{
  "id": 3440051,
  "title": "Media and events firm TechTV Network on trial for S$190,000 in allegedly unpaid salaries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/media-and-events-firm-techtv-network-on-trial-for-s-190-000-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T05:59:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/techtv-company-unpaid-salary-wages-pay-190000-employment-act-mom-6341661"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "TechTV Network faces trial for S$190,000 in unpaid salaries",
    "Four ex-employees allege founder Debbie Lee assured future payments",
    "Lee resigned as director, claims financial struggles due to poor sales"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The trial of TechTV Network highlights the firm's alleged prioritization of sales performance over employee wages, contradicting typical employment practices and potentially leading to significant financial penalties.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Media and events firm TechTV Network on trial for S$190,000 in allegedly unpaid salaries",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/media-and-events-firm-techtv-network-on-trial-for-s-190-000-in-3440370",
        "published": "2026-08-26T05:59:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}