Man charged over unauthorised SUTD football field bookings, causing more than $130k in revenue loss

Sashi M. Kirubakaran, a former deputy manager at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), has been charged with three counts of cheating for making 181 unauthorised bookings of a university football field. The alleged misconduct, which took place between April 14, 2023, and December 30, 2023, is estimated to have caused the university a revenue loss of more than $130,000.

According to prosecutors, Kirubakaran claimed the bookings were for university-linked events. He is said to have induced Exer-Fit Consultancy Services, a vendor that assists with the university's sports facilities booking, to waive the booking fees. This resulted in an additional loss of over $109,000 between January 1, 2024, and May 4, 2025. The university spokesperson confirmed that Kirubakaran had falsified documents related to the facility bookings.

Kirubakaran, who is no longer employed by SUTD, was terminated from his position after the internal audit investigation. He faces up to three years in jail, fines, or both for each count of cheating. His court appearance is scheduled for October. The reason for the unauthorised bookings and who they were for remain undisclosed in the court documents and police statement.