Latest news with #TEL
New Paper
2 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
High Court upholds acquittal of Chinese company accused of bribing ex-LTA deputy group director
The High Court has upheld the acquittal of a Chinese company that was charged with bribery after two of its employees gave loans totalling $220,000 to a Land Transport Authority (LTA) deputy group director. In a written judgment on May 29, the court said there was insufficient evidence to show that the company's top management was aware of or somehow complicit in the illegal acts. The Singapore branch of China Railway Tunnel Group was first acquitted of three corruption charges by a district judge in March 2024 on grounds that the two employees' acts could not be attributed to the company. Xi Zhengbing, who was the general manager and head representative of the branch, and Zhou Zhenghe, who was a deputy general manager, gave the loans to Henry Foo Yung Thye between January 2018 and August 2019. The district judge said Xi did not have a sufficiently high level in the chain of command. The Singapore branch is only one of the sub-departments within the company's overseas department, which is in turn only one department in the company's corporate structure. The prosecution appealed to the High Court against the acquittal. On May 29, the appeal was dismissed by a panel comprising Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Justice Tay Yong Kwang and Justice Andrew Phang. The court also noted that Xi and Zhou had resorted to defrauding the company with false invoices to obtain the $200,000 that was given to Foo as loans in 2018. Zhou then had to borrow $20,000 to provide the subsequent loan. "All these showed clearly that the respondent was never involved in its employees' illegal activities and neither did it give its tacit approval (nor) pretend to be ignorant of what the Singapore branch's employees were doing," said the court. In September 2021, Foo, then 47, was sentenced to 5½ years' jail for taking about $1.24 million in bribes in the form of loans from contractors and sub-contractors. Foo, who resigned from LTA in September 2019, was also ordered to pay a penalty of about $1.16 million, equivalent to the amount he had not returned. Xi and Zhou were arrested in September 2019 by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau. After being released on bail, they absconded to China, where they were arrested and subsequently convicted by a Guangzhou court. Xi was sentenced to a five-year jail term and a fine of 300,000 yuan (S$57,400). Zhou was sentenced to two years' jail and a fine of 100,000 yuan. China Railway Tunnel Group has 24 branches, eight of which are overseas. The Singapore branch was a sub-contractor for two different projects on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), and was awarded the main contract for a project on the Circle Line. At the time of the offences, Foo was involved in the project management of the main contractors in respect of TEL projects. Between 2016 and 2019, he reached out to the company's employees, including Xi, to ask for loans. No loan was given as a result of Foo's first request. Subsequently, Xi agreed to give him a loan upon his second request in the hope that Foo would refer more job opportunities to the company. Zhou then arranged for false invoices to be issued to the company and prepared supporting documents with forged signatures. These documents were presented to the company's finance department, which disbursed the payment. After receiving the money, Xi and Zhou passed $200,000 to Foo. In 2019, Foo made a third request. Xi agreed to give him another loan, in the hope that Foo would expedite the company's payment claims and help the company to win the tender for another project. On Xi's instructions, Zhou borrowed $20,000 from a friend and passed the money to Foo. The prosecution alleged that in 2016, Mr Liu Chenyu, who was based in China, was told of the discussions to pay Foo a bribe and approved his request for a loan. Mr Liu was then the deputy general manager of the company's overseas department, which was in charge of all the overseas branches. The prosecution presented text messages, including one from another employee of the Singapore branch telling Foo that Mr Liu was grateful for his support. But the High Court panel said the prosecution had not presented the necessary evidence to prove that Mr Liu was involved. The messages did not prove that Foo's request for a loan was actually conveyed to Mr Liu, said the judges. Lawyer Paul Loy of WongPartnership, who acts for the company, said his client will continue to respect the laws of countries in which it operates.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
High Court upholds acquittal of Chinese company accused of bribing ex-LTA deputy group director
