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CNA
02-07-2025
- CNA
Commentary: Should caning be meted out for more offences in Singapore?
SINGAPORE: On May 19, two former actors were sentenced following their convictions for separate sexual offences. Lev Panfilov was sentenced to 11 and a half years in jail, as well as 12 strokes of the cane for raping a woman he met on Tinder. Ian Fang was sentenced to 40 months' jail after pleading guilty to three charges of sexual penetration of a girl under 16. The sentence caused a stir among netizens, who wondered why caning was not meted out for such a serious sexual offence. Caning has played an integral but controversial role in Singapore's criminal justice system. For example, Singapore canes repeat drug abusers and foreigners who illegally overstay their visa. More recently, the government is considering caning scammers in certain cases, in recognition of the serious harm they cause to society. When and why should caning be imposed, and when is it not an appropriate punishment? RETRIBUTION AND DETERRENCE Caning serves two purposes in today's criminal justice system. The first less controversial purpose is for retribution for violent crimes, including sexual offences such as rape and molestation. The second purpose of caning is for deterrence. This is especially so for offences where imprisonment or fines are found to be of insufficient deterrent value. Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, when introducing caning for vandalism offences in parliament in 1966, described the punishment as 'rather humiliating', which would deter would-be offenders who were otherwise not afraid of the repercussions. The same principle was applied for illegal immigration, as such offenders were purportedly happy to be imprisoned as they would be clothed, fed and generally looked after in prison. Mandatory caning was thus imposed for long-term overstayers. However, this rationale is not without its detractors. Opponents argue that judicial caning is prohibited under international law on the basis that it amounts to torture or is a cruel, inhumane and degrading punishment. This argument has been rejected by the Singapore courts. It has also been argued that imposing judicial caning may carry unintended consequences. In a letter published on TODAY, activist Jolene Tan argued that caning people who commit serious sexual offences may normalise a culture of violence and entrench the sexist view that men can only be 'controlled' through pain. It may also deter victims of sexual offences from reporting such offences, especially if it was committed by a family member, for fear that the perpetrator would face caning. Finally, there does not appear to be studies conducted or commissioned by the government on the effectiveness of judicial caning as a deterrent against crime. Without such a study, there is no empirical data to conclude that other forms of punishment such as imprisonment, fines or community sentences are inadequate in deterring crime. When determining what types of sentences ought to be imposed for any offences, it is important that the punishment fits the crime. Returning to Fang's charge – sex with a minor between the ages of 14 and 16 – the penalty is a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. But in cases where the offender is in an exploitative relationship with the victim, the penalty is a jail term of up to 20 years, and a fine or caning. Because Fang was not handed the latter charge – as the prosecution did not deem the relationship itself to be exploitative – he was not sentenced with caning. As the Penal Code underwent a comprehensive review in 2018, with offences and punishments updated, it stands to reason that the government is satisfied that the sentence has a sufficient deterrent effect. Singapore's laws criminalise a wide range of sexual offences involving minors, from sexual communication and grooming to sexual penetration. Each carries its own prescribed punishment based on severity, ensuring that each type of sexual offence is appropriately dealt with. Before implementing caning for offences, especially non-violent ones, it would be incumbent on lawmakers to ensure that other methods of deterrence are exhausted. Given that caning causes not only great hurt – to the point that a doctor must be present when the offender is being caned – but also significant humiliation, it is one of the gravest sentences that can be imposed, and not one to be meted out freely. Where scams are concerned, it would be prudent for lawmakers to review the effectiveness of current measures to prevent, detect and punish offenders and how they would compare to caning. The Sentencing Advisory Panel already issued guidelines for scam-related offences in August 2024, setting out strict punishments that exclude caning for people who hand over control of their bank accounts or disclose Singpass credentials to others. It would also be crucial for the government to consult the public widely before implementing such a sentence, as there is no general consensus regarding the use of judicial caning in Singapore, and laws should align with societal mores and values. 'Spare the rod, spoil the child' should not be an assumption that underlies our criminal justice system.
