Singapore to introduce Chinese IDNs

The Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC), operator of the .sg ccTLD, has announced the availability of Chinese-character domains starting November 23.

Unfortunately, only government applications for the new names will be accepted at that time. The .sg registry will use the following schedule for IDN adoption:

• Phase 1: Government Applications 23 Nov 2009 – 31 Dec 2009
• Phase 2: Trademark Owner Applications 7 Jan 2010 – 18 Feb 2010
• Sunrise Period: 25 Mar 2010 – 6 May 2010
• General Launch: 10 June 2010 onwards.

Singapore adopted IDNs to increase registration numbers and also aid firms conducting business with China. They will be available at any level of the .sg extension, including .sg, .com.sg, .org.sg, .net.sg, .edu.sg, .gov.sg, and .per.sg.

It is important to note that Chinese is only one of Singapore’s four official languages. The other three are English, Malay, and Tamil. It will be interesting to see whether or not the 4.9-million strong nation adopts Malay and Tamil IDNs as well.