58-year-old former Singapore Idol judge Ken Lim Chih Chiang was charged with molestation earlier today (30 March) – he had allegedly touched a 25-year-old woman’s chest inside his office at Hype Records in November 2021.
If found guilty of the offence, he faces a jail term of up to 3 years and a fine, but Lim is adamant that he is innocent.
Perhaps most known for his stint as one of the stricter judges on Singapore Idol, Lim was the chief judge of the singing competition and was known back then as Singapore’s answer to Simon Cowell.
According to The Straits Times, Lim, who is also the founder and executive director of local music label Hype Records, had allegedly molested a 25-year-old woman on 23 November 2021 by touching her chest.
The incident allegedly took place inside his office at Hype Records, located along Henderson Road; and the identity of the victim cannot be revealed due to a court order.
Lim’s lawyer, Mr Navin Naidu, said in court earlier today that the Singapore Idol judge is planning to maintain his innocence.
According to Channel NewsAsia, The 58-year-old is “strenuously and unequivocally” denying the charges set against him. Mr Naidu also requested for Lim’s case to be expedited because the investigations had taken more than 15 months.
Following the hearing, Lim was offered a bail of $10,000.
If found guilty of outrage of modesty, Lim faces a jail term of up to 3 years, a fine and caning – however, because Lim is over the age of 50, he cannot be caned.
Singapore Idol
Ken Lim, a prominent figure in the Singaporean music industry, is perhaps best known for his time as a judge on Singapore Idol. Serving as a judge for all three seasons of the reality television competition, Lim’s contributions to the show have earned him a reputation as a stern but fair critic with a keen ear for talent.
Lim’s background in music is extensive, having started out as a songwriter before branching out into music production and artist management. His experience in these areas allowed him to bring a unique perspective to his role as a judge on Singapore Idol. Unlike some judges who may have only focused on the technical aspects of a performance, Lim was able to offer insightful feedback on a wide range of topics, from song choice and stage presence to vocal technique and performance style.
One of the hallmarks of Lim’s judging style was his honesty. He was never one to sugarcoat his opinions or hold back when it came to delivering criticism. However, this was always done with the intention of helping contestants improve, rather than tearing them down. Lim was often praised for his constructive criticism, which helped many contestants grow and develop as performers over the course of the competition.
Another aspect of Lim’s judging style that set him apart was his ability to recognize potential. Even if a performance wasn’t perfect, he was always able to see the underlying talent and offer guidance on how to improve. This approach helped many contestants who may have initially struggled to find their footing on the show, and allowed them to eventually shine as performers.
Lim’s contributions to Singapore Idol have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his work as a judge, he also served as the show’s executive producer for its final season. Under his leadership, the show continued to attract a large audience and launch the careers of several successful musicians, including Taufik Batisah and Hady Mirza.
Images source: NLB Music SG and Google Maps