David Yong Secures Court Approval for Third Overseas Business Trip

The State Courts in Singapore granted businessman David Yong permission to travel abroad for the third time, allowing him to visit Japan and China for business purposes later this month. This approval comes as Yong, who is currently facing multiple fraud-related charges, continues to navigate his legal challenges while managing his business affairs.

On September 9, 2023, Yong, whose full name is Yong Khung Lin, received court approval to travel to Japan from September 12 to September 22. His itinerary includes visits to Tokyo, Hakone, and Yokohama, followed by a trip to Shanghai from September 22 to September 25 before he returns to Singapore. The court’s decision was conditioned on an increase in his bail amount from S$1 million (approximately USD 780,000) to S$1.5 million, which includes an additional S$500,000 bail sum.

Yong serves as the chief executive officer of Evergreen Group Holdings and has gained public recognition through his appearance on the Netflix show Super Rich in South Korea. This series highlights the extravagant lifestyles of affluent individuals in Korea. Despite his high-profile status, Yong faces serious legal issues, having been charged on August 3, 2022, with various offenses, including the falsification of accounts.

Legal Context and Business Necessities

During the court hearing, Yong’s attorney, Aaron Lim from Dentons Rodyk, emphasized the necessity of his client’s travel for business meetings with partners in Japan. Yong also plans to consult a Japanese law firm regarding a failed property transaction that requires legal intervention to recover funds. In China, he intends to seek advice from a law firm regarding a shareholder dispute, necessitating his physical presence to review documents and provide instructions.

The prosecution did not contest Yong’s application for travel and requested that bail conditions remain consistent with those set for his previous overseas trips. District Judge James Elisha Lee outlined specific conditions for Yong’s travel, which include reporting to his investigating officer via video calls twice daily and sharing his location during these communications. Upon his return to Singapore on September 25, Yong will also be subject to electronic tagging.

This recent approval marks Yong’s third successful application to leave the jurisdiction for business engagements. In the past, he had filed three similar requests, all of which were denied due to concerns that he might pose a flight risk.

Future Proceedings

The legal proceedings against Yong are ongoing, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for October 17, 2023. Faced with serious allegations, including charges under the Securities and Futures Act, Yong’s ability to conduct business internationally while under scrutiny reflects a complex intersection of legal obligations and corporate responsibilities. As he prepares for his upcoming travels, the outcomes of both his legal challenges and business ventures will be closely monitored.