An Algorithm Worth SGD 200!
Hi, my SPR application has just been approved. I will be getting my blue IC in 2 weeks time. I was interested in how the Singapore NRIC number can be verified. After some googling, I found out that it is just a simple mod 11 checksum. It is similar to the Luhn Algorithm (aka Mod 10 Algorithm) used for verifying credit cards. Ngiam has published the algorithm on his website.
According to Ngiam’s slides, one has to apply for an license to this algorithm. The algorithm costs $200, and the sample code cost $400! The algorithm is so simple, any 1st year Computer Science student can easily implement this algorithm. Such simple piece of code is worthed $400, I find it funny.
I followed Ngim’s slide and wrote a Python function. Do NOT use this algorithm to verify your customer’s identity. This is not enough. It can help to detect some typo error, but it cannot verify that the person is holding a valid UIN/FIN. If you really need to verify a UIN/FIN, it is best that you check with ICA.