Media and events firm TechTV Network on trial for S$190,000 in allegedly unpaid salaries
Ex-employees testified that TechTV's founder and director, Ms Debbie Lee, claimed they would be paid after investments and clients' payments came in, but this did not happen.
A media and events firm, TechTV Network, began a trial on Wednesday, Aug 26, for allegedly failing to pay more than S$190,000 (US$150,000) in wages to four employees. The Singapore-based company faces 14 charges under the Employment Act. Ex-employees testified that TechTV's founder and director, Ms Debbie Lee, assured they would receive payment upon the arrival of investments and client payments, but this did not occur.
Despite signing settlement agreements after mediation with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), not all payments were made. Ms Lee, who resigned as director and is an undischarged bankrupt, claimed she could not represent the firm during proceedings. She stated that TechTV was struggling financially due to poor sales performance and an economic crisis, leading to a cash flow situation.
Ex-employee Lim Chun Tat Kenneth, a creative producer, recounted how Ms Lee initially paid him half his wages in July 2024, promising full payment once investments came in. When questioned, Ms Lee stated she was waiting for investments and gave no date. She also allegedly urged employees to work harder to boost sales revenue, contradicting the notion that employees should be paid first to achieve those sales.
Ex-employee Basheer Mohamed Sultan, an integrated sales manager, stated that he was promised salary after clients paid for business, but TechTV failed to deliver. The trial continues, with the penalty for non-payment of salary being a fine ranging from S$3,000 to S$15,000 per charge.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