South China Morning Post
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Singapore ex-actor Ian Fang in apology bow for sex case, mother claims ‘proof' against STD reports
Former actor Ian Fang bowed in apology on Monday as he surrendered to begin his 40-month jail term in Singapore for having sex with a 15-year-old girl, telling reporters he was taking responsibility for his actions. Alongside him, Fang's mother rejected what she called inaccurate reports, saying they had 'proof' that he did not give the victim a sexually transmitted infection. Speaking to reporters outside Singapore's State Courts, the 35-year-old Fang said in Mandarin: 'When you make a mistake, you have to take responsibility. I'm here now to accept the punishment and legal consequences that I deserve. Of course, I also hope that everyone can give me a chance to be reborn, to start over.' In English, Fang added: 'This is something that I need to pay. It's an expensive and very huge mistake that I need to pay off. But I believe it will definitely make me a better person.' He also directly apologised to the victim, saying: 'I am sorry. Everyone has been hurt.' Fang's public appearance marked his first since his conviction on May 19 on three counts of sexual penetration of a minor. According to the court records, Fang met the teenage girl at an entertainment event in 2024. The two went on to have unprotected sex on multiple occasions, even though she was underage. He also admitted harassing the girl during the investigation, including repeatedly calling her late at night and pressuring her to plead for leniency on his behalf.
AsiaOne
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Alex Fong and wife expecting 1st child — and other top stories today, World News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Alex Fong and wife expecting 1st child Hong Kong singer-actor Alex Fong and his wife Maple Yip are expecting their first child... » READ MORE 2. Singaporean cyclist dies after hitting pothole and then run over by lorry in Johor A Singaporean cyclist died in Johor after hitting a pothole and then run over by a lorry... » READ MORE 3. 'It's time to take responsibility for what I did': Ex-actor Ian Fang arrives at State Courts to begin prison sentence Former actor Ian Fang is set to begin his 40-month prison sentence today (June 16). The 35-year-old Singapore Permanent Resident arrived at the State Courts... » READ MORE 4. Just tired or something more? The overlooked mental struggles some new dads face Postpartum depression (PPD) is often associated with mothers, but did you know that it can also affect fathers?... » READ MORE editor@
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Singapore ex-actor Ian Fang bows as he begins 40-month jail term for sex with minor, says hopes to be ‘a better version' of himself
SINGAPORE, June 16 — Singapore former actor Ian Fang has reportedly surrendered himself to the State Courts today to undergo his 40-month prison sentence. The Straits Times reported that Fang arrived with a woman said to be his mother. 'I definitely will try my best to be a better person, a better version of myself. It is an expensive and very huge mistake that I need to pay off. 'I believe it will definitely make me a better person. I really hope that everyone can give me a chance, to show that I can be the person you want me to be,' he was quoted saying, bowing afterwards. Last month, the actor whose real name is Fang Wei Jie, admitted to three counts of sexual penetration of a minor, while three additional similar charges were taken into consideration, along with one count each of obstruction of justice and stalking. The offences occurred after the pair met at an entertainment event, with Fang then working as an acting teacher at a child modelling school catering to students aged four to 14. Fang has since left acting and maintained a low profile before his legal troubles came to light. In Singapore, statutory rape applies only to a sexual act with a minor below 14 under Section 376A of the Penal Code.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Public holidays 2026: Singapore to have 6 long weekends; Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang surrenders to court to begin 40-month jail sentence: Singapore live news
Singaporeans will be able to enjoy six long public holiday weekends in 2026, according to the Ministry of Manpower's list of gazetted public holidays. The list was released on 16 June. Good Friday (3 April), Labour Day (1 May) and Christmas Day (25 Dec) will fall on a Friday. Since Vesak Day (31 May), National Day (9 Aug) and Deepavali (8 Nov) fall on Sundays, the following Mondays will be designated public holidays. Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang surrendered himself to the State Courts just before noon to begin his 40-month jail sentence. Fang, 35, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl who cannot be named due to a court-imposed gag order. He admitted to three counts of sexually penetrating an underage girl. Five other charges, including sexual penetration of an underage girl, harassment and obstructing the course of justice, were taken into account during sentencing. