“Who Is Lum Kok Seng? The Man Linked to Iswaran’s Newest Charges “

SINGAPORE — Former transport minister S. Iswaran faces eight additional charges as of March 25, alleging he received valuable items totaling nearly $19,000 from Lum Kok Seng while serving as a public official. The items, reportedly received between November 2021 and November 2022, include a Brompton bicycle, golf clubs, and several bottles of whisky. Iswaran, who stepped down as transport minister in January 2024, was reportedly aware of Lum’s connection to a Land Transport Authority (LTA) project at Tanah Merah MRT station through Lum’s company, Lum Chang Building Contractors.

Iswaran now faces 35 charges, including 32 under Section 165 of the Penal Code for receiving gifts from individuals linked to his official duties. The remaining charges involve corruption and obstruction of justice, with Iswaran pleading not guilty to all.

Lum Kok Seng is the managing director of Lum Chang Holdings (LCH), a Singapore-based property, interior design, and construction firm. LCH’s 2023 annual report notes Lum’s role in expanding the company’s development operations in Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK. Lum, now 74, was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2010 for his contributions to Singapore’s public service as a patron of the Ayer Rajah-West Coast Citizens’ Consultative Committee, an area where Iswaran served as MP.

According to LCH’s annual report, Lum Chang Building Contractors (LCBC) secured a $325 million LTA contract for alterations and additions at Tanah Merah MRT station. The project, set for completion in 2025, includes a new platform and concourse, as well as an underpass near Tanah Merah Kechil Avenue. LCBC is also involved in the North-South Corridor tunnel construction, valued at $799 million, which is progressing toward its 2027 completion.

While Lum Chang Holdings declined to comment, The Straits Times reached out to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau regarding any potential investigation into Lum’s involvement.