Former Mediacorp actor Ian Fang will be deported from Singapore and permanently barred from re-entering the country after completing his jail sentence for sexual offences involving a minor. The decision follows a review by immigration authorities, which resulted in the revocation of his Singapore permanent resident status earlier this month.
Fang was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to three charges of sexual penetration involving an underage girl. He began serving his sentence on June 16, 2025, according to local media reports. The case drew significant public attention due to Fang’s past prominence in the local entertainment industry, where he had previously appeared in several television productions.
In response to queries, a spokesperson from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed that Singapore permanent residents convicted of offences are subject to a formal review of their immigration status. Following this process, Fang’s permanent residency was revoked on February 5, clearing the way for his deportation once his prison term ends.
Immigration Authorities Take Firm Stance on Criminal Offences
ICA’s position reflects Singapore’s longstanding approach towards maintaining public safety and upholding strict immigration standards. While permanent residency grants foreign nationals the right to live and work in Singapore, it is not unconditional. Convictions for serious criminal offences can result in the loss of residency privileges, particularly in cases involving sexual crimes and minors.
Once Fang completes his custodial sentence, he will be removed from Singapore and prohibited from re-entering the country. Such bans are typically indefinite and signal the authorities’ zero-tolerance stance towards offences that threaten public safety and social order.
Legal observers note that deportation following imprisonment is not uncommon for non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. The revocation of permanent resident status effectively ends any legal right for the individual to remain in Singapore after serving their sentence.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The case has sparked renewed discussion among Singaporeans about accountability, rehabilitation, and the responsibilities that come with residency status. Many have expressed concern over crimes involving minors, emphasising the need for strong deterrence and robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals in society.
Others have pointed out that the outcome serves as a reminder that public figures are not exempt from the law, regardless of past fame or contributions. The entertainment industry, like all sectors, operates within the boundaries of Singapore’s strict legal framework.
From a broader perspective, the case underscores how criminal convictions can have lasting consequences beyond imprisonment, including immigration penalties and long-term restrictions on travel and employment opportunities.
End of a Public Career in Singapore
With his permanent resident status revoked and deportation confirmed, Ian Fang’s future in Singapore has effectively come to an end. Any possibility of rebuilding a public career locally is now off the table, and he will no longer be allowed to reside or work in the country once released.
The authorities have reiterated that such actions are taken in the interest of public safety and reflect Singapore’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. The case stands as a stark reminder that serious offences carry severe and lasting repercussions, particularly for non-citizens living in Singapore.