Henry Foo Yung Thye, who was in financial difficulties from gambling, had reached out to two senior employees from China Railway Tunnel Group's Singapore branch and asked for loans. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE – The High Court has upheld the acquittal of a Chinese company that was charged with bribery after two of its employees gave loans totalling $220,000 to a Land Transport Authority (LTA) deputy group director. In a written judgment on May 29, the court said there was insufficient evidence to show that the company's top management was aware of or somehow complicit in the illegal acts. The Singapore branch of China Railway Tunnel Group was first acquitted of three corruption charges by a district judge in March 2024 on grounds that the two employees' acts could not be attributed to the company. Xi Zhengbing, who was the general manager and head representative of the branch, and Zhou Zhenghe, who was a deputy general manager, gave the loans to Henry Foo Yung Thye between January 2018 and August 2019. The district judge said Xi did not have a sufficiently high level in the chain of command. The Singapore branch is only one of the sub-departments within the company's overseas department, which is in turn only one department in the company's corporate structure. The prosecution appealed to the High Court against the acquittal. On May 29, the appeal was dismissed by a panel comprising Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Justice Tay Yong Kwang and Justice Andrew Phang. The court also noted that Xi and Zhou had resorted to defrauding the company with false invoices to obtain the $200,000 that was given to Foo as loans in 2018. Zhou then had to borrow $20,000 to provide the subsequent loan. 'All these showed clearly that the respondent was never involved in its employees' illegal activities and neither did it give its tacit approv al (nor) prete nd to be ignorant of what the Singapore branch's employees were doing,' said the court. In September 2021, Foo, then 47, was sentenced to 5½ years' jail for taking about $1.24 million in bribes in the form of loans from contractors and sub-contractors. Foo, who resigned from LTA in September 2019, was also ordered to pay a penalty of about $1.16 million, equivalent to the amount he had not returned. Xi and Zhou were arrested in September 2019 by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau. After being released on bail, they absconded to China, where they were arrested and subsequently convicted by a Guangzhou court. Xi was sentenced to a five-year jail term and a fine of 300,000 yuan (S$57,400). Zhou was sentenced to two years' jail and a fine of 100,000 yuan. China Railway Tunnel Group has 24 branches, eight of which are overseas. The Singapore branch was a sub-contractor for two different projects on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), and was awarded the main contract for a project on the Circle Line. At the time of the offences, Foo was involved in the project management of the main contractors in respect of TEL projects. Between 2016 and 2019, he reached out to the company's employees, including Xi, to ask for loans. No loan was given as a result of Foo's first request. Subsequently, Xi agreed to give him a loan upon his second request in the hope that Foo would refer more job opportunities to the company. Zhou then arranged for false invoices to be issued to the company and prepared supporting documents with forged signatures. These documents were presented to the company's finance department, which disbursed the payment. After receiving the money, Xi and Zhou passed $200,000 to Foo. In 2019, Foo made a third request. Xi agreed to give him another loan, in the hope that Foo would expedite the company's payment claims and help the company to win the tender for another project. On Xi's instructions, Zhou borrowed $20,000 from a friend and passed the money to Foo. The prosecution alleged that in 2016, Mr Liu Chenyu, who was based in China, was told of the discussions to pay Foo a bribe and approved his request for a loan. Mr Liu was then the deputy general manager of the company's overseas department, which was in charge of all the overseas branches. The prosecution presented text messages, including one from another employee of the Singapore branch telling Foo that Mr Liu was grateful for his support. But the High Court panel said the prosecution has not presented the necessary evidence to prove that Mr Liu was involved. The messages did not prove that Foo's request for a loan was actually conveyed to Mr Liu, said the judges. Lawyer Paul Loy of WongPartnership, who acts for the company, said his client will continue to respect the laws of countries in which it operates. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Paper
6 days ago
- New Paper
SMRT to extend selected train, bus services on eve of Hari Raya Haji
On the eve of Hari Raya Haji, those having a late night will have more public transport options available as SMRT will extend selected train and bus services. Trains on the North-South Line, East-West Line and Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will continue service till the early hours of June 7. The last trains bound for Jurong East, Marina South Pier, Pasir Ris and Tuas Link will depart from City Hall station at 12.30am. The last TEL train leaving Woodlands North for Bayshore will depart at midnight on June 7, while the train travelling in the other direction will depart from Bayshore at 12.12am. Trains on the Circle Line will also run later. The last train leaving Dhoby Ghaut for HarbourFront will depart at 11.55pm on June 6, and the train in the other direction will depart from HarbourFront at 11.30pm on the same day. There is no extension for Bukit Panjang LRT and Changi Airport service. The operating hours for 18 SMRT bus services will also be extended. The last buses for services 300, 301, 302, 307 and 983A will depart from Choa Chu Kang bus interchange at 1.40am on June 7. The last 974A bus will leave from the bus stop opposite Choa Chu Kang station at the same time. Services 901, 911, 912A, 912B and 913 from Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub and Services 920, 922 and 973A from Bukit Panjang bus interchange will depart at 1.25am on the same day. From Boon Lay bus interchange, the last buses for services 181, 240, 241 and 243G will depart at 1.20am. For more information, visit the SMRT website.
