If you need to apply for approval from the Bank, but have not done it on this web site before, you need to ensure that you have met the following requirements:

• The operating system for your computer needs to be any of Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP.
   
• The minimum requirement for browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 5.5 or above. You may check your browser version by clicking on the browser's Help menu, and choosing About Internet Explorer. If you need to upgrade your browser version, you may download it for free from the Microsoft web site.
   
• Additionally, you need to ensure that your computer has XML Parser 3.0 installed. CLICK to test.
   
• Finally, you also need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the Guidelines and User Guides. You may download it free from the Adobe web site.

Note : In order for the online submission of application/registration form to work correctly, please ensure there is no Pop-up Blocker application running on your computer.

Hardware Requirements

The minimum hardware requirements for online submission are as follows:

• Intel Pentium 500Mhz Processor or equivalent,
• RAM Memory of 256MB or above,
• Free hard-disk space of at least 200MB
• Monitor capable of displaying at least 256 colors
• A printer that is supported by MS Windows,
• Network card or modem for LAN/Internet access
• Internet connection ( preferably Broadband Connection e.g Lease Line, Streamyx, TIMEBroadband )

Security Requirements

You also need to download and install the following security certificates, to ensure the authenticity of this web site:

• DigiCert Class 2 Root CA certificate
• DigiSign Server ID certificate

Once you have met the above requirements, there are two ways of applying for approval:

1. Online Completion of Application Form
   This mode requires you to maintain an Internet connection while you key-in the data. The data will be captured and stored in a database with the Bank. Upon submission, you will be provided with a submission reference number.
    
2. Offline Completion of Application Form
   This mode enables you to only establish an Internet connection when you are ready to upload the application form. Although this will give you some savings, you will need to install the offline program on your computer. This can either be downloaded from the website, or requested from the Bank in the form of a CDROM.
   
   In this mode, all the data that you key-in is stored in your computer. When submitting the application form to the Bank, you need to establish an Internet connection. When the form submission is complete, a submission reference number is provided. The program also allows you to print your form for your own reference.
   
   Please note that this mode is not applicable for submission by third party. For third party submission, please use the online mode.