAN market as well as market access and business transformations.

Mr Koh brings with him over 20 years of experience in the emerging technology business. As an entrepreneur and venture capital investor, Mr Koh is familiar with the challenges faced by startups and the critical success factors that enable them to scale.

 

Mr Koh was involved in the internet startup during the dotcom era and he co-founded a regional financial technology company MC Payment which had obtained 4 payments licenses in the region. It was also the second company to receive the Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Under his leadership, MC Payment became the first digital payment company to be listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX).

 

Mr Koh had multiple achievements during his leadership at MC Payment, notably one of the coveted awards received was for Best Mobile Payment Implementation at the 3rd Annual Smart Awards Asia. Mr Koh was a key speaker in Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Startup conference in Seoul 2012. He is also a founding board member of the Singapore Digital Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Blockchain Asia (ABA).

Panel of Advisors

The panel of experts supporting the DEPA International Centre comprises a diverse group of distinguished individuals from various countries with expertise in policy, academia, and industry experience. Their collective knowledge and experience help shape and guide the discussions on the implementation and development of DEPA International Centre. Here is a description of the key members of the panel:

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  1. Policy Experts: These individuals have a deep understanding of digital policy frameworks, international trade, and economic regulations. They bring expertise in shaping policies that foster a conducive environment for digital economic growth, innovation, and cross-border data flows. Policy experts analyze the implications of DEPA and provide recommendations to ensure it aligns with the goals of participating nations.

  2. Academic Experts: Academics specializing in digital economics, international law, and technology provide valuable insights into the agreement's potential impact. They conduct research, analyze economic data, and assess the long-term effects of DEPA on various sectors. Academic experts bring a rigorous and evidence-based approach to inform decision-making and policy formulation.

  3. Industry Representatives: Industry experts, including representatives from technology companies, startups, and other relevant sectors, contribute their practical knowledge and experience. They offer insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the private sector in the digital economy. These experts understand the needs of businesses, emerging technologies, and market dynamics, ensuring that DEPA addresses industry concerns and fosters innovation.

  4. Legal and Regulatory Specialists: These experts specialize in international law, intellectual property, privacy, and cybersecurity. They help ensure that DEPA complies with legal frameworks, respects individual rights, and safeguards data privacy and security. Legal and regulatory specialists play a crucial role in addressing any legal complexities that arise during the implementation of the agreement.​

  5. Economists and Data Analysts: Economists and data analysts provide a quantitative perspective on the digital economy. They assess the economic impact, trade flows, and market dynamics resulting from DEPA. By analyzing data and conducting economic modeling, they contribute to evidence-based decision-making and help optimize the agreement's benefits.

  6. Stakeholder Engagement Experts: These experts focus on engaging and involving various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, consumer groups, and marginalized communities. They ensure that the perspectives of different groups are considered, promoting inclusivity and equitable outcomes in the digital economy.

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The panel of experts works collaboratively, combining their diverse expertise to provide comprehensive coverage and ensure the DEPA International Centre's successful implementation. They participate in think tanks, panel discussions and publishing to provide policy opinions, project reviews, execution matters and support the ongoing evaluation and refinement of DEPA International Centre Initiatives as the digital landscape continues to evolve.

 

Please contact advisors@depacentre.org for enquiries.

CONTACT

CONTACT US

16 Raffles Quay #41-01 Singapore 048581

hello@depacentre.org

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