Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Optimised News ("we", "us", "our") is committed to handling personal data responsibly and in accordance with Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA). This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and what your rights are in relation to it.

This policy applies to all personal data we receive through our website, programme enrolments, consultations, and communications. If you have questions about anything in this policy, please contact us at [email protected].

2. What Data We Collect

We collect only what is necessary for the purpose stated at the time of collection. This may include:

• Identity information: Full name, as provided in contact forms or enrolment forms.
• Contact information: Email address and phone number, provided by you voluntarily.
• Enquiry content: Any information you include in a message or enquiry form.
• Financial information shared in consultations: Data discussed during private consultation sessions within the Comprehensive Financial Planning programme. This data is used only for the purpose of that consultation and is not retained beyond the programme period.
• Website usage data: Browser type, pages visited, and session duration, collected via analytics cookies where you have consented.

We do not collect sensitive personal data (such as NRIC numbers, health information, or financial account details) through our website. Sensitive information discussed in private consultations is governed by confidentiality obligations, not stored digitally.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use personal data for the following purposes:

• Responding to enquiries and communicating with you about programmes
• Processing programme enrolments and managing participant records
• Conducting individual consultation sessions within applicable programmes
• Sending updates about programme schedules, materials, or relevant changes
• Improving programme content based on anonymised participant feedback
• Complying with legal obligations under Singapore law

We do not use personal data for marketing to third parties, and we do not sell or share personal data with financial institutions or commercial partners.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the PDPA, we rely on the following bases for collecting and using personal data:

• Consent: When you submit an enquiry form or agree to receive communications from us.
• Contractual necessity: When processing is required to enrol you in a programme or provide the services you've engaged.
• Legitimate interest: For operational communications related to programmes you are enrolled in.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as needed for the stated purpose or as required by law:

• Enquiry data: up to 12 months if no enrolment follows
• Programme participant records: up to 3 years from programme completion
• Financial data from private consultations: not retained digitally beyond the programme period
• Payment records: as required by Singapore's tax and accounting obligations (typically 5 years)

6. Data Protection Measures

We take reasonable steps to protect personal data against unauthorised access, disclosure, modification, or loss. Measures in place include:

• Secure data storage with access controls limited to authorised personnel
• Encrypted transmission for data submitted via our website (HTTPS)
• Strict confidentiality protocols for data discussed in individual consultations
• Regular review of data handling practices by staff responsible for data protection

In the event of a data breach that is likely to result in significant harm, we will notify the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) and affected individuals in accordance with the PDPA's mandatory breach notification requirements.

7. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to function and, with your consent, to understand how visitors use the site. We use essential cookies (required for basic functionality), analytics cookies (to understand usage patterns), and preference cookies (to remember your settings). You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via our Cookie Policy page.

8. Third-Party Services and Data Sharing

We do not sell personal data to third parties. We may share data with service providers that assist us in operating the website or delivering programmes, but only under strict data processing agreements:

• Website hosting and analytics providers
• Email communication platforms used to send programme materials

Where third-party services involve the transfer of personal data outside Singapore, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place as required by the PDPA.

9. Your Rights Under the PDPA

As a data subject under Singapore law, you have the following rights:

• Access: You may request details of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: You may request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Withdrawal of consent: You may withdraw consent at any time. Withdrawal will not affect processing carried out prior to that withdrawal.
• Data portability: Where applicable, you may request your data in a portable format.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with the PDPA.

If you have concerns about how your data has been handled, you may contact the Personal Data Protection Commission at pdpc.gov.sg.

10. Minimum Age

Our programmes are intended for adults aged 21 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from individuals under the age of 21. If you believe we have inadvertently done so, please contact us and we will remove the information promptly.

11. External Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and recommend reviewing their policies independently.

12. Policy Updates

We may update this policy periodically. The date of the most recent revision appears at the top of this page. We will notify programme participants of material changes by email where practical.

13. Contact

For any data protection enquiries:

Optimised News
80 Robinson Road, #14-02, Singapore 068898
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +65 6438 7162