AsiaOne
25-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
7 new residential sites near MRT stations in URA's latest Master Plan update (and what to expect), Lifestyle News
The URA Master Plan 2019 saw some notable amendments on April 24 and May 7. A slew of new residential sites is being prepared, and they share a common thread: proximity to MRT stations. This is part of the ongoing vision: decentralised, accessible, car-lite communities. In the meantime though, here's what you need to know about the proposed site areas and what to look forward to: 1. Caldecott/Toa Payoh Nearest MRT Station: Caldecott (Circle Line & Thomson-East Coast Line) Caldecott (Circle Line & Thomson-East Coast Line) Size: Approximately 78,500 sq m Approximately 78,500 sq m Estimated New Homes: 2,800 to 4,200 units (probably a mix of private and HDB) 2,800 to 4,200 units (probably a mix of private and HDB) Plot Ratio: 4.7 This is probably the most attention-grabbing site. It was formerly an industrial plot used by Philips, but it's now rezoned for mixed use: that is, residential with commercial amenities on the ground floor. Due to the high plot ratio, it seems likely that this will become a major residential enclave. A plot ratio of 4.7 means it can have tower blocks above 50 storeys, which, from the map, suggests unblocked views of nearby greenery. The area is also close to Caldecott MRT (CCL, TEL), which would put residents four stops from Orchard on the TEL, and two stops from Bishan on the CCL. This site has all the kinds of green flags developers love. If there are private projects, there will likely be strong upgrader interest from the Toa Payoh Crest, Toa Payoh Ridge, and other nearby HDB projects. This is also a very mature area, with a lot of heartland amenities nestled in the surrounding blocks. 2. Upper Changi/Singapore Expo Nearest MRT Stations: Upper Changi (Downtown Line) and Expo (East-West Line) Upper Changi (Downtown Line) and Expo (East-West Line) Number of Sites: 2 2 Site Sizes: Approximately 33,000 sq m and 42,000 sq m Approximately 33,000 sq m and 42,000 sq m Estimated Yield: 1,250 to 2,000 units across both sites 1,250 to 2,000 units across both sites Plot Ratio: 2.1 There are some boundary adjustments going on for these plots, but it won't change that they're residentially zoned. The plots are adjacent to each other, and are situated on a long stretch facing the Singapore Expo; just next to ITE College East (roughly speaking, one plot will yield about 1,200+ units, while the adjacent one might yield somewhere around 850 units). This site is something of a mixed bag to us. On the one hand, there's very little in the way of amenities here, unless you happen to consider the Singapore Expo an amenity. On the flip side, this area has a landed facing, and the MRT station provides relatively quick access to Changi airport. Couple that with proximity to Changi Business Park, and it could be very convenient for those in aviation. We do think public housing is likely to feature prominently here, especially as Simei has seen few new launches in recent years. This seems like an attempt to invigorate the Upper Changi Road stretch, which has been lacking in lifestyle amenities and conveniences for some time. That does suggest though, that first movers here need to be patient while the area gets built up. As it stands right now, it's not a particularly exciting plot. 3. Upper Thomson/Marymount Nearest MRT: Marymount (Circle Line) Marymount (Circle Line) Number of Sites: 3 3 Site Sizes: Ranging from 12,000 to 35,000 sq m Ranging from 12,000 to 35,000 sq m Estimated Yield: 200 to 1,700 units total 200 to 1,700 units total Plot Ratios: 1.8 to 3.9 This is actually three parcels: The largest parcel is the former Lakeview Shopping Centre and Hawker Hub. If you don't remember this place, it's because it was closed down sometime in 1999; and it's beyond us why it just sat vacant for over two decades, given the location is excellent. The land plot is about 35,000 sq m., and has the highest plot ratio of 3.9. This site can yield between 1,100 to 1,200 flats, or possibly 