At Acetek College, we welcome students from around the world to pursue high-quality, career-oriented education in Singapore. While we are committed to supporting you academically, it is equally important that you understand and follow Singapore’s laws and immigration regulations.

Even unknowingly breaking a law can result in arrest, deportation, cancellation of your Student’s Pass, and long-term bans from entering Singapore again.

This guide will help you stay informed, protected, and focused on your goals.

1. Be Alert: Scammers Often Target International Students

Scams targeting international students are common. These may come in the form of:

• Fake part-time job offers
• Messages asking to use your bank account, ATM card, or SIM card
• Requests to transfer money on behalf of someone else
• Emails or calls pretending to be from government agencies

If your bank account or mobile number is used in illegal money transfers, scams, or online fraud, you can be held legally responsible, even if you were unaware.

What You Must Never Share or Give Away:

• Bank account or ATM card
• SIM card or mobile line
• Singpass login, passport copy, or Student’s Pass

If you’re unsure or feel threatened:

• Call the police at 999
• Visit www.scamalert.sg
• Contact Acetek College’s Student Support Team

2. You Are NOT Allowed to Work Without a Valid Work Pass

As a student of Acetek College, you are not allowed to work in Singapore — whether parttime, full-time, paid, unpaid, freelance, or voluntary — unless you have been issued a valid work pass by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Being issued a Student’s Pass by ICA does not give you the right to work.

This means you cannot:

• Take part-time jobs in retail, F&B, or delivery
• Do freelance work online or offline
• Help at family businesses
• Take unpaid internships or ‘volunteer’ work without approval
• Join any work-related activity unless explicitly permitted by MOM

Penalties for Illegal Work Include:

• Arrest and criminal charges
• Immediate cancellation of your Student’s Pass
• Deportation and a ban from entering Singapore again

Acetek College is a Private Education Institution (PEI). International Students at PEIs are generally not eligible for work privileges unless separate MOM-issued work passes like Training Work Permit (TWP) are applied for and granted by an employer.

If someone tells you, “Everyone is doing it,” or “You won’t get caught,” please understand that the risk is yours to bear.

When in doubt, speak to Acetek College’s Student Services Team for clarification.

3. One Mistake Can Ruin Your Future — Stay Informed, Stay Protected

You chose Singapore and Acetek College for a better future. Don’t throw it away because of one poor decision.

Protect yourself by following these simple rules:

• Do not share or sell personal documents, SIM cards, or bank accounts
• Do not take up any job, paid or unpaid, unless you have a valid MOM work pass
• Do not trust unofficial agents or messages offering shortcuts or work
• Do ask the College for help if anything seems unclear or suspicious

We’ve also created a short awareness video: “Stay Safe, Stay Legal in Singapore” — Watch it and share with your peers.

Need Assistance? We’re Here for You

If you ever feel unsure about something you’ve been offered or asked to do — whether it’s a job, a message, or a favour — speak to us first. We’re here to guide and protect your student experience.

Stay safe. Stay smart. Stay legal.
Protect your future — don’t take the risk.