Computer contents and cds

[JustAKid]

I'm a student from Canada who will be attending university in Singapore on an exchange shortly, and have a couple of questions which hopefully someone can help me with.

First off, I have a laptop computer with a large number of MP3s on it, as well as perhaps some random video clips and other such files. Will the contents of my hard drive be checked at the airport?

Also, I read on the ICA website that CDs, books and videogames are "Controlled Goods" which can't be brought into the country. What does this mean? None at all? Or just ones with lewd lyrics and other such things? Also, if I wanted to bring in burned copies of my CDs instead, so that I wouldn't risk damaging/losing them while away, would this be allowed?

Thanks in advance for any help than is provided.

[Lurlinedom]

No-one batted an eye at my laptop when I travelled to Singapore a few months ago. Just think how many people that travel through Changi carry laptops. Most business travellers. Anyway, from a legal point of view it is letimate to have backups of your licensed ip, including music. Carring copied cds may however attract the wrong kind of interest. And for that matter I assume that mp3 players are not illegal in Singapore. Much better than having the music taking up space on your laptop.

[Sonus]

Don't worry, they won't check your laptop contents which we also have our own property rights. Unless one of the passenger had lost a laptop similar as your one, that really quite unlucky for you. Cheers!