1,600 to 1,700 condo units. We'd say it's the best of the three sites, due to its proximity to Marymount MRT station (CCL). Being just a stop away from Bishan or Caldecott, which link to the NSL or TEL respectively, this can be an accessible and convenient area. There's a lot that can be done in this area, and it's definitely one to watch. The second parcel sits behind Shunfu Gardens Estate. It's separated from Shunfu Gardens by an intervening canal, and it's quite small. At 13,500 sq m. and a plot ratio of 1.8, this might yield between 200 to 250 flats, or 300 to 350 condo units. Our bet is on HDB flats for this location though, as a natural extension of the existing public housing cluster. We suggest you check out our review of JadeScape, which is next to Shunfu Gardens and near this general vicinity, for a sense of the area. The third parcel is close to St Theresa's Home, along Upper Thomson Road. This is a 12,000 sq m. site with a plot ratio of 2.4, and the expected yield is close to the Shunfu site (about 200 to 250 flats, or 300 to 350 condo units). This site will appeal to those who love the outdoors; and it would be reasonable to capitalise on the greenery view of nearby MacRitchie Reservoir. The other residential units are also mostly low rise or landed, so there's a good sense of privacy for this plot. Given the small land parcel though, we'll probably see either some mid-rise HDB housing, or some small-to-boutique condos. 4. Dover Road/One North Nearest MRT: One-North (Circle Line) One-North (Circle Line) Site Size: 13,500 sq m 13,500 sq m Estimated Yield: 440 to 650 units 440 to 650 units Plot Ratio: 4.2 This was the former SERS site involving blocks 30 to 32, and 34 to 39 of the older Dover Estate; they were demolished sometime in 2018/19. The main highlight here is the Dover Knowledge District. This is an extension of the current One-North tech and media hub, and you can check the details here. The district will be an integrated live-work-learn-play environment, combining residential housing, research facilities, and elements of NUS and Singapore Polytechnic. Given it's an extension of One-North, we think a condo will be more likely than an HDB project (the land parcel is not especially huge anyway.) This may result in yet another mid-sized condo, to provide further alternatives to the likes of One-North Eden or Bloomsbury. We feel any development here — assuming it's private — might interest investors as much as owner-occupiers. It can cater not only to the foreign workers in One-North, but also to foreign students and faculty members in NUS and Singapore Polytechnic. 5. Woodlands South Nearest MRT: Woodlands South (Thomson-East Coast Line) Woodlands South (Thomson-East Coast Line) Site Size: 27,500 sq m 27,500 sq m Estimated Yield: 450 to 700 units 450 to 700 units Plot Ratio: 2.1 To be blunt, this is not one of the more impressive sites on the list. This site was rezoned from reserve to residential use, but there are issues — a prime one being the proximity to Sembawang Air Base. It does look like the site may fall within a noise-sensitive zone, and we'd keep an ear out for that as more details become available. Second, it's close to the upcoming Woodlands Health Campus. This is as much a plus as it is a negative. The Health Campus integrates a general hospital, community hospital, nursing home, and polyclinic. That's great if you need such facilities, but some buyers may dismiss it due to taboos or fear of the potential noise. We think an HDB development is much more likely, as URA continues to try and polish up this area. 6. Kallang Nearest MRT: Kallang (East-West Line) Kallang (East-West Line) Number of Sites: 2 2 Site Sizes: 11,000 and 23,500 sq m 11,000 and 23,500 sq m Estimated Yield: 1,100 to 1,500 units combined 1,100 to 1,500 units combined Plot Ratio (upgraded): From 2.8 to 3.5 Both plots are within 500 metres of Kallang MRT station (EWL), so interest is likely to be strong. If the project here ends up being an HDB flat, we'd bet on it being a Plus or Prime rather than just standard flats. The first site, approximately 11,000 sq m., is situated adjacent to Boon Keng Road. The second larger plot, around 23,500 sq m., is located just off Kallang Road, closer to the bend of the Kallang River. The two sites frame a segment of the riverbank, which holds potential for waterfront living. We're quite sure that any developer, public or private, will capitalise on the unblocked views of the river. These future projects will likely align with developments such as Verandah @ Kallang, a recent PLH launch, to form part of a revitalised waterfront precinct. 