ICA RELOOKS YANG YIN’S SPR AMID MOUNTING PUBLIC PRESSURE

With mounting queries from members of the public, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is said to be looking into the permanent residency (PR) of PRC Yang Yin, as reported in the media today (11 Sep).

Many Singaporeans are asking how Mr Yang, a former tour guide from China, was able to obtain PR from ICA.

It is unclear when Mr Yang became a PR, but it is believed to be after 2011. ICA declined to give details of his PR to media, citing confidentiality. But an ICA spokesman said, “The ICA is aware of media reports on the case and is looking into the matter.”

The spokesman said that PR applications are decided by factors including qualifications, income and length of stay in Singapore. But he warned, “Individuals who provide false information in their application for immigration facilities will be dealt with firmly under the law. In addition, they will have their immigration facilities cancelled or revoked.”

Yang able to get Employment Pass working for dance studio with paid-up of only $10,000

According to media reports, Mr Yang managed to secure an Employment Pass sometime in 2009 to work in Singapore. He was hired by Young Music & Dance Studio Pte Ltd, a company he set up with 87-year-old widow, Mdm Chung Khin Chun, on 25 March 2009.

Company records show that Mr Yang is also a director of Young Music & Dance Studio, with the address registered at Mdm Chung’s bungalow [Link]. Its principal activity is listed as “Music & Dance School”. The paid-up capital is only $10,000 with Mdm Chung holding 1,000 shares and Mr Yang 9,000. Both of them are listed as directors of the company.

At the time in 2009, to obtain an Employment Pass, the foreign worker must be paid at least a monthly salary of $3,000 and above. Unless the company had managed to have good revenues or obtain additional loans, with a paid-up of only $10,000, the company would have gone bankrupt within a few months. However, that is not the case as according to ACRA, the company is still “live”. It’s not known how many students Mr Yang’s school has recruited since 2009.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) has filed a police report against Yang for “abusing” the name of SCCCI. SCCCI said it does not have any director or council member or member by the name of “Yang Yin” (‘SCCCI files police report against PRC Yang Yin‘). Mr Yang has earlier issued name cards saying that he is a director of SCCCI.

Mr Yang is currently embroiled in a tussle over Mdm Chung’s $40 million assets. The widow’s niece has started court proceedings to revoke Mr Yang’s guardianship of her aunt’s assets. She alleged that Mr Yang has manipulated her aunt to give him control over her $40 million assets.