PropertyLimBrothers to introduce code of conduct, anonymous whistle-blowing channel: ST

PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) is introducing a formal code of conduct and an internal whistle-blowing channel following a leadership controversy earlier this year that sparked widespread online speculation involving two of its former senior executives.

The new measures are intended to strengthen internal accountability and provide staff with clearer channels to raise concerns, according to PLB co-founder Adrian Lim, who spoke about the changes in an exclusive interview with The Straits Times (ST).

New rules and whistle-blowing platform

Among the rules being considered under the code of conduct are guidelines covering workplace relationships, standards of professional behaviour and dress expectations.

A whistle-blowing platform has also been set up to allow property agents and employees to submit concerns anonymously, with serious breaches potentially leading to disciplinary action, including dismissal.

The move comes after PLB’s co-founder and former chief executive officer Melvin Lim, along with former vice-president of strategy Grayce Tan, stepped down from their roles in January amid allegations of an extramarital affair.

Both resigned from the company on Jan. 25.

Learned of the allegations same time as everyone else

Adrian Lim told ST he first became aware of the allegations when messages and videos began circulating online among property agents and internet forums.

“Once the facts were established, the leadership team aligned quickly on the appropriate course of action. The decision was made within a day and communicated to staff immediately to ensure transparency and business continuity,” Lim added.

Although Lim said day-to-day operations were not significantly disrupted, the company did experience some immediate setbacks.

Three salespersons reportedly quit the agency, while four clients passed on PLB following the episode.

He added that agents experienced a dip in morale at first, prompting management to step up internal engagement through weekly staff sessions and company gatherings.

Lim also noted that Melvin had already reduced his involvement in PLB’s daily operations to run KW Singapore about six to seven months before the controversy surfaced.

He said some content featuring Melvin that appeared online during that period had been pre-recorded, while certain webinars were rebroadcasts of earlier sessions.

Tan's speculated salary inaccurate: Lim

The controversy also led to broader online claims about PLB’s internal practices, including speculation over Tan’s S$230,000 annual salary, and allegations that company funds had been used to support a hotpot business allegedly linked to Melvin and her.

Lim denied those claims, saying salary figures circulating online were also inaccurate.

“There was an internal review of those claims the moment the incident was surfaced to the management team," he said, as reported by ST.

He did not disclose Tan’s salary, saying remuneration and promotions were confidential matters handled by human resources and management.

Focus now on rebuilding trust

Moving forward, Lim said PLB’s immediate priority is strengthening internal systems while continuing to expand its business.

The agency recently launched a digital platform known as Property Analysis, which allows users to generate residential property reports containing transaction records and pricing data.

He added that the company hopes the new measures will help rebuild confidence among clients, agents and employees who remained with the firm.

“One incident like this cannot define the many good works of many realtors in the industry."

Top photos via PropertyLimBrothers' website