Singaporean Workers Outraged as Foreign Boss Forces Donations for Overseas Charity

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker has sparked outrage on social media after revealing how his new foreign boss pressured him and his colleagues into donating a substantial portion of their salaries to an overseas charity. The disturbing revelation was shared on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, highlighting a troubling trend in workplace ethics.

Having worked at the bank for almost three years, the employee noted a drastic change in the workplace atmosphere following the arrival of the new supervisor, who was previously stationed in Dubai. This manager quickly instituted an array of micromanagement practices that left employees feeling uneasy and stressed. The worker mentioned, “[He] started with monitoring how each person spent their breaks, and the pressure to respond to emails immediately—it felt like an unending series of demands.”

The situation escalated when the manager introduced mandatory donations aimed at an overseas charity said to support displaced individuals in conflict zones. “He’s deeply involved with politics and various so-called charities outside of Singapore,” the worker explained, revealing that employees were expected to contribute between 5-10% of their salaries every few months.

When the company’s HR department intervened, deeming the donations unfeasible, the situation took a turn for the worse. The boss retaliated with tactics designed to coerce compliance, such as daily gaslighting, exclusion from important meetings, and a barrage of regarding donation reminders. “Many felt compelled to give in just to restore a semblance of normalcy in their work life,” he recounted.

Single out for scrutiny, the worker's name appeared on a list of expected contributors; however, he is resolutely opposed to the initiative, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the charity and its alignment with his personal beliefs. “I’d be willing to support a cause that resonates with me, especially if it’s credible and operates in Singapore,” he remarked defiantly. “But I will not contribute a single cent to this endeavor.”

When he challenged his boss to provide proof of the charity's validity, he was informed that the company's accountant would handle the donations and provide remittance receipts later—raising further suspicions about the entire situation. “I’m prepared to stand my ground, even if it costs me my job. This could potentially be a scam,” he asserted.

Online reaction from fellow Redditors has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many deeming the tactics of the foreign boss as unprofessional and unethical. Some commenters advised him to document all communications and consider reporting the harassment to higher management or appropriate authorities. “Collect all evidence and send it to the bank’s headquarters,” recommended one user. “Let’s make sure he faces the consequences for his actions.”

In a related development, this situation also underscores a warning issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs in early 2024. The MHA cautioned against the misuse of Singapore for political campaigning or fundraising for foreign causes, reminding individuals that such activities are subject to scrutiny and should be reported to the proper channels if deemed suspicious.

As Singapore continues to navigate the balance between local ethics and global corporate practices, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and professionalism in the workplace.