and internet service providers. Other service providers such as Pacific internet and Cyberway provide a high bandwidth connection to Japan and direct most of the regional internet traffic.Laws and RegulationsPro-business and E-business regulations are vital to the growth of E-commerce. The government of Singapore has committed itself to creating an on-line environment of certainty, predictability, and trust so internet companies feel secure in conducting online business. In 1997 the Evidence Act was amended to include electronic records as admissible evidence in courts. In July of 1998 the ETA (Electronic Transactions Act) was created. The ETA provides a legal foundation for collecting electronic signatures. This provides certainty and validity to contracts formed on-line. Singapore's government has also taken steps to protect on-line knowledge and intellectual works. As of January of 1999, Singapore's copyright laws have been amended to comply with major IPR regulations such as the WTO TRIPS agreement, and the Berne Convention. The government has also taken steps to encourage industry self-regulation in the areas of consumer protection and privacy.Internet IdentificationThe ability to identify and trust parties on the internet is a problem affecting any internet transaction. Netrust Pte Ltd has been created to solve this problem. Using digital certificates and signatures, Netrust has formed a digital trust system making Singapore's internet transactions secure. Companies in Singapore have created several online payment methods. Consumers can now make online purchases ranging from a few cents to $500 using a NETS C-ONE prepaid cash card. Companies such as Secure-Sockets Layer offer encrypted channels for online credit card payments.StandardizationThe government of Singapore is involved in an ongoing effort to standardize services necessary for E-commerce. The National Information Infrastructure Standards Technical Com...
