A photographer at the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS), Elgin Ng, 29, pleaded guilty after taking over 600 voyeuristic photos of 25 female patients between 2021 and 2024.
How He Offended
Ng’s job was to photograph patients’ teeth and jaws before surgery. He exploited:
- His access to patients
- His control over photography sessions
- NDCS’ internal electronic system
His methods included:
- Secretly photographing patients’ cleavage from top-down or bottom-up angles
- Calling women in for photography sessions even when not requested by their dentists
- Withholding the modesty board meant to cover patients’ chests
- Closing curtains when protocol required them open
- Accessing internal records illegally to download victims’ faces and match them to chest images
- Creating organized folders of victims labeled with their names and photos
- Sending voyeuristic photos to a friend on Telegram
Victims ranged from 13 to 38 years old.
Discovery
The case surfaced when an 18-year-old victim complained that Ng kept summoning her for repeated photo sessions that were never ordered by her doctor.
Ng resigned before facing NDCS’ internal inquiry.
NDCS later lodged a police report.
Prosecution’s Position
The prosecution is seeking at least 2 years and 5 months’ jail, citing:
- Abuse of trust as a healthcare worker
- High premeditation
- Sophisticated methods
- Persistent offending over three years
- Distribution of voyeuristic images
- Unauthorised access to patient data
Defence’s Arguments
Ng’s lawyer argues for 14 months and 3 weeks’ jail, saying:
- Photos involved “clothed cleavage”
- No hidden camera was used
- Many patients were photographed overall, making the victim count “relatively low”
- Ng is remorseful and has family support
The judge rejected some arguments and noted Ng chose victims intentionally.
Current Status
Sentencing is adjourned to December 2025.
NDCS’ Response
NDCS said:
- The individual is no longer employed
- It regrets the distress caused
- It has contacted affected patients
- Photography protocols have been tightened, including mandatory chaperones
- Audit processes for dental record access are being strengthened
Potential Penalties
- Voyeurism: up to 2 years’ jail, fine, caning
- Distributing voyeuristic images: up to 5 years’ jail, fine, caning
- Unauthorised computer access: up to 2 years’ jail or $5,000 fine
