Spotlight on Pradraig Walsh, Partner in law firm, Tanner De Witt

Please share with us your background

My secondary school in the sunny south-east of Ireland was beside the local court. I spent a lot of time there after (and sometimes instead of) classes being entertained by the cut and thrust of the advocacy and argument. That convinced me to become a lawyer, and I have pursued that vocation and profession in Hong Kong for over 20 years. I am now a partner in the Corporate Department of the independent law firm, Tanner De Witt.

How did you get interested in data privacy/protection?

My practice focuses on businesses in the technology sector. Data is the lifeblood of those businesses. So, data protection has always been important for me. More recently, data protection has become my primary practice focus. There is more and more regulation. The issues involved are complex, international, and high risk. Senior management of our clients are increasingly aware of the importance of accountability for personal data protection. Data protection is now a key area of work for me.

What was your impression of the data privacy courses you took with Straits Interactive/DPEX Network?

I have taken courses with Straits Interactive to prepare me for the CIPP/A and CIPM certifications with IAPP. The courses were perhaps my best experience of external training in my professional career. The level of expertise was unparalleled. The materials were exceptional. (I particularly recommend the simulated exam papers.) The course delivery was well-structured, very interactive, and totally immersive.

The presenters were so pragmatic and friendly. I felt prepared not only for the exams but also for a higher standard of practice in my work. Each training course was three full days. Three days intensive training has never passed so easily! I am a big fan of Straits Interactive, and I have recommended their courses to others on a number of occasions.

How does your current role involve privacy/data protection functions?

I advise clients regularly in relation to data privacy and protection matters in my legal practice with Tanner De Witt. I chair the Know-How and Training Committee of Privacy Rules, an international network of data privacy lawyers and technical experts. I also sit on the Data Protection Substantive Law Committee of iTech Law, an international association of lawyers focused on the technology sector. Data privacy and protection is at the core of my daily work.

I am also the Data Protection Officer of Tanner De Witt. Actually, I volunteered for the role having been inspired by my training experience with Straits Interactive! So, now, I am also walking the walk.

What practical advice would you offer to those wanting to implement a data protection management programme in their organisation?

Do not underestimate the size of the task or the time needed to implement a data protection management program. Many in senior management still consider data protection to be aspirational, not practical. The journey from theory and concept to practice and process can be arduous. Steel yourself. You will need to be a consistent and persistent privacy advocate for a long time.

What advice do you have for others?

The data protection world will become even more complex and important in future. New laws and regulations are coming into force at a dizzyingly fast pace. Data must move to make money. Data protection officers need to be aware of changing standards of compliance and accountability in an increasing number of different places. There has never been a greater need for good training and support. It is worth the effort to find and work with the right people to help you.

Email interview by Leong Wai Chong

The opinions expressed here are the interviewee’s personal views and do not represent the official position of organisation the interviewee works for.