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang surrendered himself to the State Courts just before noon to begin his 40-month jail sentence. Fang, 35, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl who cannot be named due to a court-imposed gag order. He admitted to three counts of sexually penetrating an underage girl. Five other charges, including sexual penetration of an underage girl, harassment and obstructing the course of justice, were taken into account during sentencing. Fang was accompanied by his mother and spoke to the media outside the State Courts. He said, "I definitely will try my best to be a better person, a better version of myself. It is an expensive and very huge mistake that I need to pay off. "I believe it will definitely make me a better person. I really hope that everyone can give me a chance, to show that I can be the person you want me to be." For more on Ian Fang's jail sentence, read here. Singaporeans will be able to enjoy six long public holiday weekends in 2026, according to the Ministry of Manpower's list of gazetted public holidays. The list was released on 16 June. Good Friday (3 April), Labour Day (1 May) and Christmas Day (25 Dec) will fall on a Friday. Since Vesak Day (31 May), National Day (9 Aug) and Deepavali (8 Nov) fall on Sundays, the following Mondays will be designated public holidays. This makes the six long weekends. According the list, Hari Raya Puasa falls on 21 March, which is Saturday, but this is subject to confirmation. For more on the 2026 public holidays, read here. The Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include 36 more countries, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the country. He said that the move was necessary to protect the United States against "foreign terrorists" and other national security threats. In an internal diplomatic cable that was sent over the weekend, and signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department raised over a dozen concerns about the 36 countries and sought corrective action. "The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days," said the cable. For more on the Trump's potential travel ban on the 36 countries, read here. Singaporeans love to travel and that isn't lost on the telcos who are seeking to woo globetrotters with 'borderless' mobile plans at low prices. With these plans, consumers can use a generous bundle of mobile data across borders without paying more, or activating a travel e-SIM or roaming feature. M1 is the latest telco to jump on this trend with its Maxx plan that offers 290GB of data for use in Singapore and Malaysia for a monthly record low price of $7.90. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile data for use in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. Singapore's virtual telco started this trend in September 2023 when they launched a monthly plan that let customers use 100GB across eight Asian destinations (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The plan cost $30 monthly for the first three months, then $37 after that. Fabian Sossa, vice-president of corporate and global marketing at said: "The plan is designed for mobile professionals, digital nomads, students, tourists and families with cross-border ties... essentially anyone who needs connectivity across multiple countries without friction." For more on local telcos' 'borderless' mobile plans, read here. A new crane tipped over at Tuas Port during its delivery on 15 June to a non-operational berth. No injuries were reported in the accident. In a joint statement on the same day, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and port operator PSA Singapore said an assessment of adjacent port equipment and facilities has found no damage. The incident is under investigation. For more on the Tuas Port accident, read here. Business owners in Johor Bahru (JB), especially hawkers, have raised concerns to the authorities about the impact of Singapore commuters on their businesses. The issue seems to centre around the fact that parking spaces near the CIQ complex and JB City Centre have been monopolised by Johor residents who commute to Singapore for work. These workers typically park as early as 5am, and return as late as 8pm. It was reported that workers even occupy designated lots for these businesses, removing cones and disregarding reserved signs. A hawker in Perling said she found that her allocated business lot had been taken when she arrived to her stall one morning. At the Iskandar Malaysia Food Court in Gelang Patah, a stall owner claimed nearly 20 vendors have experienced declining profits over the past two years due to this ongoing issue. For more on the challenges JB food vendors face over parking lots, read here. Elise Lim was on the "safe path" to success – she qualified for the Integrated Programme (IP) after her Primary School Leaving Examination, and managed to get into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. However, she stepped away from it all in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College to study fashion at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). She had cultivated an interest in cosplay during her fourth year, and tried making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. Lim said, "It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable." Yet, after three years, the 19-year-old has achieved some level of success in her field with more than 94,000 followers on TikTok where she posts tutorials on how to make wigs, and other cosplay content. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers. Lim is now in her third year of the fashion design and management at TP. She juggles studies and taking on commission orders for wigs on a first come, first served basis. The prices of her wigs range from US$100 to US$700 (S$130 to S$900). Lim's mother, who only wanted to be known as Mrs Lim and declined to reveal her occupation, said, "I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs, and I hope she takes care to protect herself." For more on Elise's inspirational journey from IP to fashion and cosplayer, read here. Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang surrendered himself to the State Courts just before noon to begin his 40-month jail sentence. Fang, 35, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl who cannot be named due to a court-imposed gag order. He admitted to three counts of sexually penetrating an underage girl. Five other charges, including sexual penetration of an underage girl, harassment and obstructing the course of justice, were taken into account during sentencing. Fang was accompanied by his mother and spoke to the media outside the State Courts. He said, "I definitely will try my best to be a better person, a better version of myself. It is an expensive and very huge mistake that I need to pay off. "I believe it will definitely make me a better person. I really hope that everyone can give me a chance, to show that I can be the person you want me to be." For more on Ian Fang's jail sentence, read here. Singaporeans will be able to enjoy six long public holiday weekends in 2026, according to the Ministry of Manpower's list of gazetted public holidays. The list was released on 16 June. Good Friday (3 April), Labour Day (1 May) and Christmas Day (25 Dec) will fall on a Friday. Since Vesak Day (31 May), National Day (9 Aug) and Deepavali (8 Nov) fall on Sundays, the following Mondays will be designated public holidays. This makes the six long weekends. According the list, Hari Raya Puasa falls on 21 March, which is Saturday, but this is subject to confirmation. For more on the 2026 public holidays, read here. The Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include 36 more countries, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the country. He said that the move was necessary to protect the United States against "foreign terrorists" and other national security threats. In an internal diplomatic cable that was sent over the weekend, and signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department raised over a dozen concerns about the 36 countries and sought corrective action. "The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days," said the cable. For more on the Trump's potential travel ban on the 36 countries, read here. Singaporeans love to travel and that isn't lost on the telcos who are seeking to woo globetrotters with 'borderless' mobile plans at low prices. With these plans, consumers can use a generous bundle of mobile data across borders without paying more, or activating a travel e-SIM or roaming feature. M1 is the latest telco to jump on this trend with its Maxx plan that offers 290GB of data for use in Singapore and Malaysia for a monthly record low price of $7.90. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile data for use in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. Singapore's virtual telco started this trend in September 2023 when they launched a monthly plan that let customers use 100GB across eight Asian destinations (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The plan cost $30 monthly for the first three months, then $37 after that. Fabian Sossa, vice-president of corporate and global marketing at said: "The plan is designed for mobile professionals, digital nomads, students, tourists and families with cross-border ties... essentially anyone who needs connectivity across multiple countries without friction." For more on local telcos' 'borderless' mobile plans, read here. A new crane tipped over at Tuas Port during its delivery on 15 June to a non-operational berth. No injuries were reported in the accident. In a joint statement on the same day, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and port operator PSA Singapore said an assessment of adjacent port equipment and facilities has found no damage. The incident is under investigation. For more on the Tuas Port accident, read here. Business owners in Johor Bahru (JB), especially hawkers, have raised concerns to the authorities about the impact of Singapore commuters on their businesses. The issue seems to centre around the fact that parking spaces near the CIQ complex and JB City Centre have been monopolised by Johor residents who commute to Singapore for work. These workers typically park as early as 5am, and return as late as 8pm. It was reported that workers even occupy designated lots for these businesses, removing cones and disregarding reserved signs. A hawker in Perling said she found that her allocated business lot had been taken when she arrived to her stall one morning. At the Iskandar Malaysia Food Court in Gelang Patah, a stall owner claimed nearly 20 vendors have experienced declining profits over the past two years due to this ongoing issue. For more on the challenges JB food vendors face over parking lots, read here. Elise Lim was on the "safe path" to success – she qualified for the Integrated Programme (IP) after her Primary School Leaving Examination, and managed to get into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. However, she stepped away from it all in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College to study fashion at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). She had cultivated an interest in cosplay during her fourth year, and tried making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. Lim said, "It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable." Yet, after three years, the 19-year-old has achieved some level of success in her field with more than 94,000 followers on TikTok where she posts tutorials on how to make wigs, and other cosplay content. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers. Lim is now in her third year of the fashion design and management at TP. She juggles studies and taking on commission orders for wigs on a first come, first served basis. The prices of her wigs range from US$100 to US$700 (S$130 to S$900). Lim's mother, who only wanted to be known as Mrs Lim and declined to reveal her occupation, said, "I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs, and I hope she takes care to protect herself." For more on Elise's inspirational journey from IP to fashion and cosplayer, read here.
