The recent arrest of Mr Kwek Li Yong, founder and executive director of My Community Limited, marks a significant turning point for one of Singapore’s most prominent heritage organizations. This development raises questions about the governance and future direction of the charity, which has played a visible role in local heritage preservation.
On September 25, 2025, Mr Kwek was detained by the authorities on suspicion of forgery offences. The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, although they have not provided specific details regarding the nature of the alleged forgeries or the circumstances that led to the report. Mr Kwek is currently out on police bail as inquiries continue.
Compounding these legal issues, My Community Limited faces scrutiny from the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board. Former employees have filed claims over unpaid CPF contributions, prompting the board to take prosecution actions against the company. According to The Straits Times, a portion of the arrears has been successfully recovered, but concerns about financial management remain.
Founded in January 2020 and registered as a charity by May of that year, My Community Limited quickly became known for organizing free guided tours across historic neighborhoods such as Queenstown, Clementi, and Telok Blangah. The organization has also secured contracts in 2025 to create heritage galleries in several secondary schools and the Accountant-General’s Department, with project completions expected through November 2025.
These developments cast a shadow over the organization’s achievements and future projects. Stakeholders and partners may now reconsider their involvement given the ongoing investigations and financial controversies. The situation underscores the importance of robust governance and transparency within non-profit organizations tasked with safeguarding Singapore’s heritage.
As investigations progress, the outlook for My Community Limited remains uncertain. The outcome will likely influence public trust and set precedents for accountability in Singapore’s non-profit sector.
The arrest of Mr Kwek Li Yong, founder and executive director of My Community Limited, represents a potentially watershed moment for Singapore’s heritage and non-profit sectors. This developing scandal involves allegations of forgery, unpaid Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, and raises serious questions about governance, financial sustainability, and oversight within charitable organizations that have received public contracts and trust.
Background: From Grassroots Success to Crisis
The Rise of My Community
My Community began as a society registered on August 26, 2010, establishing itself as a beloved fixture in Singapore’s heritage landscape. The organization built its reputation through:
- Free guided heritage tours in historically significant neighborhoods including Queenstown, Clementi, and Telok Blangah
- Community engagement that democratized access to Singapore’s architectural and cultural history
- The annual My Community Festival (since 2020), featuring heritage programs and tours
- Professional services including arts and heritage research, consultancy, and museum design
The organization’s transition to a company limited by guarantee on January 3, 2020, with charitable status granted on May 8, 2020, represented an apparent maturation and professionalization. This structure typically signals greater ambition, capacity for contracts, and formal governance.
The Achievements That Preceded the Fall
My Community Limited’s 2022 annual report painted a picture of organizational health, claiming financial sustainability without requiring public grants or donations. The organization held Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, enabling tax-deductible donations—a mark of official recognition and trust.
Most significantly, in 2025, the organization secured government contracts to establish heritage galleries in at least three secondary schools and the Accountant-General’s Department, with completion dates extending to November 2025. These contracts represented not just revenue, but official endorsement and expanded influence.
The Crisis Unfolds: A Multi-Layered Scandal
The Criminal Allegations
On September 25, 2025, Mr Kwek was arrested for suspected involvement in forgery offences. While police investigations remain ongoing and details sparse, forgery in a non-profit context typically involves:
- Document falsification related to financial records, contracts, or grant applications
- Misrepresentation of organizational capacity, credentials, or past performance
- Fraudulent signatures on official documents, agreements, or financial instruments
The vagueness of the charges leaves room for significant speculation, but the police’s willingness to make an arrest suggests substantial evidence warranting formal investigation.
The CPF Controversy
Perhaps more immediately damaging are the revelations regarding unpaid CPF contributions—Singapore’s mandatory social security system. Former employees have filed claims against the company, and the CPF Board has:
- Taken prosecution actions now before the courts
- Recovered a portion of arrears through enforcement efforts
- Continues pursuing remaining unpaid contributions
Unpaid CPF contributions represent a serious breach of Singapore’s employment laws and suggest potential cash flow problems or deliberate misappropriation of funds. For employees, this means stolen retirement savings and potential healthcare coverage gaps.
The Financial Paradox
The CPF scandal directly contradicts My Community Limited’s 2022 annual report claims of financial sustainability. This raises critical questions:
- Were the financial statements misleading or falsified?
- Did the organization experience sudden financial collapse after 2022?
- Were government contracts secured based on misrepresented financial health?
- How were free tours and programs financed if basic employee obligations went unmet?
