David Yong Wins Court Approval for Business Trip to Asia

The State Courts in Singapore granted businessman David Yong permission to travel to Japan and China for business purposes later this month. This marks the third time Yong has received court approval for international travel despite facing multiple fraud-related charges. The approval was granted on September 9, 2025, with certain conditions attached.

Yong, who is the chief executive officer of Evergreen Group Holdings, requested to travel from September 12 to September 22 to cities including Tokyo, Hakone, and Yokohama, followed by a trip to Shanghai from September 22 to September 25. The 38-year-old Singaporean, whose full name is Yong Khung Lin, is currently out on a bail of S$1 million (approximately US$780,000). The court mandated an increase in his bail amount by an additional S$500,000, bringing the total to S$1.5 million.

Yong’s legal counsel, Aaron Lim from Dentons Rodyk, informed the court that his client needs to attend crucial business meetings in Japan. Additionally, he requires legal advice from a Japanese law firm regarding a failed property transaction. In China, Yong seeks similar legal counsel over a shareholder dispute, necessitating his physical presence to retrieve and review important documents.

The prosecution did not oppose Yong’s travel application and requested bail conditions similar to those imposed during his previous trips. District Judge James Elisha Lee outlined specific conditions for Yong’s travel, including daily video call check-ins with his investigating officer and the requirement to share his location during these calls. Upon returning to Singapore on September 25, Yong must wear a tracking device.

Yong’s current application is the third to be approved by the district court. Previously, he had been granted permission for two other business trips, while three earlier applications were denied due to concerns that he might be a flight risk. His legal issues began with charges filed on August 3, 2024, which include multiple counts of falsifying accounts and abetting others in document forgery with the intent to defraud. A fifth charge was added under the Securities and Futures Act on June 3, 2025.

A pre-trial conference for Yong’s case is scheduled for October 17, 2025. As the situation unfolds, the implications of his travels and ongoing legal challenges will likely be closely monitored, both in Singapore and abroad.