PDPA 2012: Personal Data Protection Act - Governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data. Key considerations: proper handling of student's personal information, obtaining consent for data sharing, and limiting information to what is relevant and necessary.
Education Act (Chapter 87): Regulatory framework for educational institutions in Singapore. Requires ensuring accuracy of academic-related statements, compliance with educational institution guidelines, and proper representation of academic achievements.
Defamation Act (Chapter 75): Legal framework protecting against false statements that harm reputation. Reference letters must avoid defamatory statements, ensure factual accuracy, and protect against potential libel claims.
Employment Act: Relevant when reference includes internship/work experience. Requires accurate representation of work experience, fair assessment of performance, and compliance with employment regulations.
Institution Policies: Specific guidelines and protocols set by educational institutions regarding the issuance and content of reference letters.
MOE Guidelines: Ministry of Education guidelines that may affect the content and format of student reference letters in Singapore.
Professional Ethics: Standards and ethical considerations for providing professional references, including truthfulness, objectivity, and fairness.
International Considerations: Additional requirements or format considerations if the reference letter is intended for use in international applications or institutions.
