SINGAPORE – PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) is tightening governance after a leadership controversy that triggered widespread online speculation about the company’s senior executives.
The real estate agency will introduce a formal code of conduct, which could include rules on workplace relationships, professional behaviour and dress codes.
The aim is to strengthen accountability and create a safer working environment, said PLB co-founder Adrian Lim in an exclusive interview with The Straits Times on March 9.
The agency has also launched a whistle-blowing channel for property agents and other employees to raise their concerns anonymously. Serious breaches could result in disciplinary action, including termination, Mr Lim said.
PLB was thrust into the spotlight in late January following allegations about an extramarital affair between the firm’s second co-founder and former chief executive Melvin Lim and Ms Grayce Tan, who was then vice-president of strategy.
On Jan 25, both Mr Melvin Lim and Ms Tan resigned from the firm. Mr Marc Chan, the company’s former vice-president of operations, is now interim CEO.
Mr Adrian Lim said he first learnt of the alleged affair when he was alerted to messages and videos circulating among property agents and on online forums such as Reddit. “I came to know when it surfaced online, like everyone else,” he added.
Among the viral posts was a six-minute video that ends with the pair leaving a room together. But this video was not taken at the PLB office, said Mr Lim from PLB’s studio at Oxley BizHub 2 in Ubi.
“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,” Mr Lim said.
Mr Melvin Lim had sent a text message to the agency’s salespeople and staff informing them about his decision to step down. In it, he said he had made a “personal mistake and crossed boundaries” that he should not have crossed.
He also apologised and urged the team to remain focused on the business, adding: “PLB has never been about one person. It has never been about me.”
