kathamandu . In a landmark move set to reshape the digital landscape of Asia, Malaysia’s Data Protection Experts Asia Sdn Bhd (DPEX Asia) and Nepal’s top cybersecurity firm, One Cover Pvt. Ltd., have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster data privacy and cybersecurity in Nepal. This groundbreaking partnership will spearhead the development of Nepal’s first Personal Data Protection Bill, marking a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s digital legal infrastructure.
The MoU, signed by Professor Abu Bakar Munir, Chairman of DPEX Asia, and Chiranjibi Adhikari, CEO of One Cover Pvt. Ltd., is a five-year collaboration aimed at building national and regional capacity for data protection and cybersecurity governance. The agreement lays the groundwork for several key initiatives including:
Drafting of Nepal’s Personal Data Protection Bill
Enhancing cybersecurity awareness and standards
Fortifying regional data governance frameworks
Promoting digital transformation aligned with international best practices
“This collaboration is not just vital for Nepal, but it sets a precedent for how Asian countries can unite to address growing digital threats,” said Professor Abu Bakar Munir.
With DPEX Asia’s proven expertise in Personal Data Protection Regulation (PDPR) across Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Gulf region, and One Cover’s deep-rooted knowledge of Nepal’s cybersecurity and ICT policy landscape, this partnership brings a powerful blend of global experience and local insight.
“Nepal is on the verge of a digital revolution, and data privacy is its foundation,” said Chiranjibi Adhikari. “Partnering with DPEX gives us a global perspective on data protection, which is vital as Nepal prepares to introduce its first data privacy legislation.”
As cyber threats escalate alongside digital growth in Asia, the MoU—though not legally binding—represents a strong commitment to building digital resilience. It signals a broader regional shift toward harmonized privacy frameworks that reflect international standards like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
This collaboration may well serve as a blueprint for other Asian nations looking to advance their digital sovereignty and implement future-ready data governance policies.
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