Former Singapore Idol judge Ken Lim Chih Chiang, 61, was sentenced on 18 November 2025 to 13 months’ jail for molesting a 25-year-old woman during an interview at his Hype Records office in 2021.
This was the second of his five scheduled trials, and he had contested the charge, but the court found him guilty. Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng held that the victim was truthful, while Lim was “untruthful” and had abused his authority.
Details of the Offence
- The victim met Lim for three interviews in 2021.
- During the final session, Lim asked her to kiss him as part of what she believed was a “test” for her career prospects.
- After she complied, he told her not to show disgust and asked her to kiss him again, this time “passionately”.
- While she was kissing him, Lim groped her.
- She pulled away and refused further advances.
Prosecution & Defence
- Prosecutors sought 12 months’ jail + 1 month in lieu of caning, citing clear premeditation and abuse of power.
- Defence lawyers from WongPartnership argued for six months, pointing to Lim’s contributions to Singapore.
Judge’s Reasons
Judge Lee referenced:
- Skin-on-skin contact
- Intentional exploitation of his position
- Power imbalance between interviewer and young job seeker
- His attempt to portray himself as a mentor
- His lack of remorse
- His decision to go to trial instead of pleading guilty
Because Lim is over 50, he cannot be caned, so an extra month of jail was imposed in lieu.
Other Charges
Lim initially faced accusations from five women.
- In his first trial, he was acquitted of insulting the modesty of a songwriter in 2012.
- After this conviction, the prosecution withdrew the remaining three trials under Section 147(1) of the CPC.
- Those charges will no longer proceed.
Aftermath
- Lim will appeal both conviction and sentence and is currently out on bail.
- For molestation, he could have faced up to two years’ jail or a fine.