Stakeholder Impact Analysis
1. Current and Former Employees
The human cost is immediate and severe:
- Financial hardship from unpaid retirement contributions
- Legal uncertainty regarding recovery of owed funds
- Career disruption and reputational concerns
- Loss of trust in non-profit employment
2. Government Agencies and Schools
Multiple government entities face embarrassment and practical challenges:
Ministry of Education: Three secondary schools were slated to receive heritage galleries. These projects now face:
- Potential delays or cancellation
- Need for alternative contractors mid-project
- Questions about due diligence in vendor selection
- Disruption to educational programming
Accountant-General’s Department: The irony of financial oversight’s headquarters receiving services from an organization allegedly involved in financial misconduct is not lost. This raises questions about:
- Procurement processes and background checks
- Whether warning signs were missed
- Potential reputational damage
3. The Heritage Community
My Community’s troubles cast a shadow over Singapore’s entire heritage sector:
- Reduced public trust in heritage organizations
- Increased scrutiny of other non-profit heritage groups
- Potential funding restrictions as regulators tighten oversight
- Loss of a major player in heritage education and advocacy
4. Volunteers and Tour Participants
Thousands of Singaporeans engaged with My Community’s programs:
- Emotional disappointment from a trusted organization’s fall
- Questions about program quality and authenticity
- Uncertainty about future heritage access in affected neighborhoods
5. Donors and Supporters
Those who contributed during My Community’s IPC period may feel:
- Betrayed if donations were misused
- Concerned about tax deduction validity
- Hesitant to support heritage causes in future
Regulatory and Governance Failures
The Oversight Gap
This crisis exposes potential weaknesses in Singapore’s charity oversight framework:
Commissioner of Charities:
- How did an organization with alleged forgery and unpaid CPF continue operating?
- Were financial reports properly audited and verified?
- What red flags, if any, were missed?
CPF Board:
- How long were contributions unpaid before action was taken?
- Why did prosecution only occur after employee complaints?
- Could earlier intervention have prevented escalation?
Government Procurement:
- What due diligence checks are performed on contractors?
- Are financial health and legal compliance verified?
- Should IPC status alone signal trustworthiness?
The Structural Vulnerabilities
Non-profit organizations in Singapore face unique pressures that may have contributed:
- Mission-driven leadership sometimes lacks financial management expertise
- Limited resources for proper internal controls and governance
- Pressure to appear sustainable to secure contracts and maintain credibility
- Founder-dominance can create insufficient checks and balances
- Board composition may prioritize passion over professional oversight
Legal and Financial Outlook
Potential Criminal Consequences
If charged and convicted, Mr Kwek faces significant penalties:
Forgery offences under Singapore’s Penal Code carry:
- Up to 4 years imprisonment for simple forgery
- Up to 10 years for forgery for the purpose of cheating
- Fines and restitution orders
Civil and Regulatory Actions
Beyond criminal prosecution, multiple proceedings loom:
CPF Board prosecution: Court cases for unpaid contributions carry:
- Fines up to $5,000 per charge
- Imprisonment up to 6 months for repeat offences
- Mandatory payment of arrears with interest
Employee civil claims: Former staff may pursue:
- Unpaid wages and benefits
- Compensation for losses
- Damages for breach of employment obligations
Commissioner of Charities: Potential actions include:
- Removal of charitable status
- Inquiry into governance and finances
- Director disqualification
- Winding up of the organization
Contract disputes: Government agencies may:
- Terminate existing contracts
- Demand refunds for incomplete work
- Pursue damages for breach
- Blacklist from future procurement
Organizational Survival Prospects
My Community Limited’s future appears bleak:
Scenario 1: Immediate Collapse (Most Likely)
- Unable to complete government contracts
- Loss of charitable status
- Voluntary or forced liquidation
- Assets sold to pay creditors and employees
Scenario 2: Leadership Change and Restructuring (Unlikely)
- Mr Kwek removed from all positions
- New board appointed with strong governance
- Financial restructuring and debt repayment plan
- Rebranding and reputation rebuilding
- Requires significant capital injection and time
Scenario 3: Partial Continuation (Possible)
- My Community society (separate from Limited company) continues
- Volunteer-run tours without paid staff
- No government contracts or major projects
- Return to grassroots, pre-2020 model
Broader Implications for Singapore’s Non-Profit Sector
Likely Regulatory Changes
This scandal will likely trigger policy responses:
- Enhanced financial reporting requirements for charities receiving government contracts
- Mandatory independent audits for organizations above certain size thresholds
- Real-time CPF compliance monitoring linked to charitable status
- Stricter procurement due diligence including financial health checks
- Board composition requirements ensuring financial and legal expertise
- Whistleblower protection for employees reporting non-compliance
The Trust Deficit
Singapore’s non-profit sector may face a “trust recession”:
- Donor hesitancy: Individuals and corporations more cautious about giving
- Volunteer reluctance: Concerns about organizational stability and ethics
- Corporate partnership pullback: Companies avoiding reputational risk
- Government contract restrictions: Higher barriers to entry for non-profits
The Professionalization Imperative
Heritage organizations must now demonstrate:
- Professional financial management with qualified CFOs or financial advisors
- Independent governance with boards exercising genuine oversight
- Transparent reporting beyond minimum requirements
- Internal controls preventing single-person dominance
- Regular audits by reputable firms
Lessons for the Heritage Sector
Governance Best Practices
Organizations should implement:
- Board Independence: Majority of directors independent of management
- Financial Oversight Committee: Regular review of accounts and controls
