AN INDEPENDENT director of Shen Yao has resigned with immediate effect for “health reasons”, just slightly over a month into his role.

The gold mining and exploration company also announced on Thursday (Nov 30) that Pek Choon Lee was on Nov 28 charged by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) over three offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

The offences come under Section 22 (1) (ii) of the Act, and relate to providing false or misleading information regarding employment; giving, selling, forging or unlawfully altering a work pass; and using or possessing a forged or unlawfully altered work pass, or one issued to someone else.

Offences under this section of the law carry a fine of not more than S$15,000, imprisonment for no more than 12 months, or both.

Shen Yao said the charges concern Pek’s “private affairs” and are “wholly unrelated” to the company. Its shares have been suspended from trading since March.

Pek was announced as Shen Yao’s non-executive independent director on Oct 17, 2023. He also chaired the board’s audit committee, nominating committee, remuneration committee and the Shen Yao performance award committee.

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When he was appointed to Shen Yao’s board, he was also managing director at One World Business Advisory – a role he has held since 2009. He also has roles in AXA Marketing Consultancy, as well as components manufacturers WE Components and JCS-Vanetec.

Pek is also involved in SBA@Guillemard, a special-purpose vehicle under the Singapore Badminton Association.