Partners

David N. Alfred

Director, Corporate & Finance
Co-Head, Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity
Co-Head and Programme Director, Drew Data Protection & Cybersecurity Academy

Key Practices

Qualifications

  • MBA (University of Chicago); LLM, LLB (National University of Singapore); BSc (Hons) Computer Science (University of London)
  • Advocate and Solicitor (Singapore); Solicitor (England and Wales) (non-practising)
  • Fellow of Information Privacy, CIPP/A, CIPM, CIPT (IAPP)
  • Senior Accredited Specialist in Data & Digital Economy Law (Singapore Academy of Law)
  • Associate Adult Educator; DDDLP, ACLP (WSQ)

David is Director and Co-Head of Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity at Drew & Napier and Co-Head and Programme Director of the Drew Data Protection & Cybersecurity Academy. His main practice areas also include Artificial Intelligence and Digital Trust, ASEAN and Global Data Protection Law, and Data Breach Management and Response.

David has over 25 years’ experience advising on legal, public policy and business-related aspects of the digital economy, digital technology, telecommunications and the Internet. He has particular expertise in data law and policy including areas such as data privacy, data protection management, cybersecurity, AI ethics, data governance and digital and cyber regulation. He presently acts as the Data Protection Officer of various organisations including Drew & Napier itself..

As a qualified adult educator, David has developed and conducted a wide range of courses for clients in Singapore and overseas. He often speaks on topics related to his areas of practice and has taught courses up to postgraduate level at local tertiary institutions.

David was previously the first Chief Counsel to Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission (from 2013 to 2020). He has held director-level roles with the Infocomm Media Development Authority and its predecessor, the Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore, where he advised on matters related to international telecommunications, world trade law and government procurement (amongst others).

David has extensive experience advising clients in diverse sectors including, for example, telecommunications, information technology, media, banking, insurance, healthcare, hospitality, retail manufacturing, and government.

Some matters he has advised on include the following:

  • Development of data protection laws in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, stakeholder engagement and competency development;
  • Cybersecurity incident response and data breach management and response including notifications to stakeholders and investigations (locally and overseas);
  • Outsourcing of data processing and cross-border transfers of personal data, data transfer agreements and transfer impact assessments;
  • Development of data protection policies, notices and related documentation including regional and global policies; and
  • Contracts for procuring or providing AI and data-related products and services.

Chambers Asia-Pacific 

TMT 2026 – Band 4 for 2 consecutive years

  • “His strength lies in his deep understanding of the regulatory processes. He also provides strong support on contentious matters.”
  • “I think very highly of David, he knows his stuff very well.”

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

Data Protection and Cyber Security 2026 – Leading Individual for 3 consecutive years

TMT 2025 – Recommended Lawyer for 5 consecutive years

  • “David Alfred … has in-depth understanding of data protection laws in Singapore and ASEAN. His ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and his deep understanding of our industry's nuances have consistently impressed me.”
  • “critical thinking, solid drafting and excellent legal strategy”
  • “David Alfred possesses a deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of data protection and can be relied on to provide sound advice and practical guidance at each stage of the matter.”

Lexology 100: Data (previously the GDR 100) 

GDR 100 2022 

  • “quickly analyse complex issues and provide robust analysis on compliance processes”

asialaw Leading Lawyers 2025 

Technology & Telecommunications 2025 – Elite Practitioner  

  • "Incisive regulatory advice, cuts to the heart of legal issues and solid legal recommendations."
  • “He is very knowledgeable, prompt, able to offer solutions, understands business concerns, practical, and has a good network with regulators.”

Lexology Index (previously Who’s Who Legal) 

Global Guide: Data 2026 – Data Privacy & Protection – Recommended Individual for 2 consecutive years

Global Guide: Data 2025 – Data Security – Highly Recommended Individual; previously Recommended Lawyer

Client Choice 2026: Data

National Guide: Southeast Asia – Data 2025 – Recommended Lawyer

Best Lawyers International: Singapore

Privacy and Data Security Law 2026 – Endorsed Individual for 2 consecutive years
Telecommunications Law 2026 – Endorsed Individual for 3 consecutive years

  • Singapore Academy of Law
  • Law Society of Singapore
  • Law Society of England and Wales
  • International Association of Privacy Professionals
  • Adult Education Network
  • David N. Alfred, Development of Singapore Data Protection Law: International Influences and Local Needs [2017] PDP Digest 241
  • David N. Alfred & Lanx Goh, Cross-border Issues in Data Protection (Chapter) in Data Protection Law in Singapore, 2nd (Singapore Academy of Law, 2018)
  • Regulatory Developments in AI, Decentralised Technologies, Data Protection and Cybersecurity in the Asia-Pacific in World Legal Summit (WLS) Special Edition e-zine (co-author 2020)
  • David N. Alfred and Janice Lee, Individual Rights under the Amended Personal Data Protection Act: Balancing Individual Control and Organisational Accountability [2021] PDP Digest 205
  • Lim Chong Kin, David N. Alfred & Albert Pichlmaier, Chambers Global Practice Guide – Singapore: Cybersecurity (2021 – 2025)
  • Lim Chong Kin, David N. Alfred & Albert Pichlmaier, International Comparative Legal Guide – Singapore: Cybersecurity Laws & Regulations (2021 – 2025)
  • Lim Chong Kin, David N. Alfred & Albert Pichlmaier, International Comparative Legal Guide – Singapore: Cybersecurity Laws & Regulations: Expert Analysis Generative AI & Cyber Risk (2025)