Metrocon chairman resigns after charge over unlicensed worker dormitory was discovered in January

Metrocon Holdings chairman Alvin Lim Yee Hong has resigned amid a charge related to an unlicensed foreign worker dormitory discovered in January. The construction engineering company, previously known as Hatten Land, revealed that Lim and another director failed to inform the board or their sponsor about previous dealings with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) concerning the dormitory.

The issue stems from LBD Engineering, Metrocon's controlling shareholder, where Lim also serves as its general manager. Neither Metrocon nor any of its subsidiaries faced charges, while LBD is charged with operating a foreign employee dormitory at 58A Sungei Kadut Loop without a valid license between July 2025 and January 2026. Lim was charged with knowing that LBD did not have a valid license but allowing it to continue operating the premises as a dormitory.

Lim intends to contest the charge and has sought legal counsel, leading to his resignation as non-executive and non-independent chairman on October 29. He remains open to a potential return to the board after the proceedings conclude. Metrocon announced the timeline of events based on information provided by Lim on October 29. The Ministry of Manpower inspected the Sungei Kadut dormitory on January 6 and informed LBD that they were operating the premises without a license under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act.

LBD was directed to relocate all occupants by January 9, which they complied with. Lim and another director, Charlotte Tay Tingyin, were interviewed by MOM on August 5 and August 7, respectively, to assist with the investigations. The board understood that Tay was only assisting with investigations, had not been charged, and was unaware of any further contact from MOM since October 2.

The board explained that Lim and Tay did not consider the inspection and interviews as disclosure obligations, as they pertained to LBD rather than the listed group, leading to their inadvertent omission of notification to the board and sponsor. The chairman's position remains vacant while a suitable candidate is identified and evaluated by the nominating committee.