National Research Foundation Director and Company Director Charged for Alleged Corruption

On 23 June 2023, the following two individuals were charged in Court for allegedly committing corruption:

a) Henry Wong Chuen Yuen (“Wong”) (黄川源, 53-year-old male, Singaporean), Director of Programmes and Central Innovation Cluster at the National Research Foundation (“NRF”) and a member of the Built Environment Technology Alliance (“BETA”) Project Evaluation Panel at the material time; and

b) Lee Tze Boon (“Lee”) (李志文, 50-year-old male, Singaporean), Director of Smart Illumination Pte Ltd (“SI”) at the material time.

2. Between May and August 2021, Wong had allegedly agreed to accept gratification in the form of 30% shareholding in SI from Lee as a reward for advancing SI’s business interest in its application for grant funding from BETA.

3. For their alleged actions, Wong faces one charge of corruptly agreeing to accept gratification under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Lee faces one charge of corruptly offering gratification under Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

4. The case was referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) by the NRF.

5. Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. Any person who is convicted of a corruption offence under Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act can be fined up to S$100,000 or sentenced to imprisonment of up to five years or both.

6. CPIB looks into all corruption complaints and reports, including anonymous ones, and can be reached via the following channels:

a) Lodge an e-Complaint;
b) Email us at report@cpib.gov.sg;
c) Call the Duty Officer at 1800-376-0000; or
d) Write to us at the CPIB Headquarters @ 2 Lengkok Bahru, S159047.

7. Where possible, the report should include the following information:

a) Where, when and how the alleged corrupt act happened?
b) Who was involved and what were their roles?
c) What was the bribe given and the favour shown?

Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau