Case Studies on Ethical Leadership (Topic 5)

Case Study 1: Teen admits lying he had COVID-19 as a prank.

1. CNA article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/teen-admits-lying-he-had-covid-19-
prank-his-nsf-friend-was-sent-home-pulau-tekong-and-isolated-2285341

2. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/teen-gets-probation-lying-he-had-covid-19-prank-
2378031

Read the article/s and have a group discussion about the case study based on the following questions. You
will present your thoughts on the case study to the class thereafter.
1. What do you think was Siew Hanlong’s intention when he decided to play the prank?

2. What was unethical about his actions?

3. How did his actions affect others?

4. If you were the judge, what would you meet out as a suitable and justified penalty? Was the final
punishment appropriate and deserved?

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Case Study 2: Raeesah Khan apologises for
lying in Parliament
1. Today Article:
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/s
engkang-residents-split-whether-mp-
raeesah-khan-should-quit-over-lying-
admission-some

2. CNA Article:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singap
ore/workers-party-raeesah-khan-
disciplinary-panel-parliament-2285201

Read the article/s and have a group discussion about the case study based on the following questions. You
will present your thoughts on the case study to the class thereafter.
1. What do you think was MP Raeesah Khan’s intention when she decided to share her anecdote about
accompanying the victim to the police station?

2. What was unethical about her actions?

3. How did her actions affect others?

4. Raeesah Khan has since stepped down as MP (Nov 2021). Was this the right thing to do?

(Ref: https://mothership.sg/2021/12/reactions-to-raeesah-khan-resignation/)

5. While some are upset over her actions, others are sympathetic to her situation. Do you feel political
leaders should be held to higher standards over wrongdoings? What is your take?

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Case Study 3: Parti Liyani vs the Liews
1. BBC Article
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-
54174598

2. Straits Times Article

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/timel
ine-of-events-how-the-parti-liyani-case-
unfolded

Read the article/s and have a group discussion about the case study based on the following questions. You
will present your thoughts on the case study to the class thereafter.
1. Why do you think the Liews’ accused Parti Liyani of stealing?

2. What was unethical about their actions?

3. How did their actions affect Parti Liyani?

4. What are some of the repercussions Mr Liew Mun Leong and his family may face following Parti’s
acquittal?
5. What other larger moral/ethical issues were raised by the Parti Liyani controversy?

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 Case Study 4: Singaporean couple on first
date leave without paying $270 bill
1. Mothership Article:
https://mothership.sg/2022/03/man-woman-
leave-restaurant-without-paying/

2. Straits Times:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/com
munity/couple-on-first-date-leave-restaurant-
without-paying-expecting-other-party-to-
settle-270-bill

Read the article/s and have a group discussion about the case study based on the following questions. You
will present your thoughts on the case study to the class thereafter.
1. Why do you think both parties left the restaurant without paying?

2. How is “dining and bailing” unethical?

3. How did their actions affect the Korean BBQ restaurant?

4. What are some of the potential consequences that the man and woman face?
5. Do you think the woman’s claims of being a victim of a “dating app fraud” hold true or excuse her
actions?

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Case Study 5: Former Wildlife Reserves Singapore employees charged for corruption
1. CNA article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/wildlife-reserves-singapore-corruption-
case-million-dollar-bribes-2168631

2. CPIB Press Release: https://www.cpib.gov.sg/press-room/press-releases/100921-two-former

Read the article/s and have a group discussion about the case study based on the following questions. You
will present your thoughts on the case study to the class thereafter.
1. How did Danial Chong and Chin Fong Yi’s actions amount to corruption?

2. Apart from being jailed and/or fined, what other consequences might they face?

3. What should an employee do if he/she discovers corrupt practices at the workplace? Should
transgressions at the workplace be reported or should an individual “mind his own business”?

4. What is the impact on a company and its employees when a leader or individual in a high position is
accused of corruption?

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Case Study 6: The NOC SAGA
1. Today Article:
https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sylvia-
chan-ryan-tans-divorce-turning-singapores-
most-epic-influencer-saga

2. Vulcan Post:
https://vulcanpost.com/767216/noc-saga-
reveals-grey-areas-in-workplace-singapore/

Read the article/s and have a group discussion about the case study based on the following questions. You
will present your thoughts on the case study to the class thereafter.
1. What were some unethical behaviours at the workplace that were brought up by the employees at
Night Owl Cinematics (NOC)?

2. What was unethical about Sylvia’s actions as the leader of the company?

3. How did her actions affect her employees?

4. Is it possible for Sylvia to bounce back from this? What are the long-term consequences of this saga
on her as an individual, personally and professionally?

5. Should social media influencers be expected to behave like positive role models?