7. Telok Ayer (within the CBD) Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (Downtown Line) Telok Ayer (Downtown Line) Site Size: 2,000 sq m 2,000 sq m Estimated Yield: ~200 units ~200 units Plot Ratio: 6.2 The temporary Market Street Hawker Centre (2017 to 2022) is finally gone, and the small 2,000 sq m. site it sat on is now slated for residential use. This is almost certain to be a Prime flat if it's HDB, as it's directly beside Telok Ayer MRT (DTL). If it's a private project built here, the convenient location will be a huge draw to investors. Between the two though, we're quite certain small or boutique condos will be the ones to appear here. The plot is just too small to make much sense for HDB. We're also certain any project here will be strongly skewed toward the investor crowd, as the middle of the CBD is not exactly a great family area (e.g., too crowded, too much traffic, and fewer schools nearby). [[nid:717982]] This article was first published in Stackedhomes.
New Paper
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
TEL, CRL MRT lines to be extended to serve Changi Airport T5
The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and Cross Island Line (CRL) will be extended to serve Changi Airport Terminal 5, connecting the new terminal to the city centre and other regional hubs. The future TEL and CRL stations at T5 will be housed within the terminal's ground transportation centre, which will consolidate train, bus, taxi and other transport services, said airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) on May 14. CAG said the TEL will link T5 directly to the city centre, and further northwards to the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link terminal at Woodlands North. It added that T5's connection to CRL will allow ease of travel to other major hubs such as Punggol Digital District and Jurong Lake District. The last station on the eastern stretch of CRL is currently Aviation Park, which will be extended to T5. Aviation Park station will serve the wider airport community at the Changi Airfreight Centre and Changi East Industrial Zone. Both are adjacent to T5, which is slated to open in the mid-2030s. Asked about the alignment of the TEL and CRL extensions, the Land Transport Authority said more details will be announced when ready. As part of the TEL Stage 5, there are two remaining stations - Bedok South and Sungei Bedok - which are due to be completed by 2026. Additionally, three MRT stations on the East-West Line (EWL) - Tanah Merah, Expo and Changi Airport - will undergo modifications from 2025 to be converted into TEL stations in future. The planned TEL extension will bring travellers past its last eastern stop at the upcoming Sungei Bedok station and pass through T5. It will then connect to the existing Changi Airport station, which will become part of the TEL instead. The first phase of CRL - comprising 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill - will be completed by 2030. Phase two, which has six stations from Turf City to Jurong Lake District, will be ready in 2032. When both the TEL and CRL extensions are completed, passengers can transfer between the MRT lines at the T5 station. Speaking to the media at a briefing on May 14, Mr Ong Chee Chiau, managing director of Changi East at CAG, said members of the public will have to take the MRT from Changi Airport station to T5 station to travel between Terminal 2 and T5. Passengers who have cleared immigration can travel between T2 and T5 using an underground automated people-mover system similar to the Skytrain.
