function checkform ( form )
{
  // see http://www.thesitewizard.com/archive/validation.shtml
  // for an explanation of this script and how to use it on your
  // own website

  // ** START **
  if (form.name.value == "") {
    alert( "Please enter your name." );
    form.name.focus();
    return false ;
  }
  if (form.ic.value == "") {
    alert( "Please enter your ic number." );
    form.ic.focus();
    return false ;
  }  
  var emailFilter=/^.+@.+\..{2,3}$/;
  if (!(emailFilter.test(form.email.value))) { 
       alert ("Please enter a valid email address." );
	form.email.focus();
	form.email.select();
	return false ;
  }
  var illegalChars= /[\(\)\<\>\,\;\:\\\/\"\[\]]/;
  if (form.email.value.match(illegalChars)) {
   	alert ("The email address contains illegal characters." );
	form.email.focus();
	form.email.select();
	return false ;
  }
  if (form.email.value == "") {
    alert( "Please enter your email address." );
    form.email.focus();
    return false ;
  }
  if (form.institute.value == "") {
    alert( "Please enter your institution name." );
    form.institute.focus();
    return false ;
  }
  if (form.course.value == "") {
    alert( "Please enter your course name." );
    form.course.focus();
    return false ;
  }
  
  // ** END **
  return true ;
}