PDPA 2012: Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data. Key considerations include obtaining consent for sharing personal information, ensuring data accuracy, and proper handling of personal information in recommendation letters.
Defamation Act (Chapter 75): Legal framework protecting against false statements that harm reputation. When writing recommendation letters, ensure all statements are truthful, factual, and non-defamatory to avoid potential libel claims.
Employment Act: While writing academic recommendations that may influence employment, ensure compliance with fair employment practices and adherence to Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP).
Evidence Act: Requires maintaining proper documentation and ensuring all statements in the recommendation letter can be substantiated with evidence if needed.
Objectivity Requirement: Best practice requiring maintaining objective, unbiased assessment in recommendation letters, based on demonstrable facts and observations.
Consent Documentation: Best practice requiring obtaining and documenting the subject's consent for writing and sharing the recommendation letter.
Record Keeping: Best practice requiring maintenance of records regarding the academic relationship and basis for recommendations made in the letter.
Non-Discrimination Principle: Best practice requiring avoidance of any discriminatory language or bias based on protected characteristics in the recommendation letter.
Confidentiality Requirements: Best practice requiring appropriate handling of confidential information and maintaining privacy in the recommendation letter process.
