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Four former employees say they were repeatedly told they would be paid once investments came in or clients settled their bills, but the money did not fully arrive.
Singapore media and events company TechTV Network is on trial over allegations that it failed to pay more than S$190,000 in wages to four employees.
The company faces 14 charges under the Employment Act. According to reports by CNA, the allegations relate to unpaid salaries for two employees who worked at the firm from late 2024 to March 2025, as well as wages owed to two others after they left in November 2024.
TechTV’s founder and director, Debbie Lee, was said to have told staff that salaries would be paid once investments came in or clients made payment. Former employees told the court that this did not happen.
As further reported by CNA, a Ministry of Manpower investigating officer said in court on Wednesday (26 August) that Lee had mentioned TechTV was facing cashflow difficulties due to poor sales performance and an economic crisis.
According to the officer, Lee had also said she was the company’s sole decision-maker. She was not present to represent the firm at the start of the trial, having resigned as director and being an undischarged bankrupt, the officer added.
Employees say payments were delayed and incomplete
Cited by CNA, ex-employee Kenneth Lim, who worked as a creative producer, said in court that the first major warning sign came when he received only half of his salary in July 2024.
He said he was told the company was waiting for investments, but no date was given for when the remaining amount would be paid. Lim also testified that Lee occasionally made partial payments, which gave staff hope that the company’s financial position would improve.
Another ex-employee, Basheer Mohamed Sultan, formerly an integrated sales manager, told the court that he was promised payment after clients he had secured paid the company; but was not paid as promised.
The trial is currently ongoing, and a conviction for failing to pay salary can carry a fine of between S$3,000 and S$15,000 for each charge.
READ MORE: Singapore High Court dismisses law firm’s appeal over ex-employee's probation notice pay
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