'You mattered': Friends mourn Jane Lee, businesswoman who spoke out days before death
In her final posts, Lee claimed that an employee had faked an injury in a bid to file a false compensation claim. The mother of two added that it was a premeditated scheme involving the worker's husband and possibly a law firm.
The posts, written just a day before her death, ended with an emotional message to her staff, friends, and family: "I'm truly sorry that I couldn't find the strength to face this battle on my own."
When The New Paper visited Lee's wake on July 21, the mood was sombre as loved ones gathered to honour Lee's memory. Family members and mourners alike declined to speak to TNP.
Her brother-in-law David Loh posted: "Awful way to start the week with the passing of a family member. May you rest in peace Jane. The Lord will bless and look after Victor and your kids. Till we meet again."
Lee, who was reportedly in her 40s, was the founder of Sumo Salad in Holland Village. In online posts, friends fondly recalled not just the food she served, but her kindness and generosity.
Sumo Well was still open for operations on July 21. TNP PHOTO: ETHEL TSENG
"Thank you for serving us beautiful salads and tea," wrote Max. "During Covid, I remembered how you gave me delivery jobs to make ends meet. All the good things you have done, we will never forget."
Calis Looi, who said she was her best friend of 37 years, posted: "I couldn't believe it. I kept hoping for a reply from you, even a simple emoji would have been enough.
"When May and I visited your wake, it was so painful that I couldn't bring myself to say a proper goodbye. But I promise to send you off properly. Let's meet again in our next life."
Lee's story has struck a chord with many in the business community, particularly fellow SME owners. Ng Keng Guan wrote that he had reached out to Lee after reading her post. "It takes a lot of courage and a great deal of accumulated stress to take such a step.
"Several of our mutual friends who work in the same industry also spoke about the immense pressure they face. Running a business in Singapore is already tough, and when you add family responsibilities and societal stress, it can become overwhelming."
Jeffery Khoo, a Progress Singapore Party (PSP) candidate for Marymount SMC in this year's general election, also paid tribute in a Facebook post: "We have been Facebook friends for many years. She invited me to her shop but regrettably I did not get to meet her in person."
"Her final post before her passing is very disturbing. If found that there is truly a devious scam involved, please come down hard on the perpetrators. The damage done is irreversible."
In response to queries from TNP, police said that the case has been classified as an unnatural death and that investigations are ongoing.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also said it was investigating Lee's allegations about the fraudulent work injury claim.
MOM said it had been in touch with Lee and is working with the insurer to assess the claim.
It added that it would not hesitate to take action against those found abusing the Work Injury Compensation system.
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