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SingPost’s domestic services unaffected by executive dismissals, says Tan Kiat How

The government confirmed on 7 January that SingPost’s domestic postal services were unaffected by the dismissal of three top executives in December 2024.

IMDA’s assessment found the issue limited to international transshipment parcel deliveries.

Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How stated that SingPost’s board is addressing the matter as a corporate governance issue.

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SINGAPORE: The government on 7 January confirmed that domestic postal services by Singapore Post (SingPost) were not impacted by the recent incidents leading to the dismissal of three top executives in December 2024.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has conducted an assessment and is satisfied that the issue was confined to international transshipment parcel deliveries abroad and did not affect regulated domestic postal services, stated Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How in response to parliamentary questions.

“This is a matter of corporate governance, which the SingPost board is currently addressing,” he remarked.

Last month, SingPost dismissed its group chief executive officer Vincent Phang, group chief financial officer Vincent Yik, and head of its international business unit Li Yu for mishandling whistleblower reports related to the alleged falsification of e-commerce shipment data.

The three former executives have expressed their intention to contest their sackings.

Mr Tan added that SingPost’s board had assured the government that postal service operations remain unaffected.

“Nonetheless, IMDA will continue to monitor the situation closely to protect the public’s interests,” he said.

“As the public postal licensee, we expect SingPost to fulfil its obligations for its regulated postal services, including ensuring that domestic letter delivery meets IMDA’s quality of service standards.”

He further mentioned that the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) is concerned about the findings of the whistleblowing incident and the subsequent dismissals, noting that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation to ensure no disruption to domestic services, particularly as SingPost has yet to appoint a new group CEO.

“We are working very closely with the CEO of SingPost’s domestic business unit to ensure business continuity, maintain staff morale, and ensure that the company delivers its obligations under the licensing regulations,” Mr Tan said.

Mr Tan assured that postal services for legal notices and court orders were not affected.

He also confirmed that the ongoing postal sector review would not be impacted by the incident.

“The structural challenges facing the postal service industry remain unchanged,” he explained.

“We are still working on how to ensure the sustainability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of postal services for all Singaporeans.”

WP MP Louis Chua asks if government will review SingPost as a whole after senior executives’ dismissal following whistleblower claims

Workers’ Party MP Louis Chua asked if the government would consider conducting a review of SingPost as a whole, not just focusing on domestic postal services, given recent incidents and disputes from dismissed executives. He sought assurance that proper processes were in place for the firm’s operations.

In response, Minister Tan Kiat How confirmed that a review of the postal sector was ongoing, addressing the challenges facing the industry.

He emphasised that the Ministry was closely monitoring the situation to ensure that domestic postal services remain unaffected.

Tan also highlighted steps taken by SingPost, such as leadership changes and the creation of new roles to strengthen oversight of domestic operations.

In 2023, Mr Tan announced that the government would collaborate with SingPost for a “fundamental” review of Singapore’s postal service, considering the changes in the delivery ecosystem, including the growth of logistics and e-commerce players.

At that time, he also stated that IMDA would work with SingPost to assess its costs and operations.

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