S'pore man, 29, allegedly dies of suicide after ex-girlfriend ends relationship & asks to cancel BTO

A 29-year-old man in Singapore allegedly took his own life on Sep. 6 after his long-term girlfriend told him to cancel the build to order (BTO) flat they secured together and broke up with him.

His mother, surnamed Tan, said the family had already set aside S$60,000 for the flat renovation and the couple's wedding, reported Stomp.

The man's ex-girlfriend had broken up with him due to "emotional exhaustion" over the years, and said that she had supported him and encouraged him to change.

About to get married and move into BTO

The man and his ex-girlfriend, both 29, had reportedly been together for eight years since their polytechnic days.

They were planning to move into their new home between June and August 2026.

However, they broke up in late July 2025.

Tan said that the family had already prepared S$50,000 for the flat renovation and S$10,000 for the wedding, reported Stomp.

She said that his ex-girlfriend had made the man cancel their BTO, before officially breaking up with him.

He then attempted suicide on Jul. 29, but was rescued in time.

His family then tried to distract him with a cruise and a Shanghai trip, but to no avail.

He later took his own life on Sep. 6.

The family, still reeling from the loss, has not told his 92-year-old grandmother what happened.

Had savings and investments

The man had worked as an engineering technician for three years after pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering.

He later dropped out after two years when home-based learning during Covid-19 proved challenging.

According to Tan, he was "not ambitious" but was a "good son".

She added that he was thrifty, responsible, had savings and investments of over S$200,000, and was faithful in his relationship.

As such, Tan lamented why his ex-girlfriend had left him.

Man tends to give up easily, girlfriend broke up due to "emotional exhaustion"

According to Stomp, his ex-girlfriend said she ended the relationship after years of "emotional exhaustion".

She apparently said that she had tried to encourage him to improve himself, but no longer felt they shared the same outlook on life.

She added that she noticed that he always gave up "when things become difficult", be it in studies or work.

"I didn't want to get married when I already had these concerns. I've been hoping and waiting for him to outgrow them over the past eight years, but there hasn't been any change," she added.

In his final note, Tan said he had described himself as "useless", adding that more support should be available for couples facing a BTO cancellation.

Tan said that over 100 friends and colleagues attended the man's wake.

Helplines

• Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (24 hours)/ 9151-1767 (24-hour CareText via WhatsApp)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
• Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1

Top photo via Canva