The managing director of Hotel Properties Limited, Ong Beng Seng, returned to Singapore from Bali in a private jet on Jul. 17.

He had been allowed to travel overseas while on bail at S$100,000.

According to The Straits Times, his plane landed at Seletar Airport at about 5:15pm.

He was then seen leaving the airport with his wife, Christina Ong, in a black Audi sedan.

Board of directors: Surrendering his passport upon his return to Singapore

According to a company general announcement provided to Singapore Exchange (SGX) on Jul. 14, the board of directors of Hotel Properties stated that Ong will be travelling from the day of the announcement and "will be surrendering his passport to CPIB upon his return to Singapore".

Ong told the board that no charges have been filed against him, even though he has been given a notice of arrest and had posted bail.

The announcement states that Ong is cooperating fully with CPIB and has provided CPIB with the information requested.

The company also pointed out that their nominating committee has assessed the situation and determined that it "continues to be suitable to carry out his duties and responsibilities as managing director".

However, they "continue to monitor the progress of the matter" and "re-assess the suitability of the continued appointment" of Ong.

Arrested on same day with S Iswaran

In a statement to the media on July 14, 2023, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) said both transport minister S Iswaran and Ong were arrested on Jul. 11, 2023.

Both individuals were subsequently released on bail, CPIB added.

As part of bail conditions, subjects’ passports are impounded.

"Subjects on bail can however make requests to travel overseas. CPIB will assess such requests on a case-by-case basis," CPIB said.

Ong's request to travel overseas was assessed and acceded to by CPIB.

CPIB added that no further details can be provided, as investigations are ongoing.

Left photo by Mark Thompson/Getty, right image via Google Streetview