- Dual Authorization: No single person controls finances
- Whistleblower Policies: Safe channels for raising concerns
- Succession Planning: Reducing founder dependence
Financial Sustainability Myths
The “self-sustaining without donations” claim should have raised red flags:
- Legitimate sustainable models include diverse revenue streams
- Grant and donation independence is rare without significant endowments
- Contract revenue alone creates dangerous dependence
- Financial reserves are essential for non-profit stability
- Transparency about challenges builds more trust than false confidence
The Volunteer-Professional Balance
Heritage organizations must navigate:
- Passion vs. Professionalism: Both are necessary
- Growth vs. Mission: Contracts shouldn’t compromise values
- Paid vs. Volunteer: Clear roles and fair compensation
- Commercial vs. Charitable: Maintaining core mission while generating revenue
The Path Forward: Recommendations
For Regulatory Authorities
- Immediate sector-wide review: Audit all charities with government contracts
- Enhanced oversight framework: More frequent and detailed reporting
- CPF compliance integration: Link charitable status to real-time CPF compliance
- Procurement reform: Mandatory financial health verification
- Public registry enhancement: More transparent financial information
For Heritage Organizations
- Governance audit: Independent review of internal controls
- Financial transparency: Proactive disclosure beyond requirements
- Collaborative advocacy: Industry association promoting standards
- Mutual support: Smaller organizations sharing resources and expertise
- Crisis planning: Preparing for financial or leadership emergencies
For Government Contractors
- Due diligence intensification: Don’t rely solely on charitable status
- Milestone payments: Phased contract payments reducing exposure
- Performance bonds: Financial guarantees for project completion
- Regular monitoring: Ongoing assessment of contractor health
- Contingency planning: Backup contractors for critical projects
For the Public
- Informed support: Research organizations before donating or volunteering
- Question sustainability claims: Genuine non-profits acknowledge challenges
- Diversified giving: Support multiple organizations reducing single-point failure
- Engagement: Attend AGMs and ask questions
- Whistleblowing: Report concerns to authorities
Outlook: Short, Medium, and Long Term
Short Term (3-6 Months)
Expected Developments:
- Court proceedings advance on CPF and potential forgery charges
- Government contracts terminated or reassigned
- My Community Limited likely dissolved
- Media scrutiny of non-profit governance intensifies
- Other organizations face increased regulatory scrutiny
Sector Impact:
- Donor confidence drops temporarily
- Heritage organizations face funding challenges
- Government contract applications decline
- Increased compliance costs for all non-profits
Medium Term (6-24 Months)
Likely Changes:
- New regulations implemented for charity oversight
- Enhanced procurement processes established
- Several smaller heritage organizations merge for sustainability
- Professional management becomes sector norm
- Heritage sector consolidation around stable, well-governed organizations
Recovery Signs:
- Public trust gradually rebuilds through transparency
- Success stories from well-governed organizations highlighted
- Government resumes heritage contracts with safeguards
- Sector demonstrates reformed practices
Long Term (2-5 Years)
Transformation Scenarios:
Optimistic Scenario:
- Singapore’s non-profit sector emerges stronger with better governance
- Enhanced public trust through demonstrated accountability
- Heritage education expands through stable, professional organizations
- Government partnership with non-profits deepens with appropriate safeguards
- Singapore becomes regional model for non-profit regulation
Pessimistic Scenario:
- Excessive regulation stifles non-profit innovation and flexibility
- Small grassroots organizations unable to meet compliance costs
- Heritage sector dominated by few large organizations or government entities
- Volunteer-driven initiatives decline due to liability concerns
- Public cynicism about charitable sector persists
Most Likely Scenario:
- Balanced regulatory enhancement without overreach
- Sector bifurcation: professional larger organizations and volunteer grassroots groups
- Continued government engagement with elevated standards
- Gradual trust rebuilding through demonstrated reforms
- Heritage education continues but with more cautious institutional arrangements
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment
The My Community Limited crisis represents more than one organization’s failure—it’s a stress test for Singapore’s entire approach to heritage preservation, non-profit governance, and public-private collaboration. The allegations of forgery and unpaid CPF contributions strike at fundamental trust relationships that underpin civil society.
However, crises create opportunities for reform. Singapore’s characteristic regulatory responsiveness, combined with the heritage sector’s genuine passion and commitment, can transform this scandal into a catalyst for positive change. The key is balancing necessary accountability with preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and volunteer ethos that make organizations like My Community valuable in the first place.
The heritage community, regulatory authorities, and the public share responsibility for ensuring that Singapore’s rich history and culture are preserved through organizations that are both passionate and professional, mission-driven and well-managed, innovative and accountable.
The coming months will reveal whether Mr Kwek’s alleged actions represent an isolated incident or symptomatic of deeper sector-wide challenges. Either way, the response to this crisis will shape Singapore’s heritage landscape and non-profit sector for years to come. The goal must be not just preventing future scandals, but creating an ecosystem where heritage organizations can thrive with integrity, serve communities with excellence, and preserve Singapore’s past while building a trustworthy future.
This analysis is based on publicly available information as of October 7, 2025. Investigations are ongoing, and Mr Kwek has not been charged or convicted. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.