As Co-Founder and CEO of Straits Interactive, Kevin Shepherdson is a leading voice in data protection and AI governance in Asia. With 15+ years of experience and a strong track record in privacy management, Kevin has helped shape Singapore’s position as a regional hub for digital trust, innovation, and regulatory excellence.
In this SG60 Showcase interview, Kevin shares how his work bridges data privacy, AI governance, and skills transformation. From developing national AI literacy to scaling compliance across sectors, Kevin’s impact is both technical and visionary.
Highlights
Advancing Singapore’s Digital Trust Infrastructure
Q: Describe a specific initiative or program you’ve led that has contributed to Singapore’s development in the past 5 years.
A: Since founding Straits Interactive in 2013, I’ve focused on positioning Singapore as the region’s benchmark for data governance and privacy. A major milestone was publishing “99 Privacy Breaches to Beware of,” which has become an essential reference across sectors. We’ve trained thousands and delivered frameworks for data protection that empower businesses to handle cross-border data confidently.
We also launched over 30 advanced certificate and diploma programs at SMU, which address urgent talent needs in data protection and AI governance. Most recently, I initiated the National AI Prompt Design Challenge to democratize generative AI and encourage responsible use among non-technical professionals. Our goal: to make Singapore a global leader in ethical AI.
Q: What unique perspective or expertise do you bring that is particularly relevant to Singapore’s next chapter of growth?
A: I work at the intersection of data privacy, AI governance, and real-world applications. While many tech advancements target coders, my focus is on enabling the 80%—the non-tech professionals—to use generative AI productively and safely. My Capability-as-a-Service model is designed for SMEs and large enterprises alike.
I’m also a doctoral candidate researching AI governance, and my work experience spans top firms like Oracle and Creative. With this background, I help organizations bridge policy, regulation, and practical adoption, which is key to Singapore’s continued leadership in the digital economy.
Q: How many Singaporean professionals have you trained or influenced through your work?
A: Over 10,000 professionals in Singapore alone through workshops, consulting, and public speaking. We’ve worked with sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government.
Championing Practical AI and Compliance Excellence
Q: What sets you apart from other speakers or trainers in your field?
A: I combine technical knowledge with operational expertise. I’ve built and implemented privacy frameworks in real-world environments. That gives me the credibility and practicality many trainers lack. I’m also at the forefront of AI governance, which adds a forward-looking dimension to my training.
Q: How do you stay current with industry trends and continuously improve your craft?
A: I’m constantly learning through my doctoral research, my role in IAPP, and ongoing dialogue with global peers. I speak at conferences, write thought pieces, and engage in regulatory consultations. Being hands-on with Capabara, our AI platform, keeps me rooted in tech, while advising policymakers keeps me strategic.
A Leader Building Singapore’s Digital Trust Future
Kevin Shepherdson is building more than privacy programs—he’s building the digital trust layer of Singapore’s future economy. His vision of inclusive, responsible AI and his strategic leadership in privacy make him a standout figure in Asia’s tech transformation.
Highlights
This article is part of the SG60 Showcase series—highlighting voices and visionaries building Singapore’s future. Stay tuned for more.
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
