There are plenty of misunderstanding about "backgorund checks". Hence I thought of clearing the air somewhat. (Source: working for a background check company in Singapore).
1. Academic records of Singapore - simplest to check out.
2. Academic records outside Singapore - complex to impossible to check out.
3. Employment dates of Singapore - somewhat easy to check.
4. Employment dates outside Singapore - complex to impossible to check out.
5. Credit history in Singapore - impossible to check. Credit bureaus and banks are forbidden to release this information, even if there is authorisation from candidate. Check out the banking act.
6. Bankruptcy record - easy to check in Singapore.
7. Arrest record - difficult to obtain. Getting arrested does not prove anything.
8. Convictions in Singapore - easy to check in Singapore.
9. National Service records - beyond what the candidate tells us, we can know nothing
10. Salary history - most employers refuse to cofirm or deny. We try to rely upon
CPF statements provided by candidates.
11. Health records - impossible to obtain. Hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies simply don't share data.
12. Nature of candidate - everyone is good natured and agreeable