Kathmandu . In a landmark move to bolster data privacy and cybersecurity frameworks in the Asian region, Singapore-based Data Protection Experts Asia Sdn Bhd (DPEX Asia) and Nepal’s leading cybersecurity firm, One Cover Pvt. Ltd., have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at drafting Nepal’s much-anticipated Personal Data Protection Bill.

The MoU was signed in Kathmandu on Monday (April 21) by Professor Abu Bakar Munir, Chairman of DPEX Asia and a globally respected authority on data protection laws, and Chiranjibi Adhikari, CEO of One Cover Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering figure in Nepal’s digital security domain. This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in aligning Nepal’s digital legislation with international privacy standards, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Cross-Border Privacy Rules (APEC CPBR).

The five-year agreement sets the stage for long-term cooperation in developing Nepal’s legal framework for personal data protection, advancing cybersecurity awareness, and promoting best practices in digital governance. It also signals a broader ambition to support similar initiatives in other Asian countries, responding to the urgent need for regulatory resilience in the face of growing digital threats.

As Nepal continues its digital transformation, the absence of a comprehensive data protection law has raised concerns about privacy breaches and the misuse of personal information. The partnership between DPEX Asia and One Cover is expected to play a critical role in shaping legislation that is not only tailored to Nepal’s socio-political context but also meets international compliance standards.

“This collaboration is timely and essential,” said Chiranjibi Adhikari, CEO of One Cover. “Partnering with DPEX gives us a global perspective on data protection, which is vital as Nepal prepares to introduce its first data privacy legislation”.

Though the MoU is not legally binding, it signifies a strong commitment from both parties to collaborate on shared objectives—chief among them being the fortification of digital infrastructure in Nepal and, by extension, across the Asian region.

DPEX Asia brings two decades of experience in regulatory compliance, privacy training, and cybersecurity consulting, with operations spanning across Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. One Cover Pvt Ltd, founded in 2018, has worked with key national institutions including Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal Telecom, and the Ministry of Finance, and partners with global firms such as IBM USA.