Dr. Nazri is a highly respected Professor in data protection, renowned for his significant contributions to Malaysia’s evolving data protection landscape. His expertise and strategic vision were formally recognized in 2022 with his appointment as Special Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Digital. In this role, he has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s data protection strategies to address emerging challenges effectively. Dr Nazri’s distinguished career began with his tenure as Director General of the Department of Personal Data Protection, where he brought key improvements to the department’s structure, vision, and internal capabilities. His impact was further amplified during his tenure as Commissioner of Personal Data Protection Malaysia, where he led substantial advancements in enforcement measures, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in Malaysia’s data protection framework. As a former Personal Data Protection Commissioner of Malaysia, Dr. Nazri played a pivotal role in initiating the long-overdue amendment of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) after over a decade of stagnation. Recognizing the necessity of aligning the Act with advancements in digital technology and the growing importance of personal data protection, he led efforts to modernize its provisions. He was spearheading the development of comprehensive subsidiary legal frameworks, including circulars, guidelines, and standards, to complement the amended Act. These initiatives were designed to ensure effective implementation of the amendments and to promote consistent compliance across all sectors, further enhancing the protection of personal data in Malaysia. Dr. Nazri is also a key figure in Malaysia’s international data protection efforts, playing a crucial role in securing Malaysia’s membership in prominent global privacy organizations. His leadership was instrumental in achieving Malaysia’s membership in the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CPEA) and the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA), expanding the country’s engagement in global privacy standards. He also spearheaded Malaysia’s application for associate membership in the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system, reinforcing Malaysia’s position in international data protection frameworks. In addition to his international contributions, Dr. Nazri used to hold key national roles that influence data governance in Malaysia. He was a member of the National Steering Committee for the development of the Public Sector Data Sharing Bill, the Working Committee on Pangkalan Data Utama Systems (PADU) Use Case, and the Combating Cybercrime Committee under the National Cyber Security Act 2024. These appointments highlight his commitment to advancing Malaysia’s data protection policies while ensuring alignment with global standards and promoting national cooperation in data protection and cybersecurity.