The Singapore Network Information Center announced earlier this month that it will begin accepting Second-level domain registrations under the ".sg" TLD (Top-Level Domain).

Currently, to register a website with third-level domain names like nic.net.sg, nie.edu.sg or ida.gov.sg, the owner needs to be a company, a society or an institution based in Singapore. But soon there will be second-level domain names, which do away with the .net, .edu or .gov, and they will be for anyone, even those not based in Singapore.

Lim Choon Sai, general manager of Singapore Network Information Centre, said: "This second-level will do away with the check on the registrants profile. Our aim is to create more vibrancy in the use of 'dot sg' name. With the pervasiveness of the Internet, we hope that by creating the second-level, we will help to enhance Singapore's position as an infocomms hub in the world."

Government agencies, trademark holders and existing website owners will get priority to register for ".sg" addresses. They can start signing up in a month's time. Registration for the public starts next year.