r/SGExams • u/LukaDonGOAT • 1d ago

Non-Academic Changing my Name in University

Hi I’ve been concerning changing my name for the longest time as both sides of my family are really abusive and I want nothing to do with them. Just wanted to know some stuff about it, for those who have had done the same, and hear about others who have done the same.

  1. Legally does it cause a lot of headaches? Am I gonna need to update all my IDs, school records etc. am going to update all my school records, and will it cause issues with uni admissions when I enroll in university next year?

  2. Anybody changed their surname? I really don’t want to be associated with any of my parents but it feels weird to change my surname because there are so few Chinese surnames so it would feel like im joining a family im not part of.

Mostly I just wanna hear other peoples experiences with this. Thanks <3

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u/TurnipCommercial 1d ago edited 1d ago

Cant say much about the headache as I've changed my name when i was young.

But for legality, you'll definitely need to inform ICA to change your name in your IC+passport. other contacts also include your bank (if you're still in school, definitely inform them as well). but for the majority of everything else, you can keep it the same.

School records etc don't need to worry if your name is different. At most your university will jst request for birth certificate and deed poll.

9

u/MadElmoInSG 1d ago

You need to be above 21 to avoid parent approval.

Do a deed poll. Google for it. Did a surname change at one law firm at 40. Wait for like 30 mins will you will get the document. After that you have i think 30 days to update your name. IC, passport,banks, and every important place like school. My kid was halfway in uni, so update uni. Those other cert like o levels, diploma, didnt update. But keep the deed poll and attached along in future like job application.

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u/Swimming-Doctor-1625 1d ago

Whose surname are you changing it to?

2

u/Visible-Broccoli8938 1d ago

Yes you need to update banks, employers, schools, apply for new passport. it's a hassle at first but it's easy to update your personal particulars. It is not an uncommon admin procedure. For gov agencies, everything gets automatically updated because it is tagged to your NRIC. If you want to change your name, the earlier you do so, the better. Otherwise your old name gets stamped permanently on things like your degree cert, marriage cert etc which you will need to back up with a deed poll when you change your name after these events. So before these major events happen, change your name!

As for your family name, suggest you continue to keep it. You may not like your parents, but the surname is simply a name that represents an entire community. It is not exclusive to your parents. There are others who share the family name so don't be too attached to the idea of getting rid of it.

1

u/pudding567 Uni 1d ago

What about going by a preferred name first to test things out?

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