Singapore Ministers Awarded US3,000 Each in Bloomberg Libel Suit Legal Costs

Singapore Ministers Awarded US$113,000 Each in Bloomberg Libel Suit Legal Costs

Singapore's Senior Minister and Trade Minister awarded S$145,000 each in legal costs after winning defamation suit against Bloomberg.

Editorial Desk

July 31, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Singapore — Singapore’s Senior Minister K. Shanmugam and Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng have each been awarded S$145,000 (US$113,000) in legal costs following their successful defamation suit against Bloomberg and its journalist. A court earlier this month ruled that a December 2024 Bloomberg article on Good Class Bungalow (GCB) transactions had defamed the ministers. Bloomberg — and its reporter, Low De Wei, were ordered to pay S$230,000 in damages to each minister. The court’s decision underscores the significance of defamation laws in Singapore and the financial repercussions for media outlets found guilty of libel.

The defamation suit stemmed from a Bloomberg article that the ministers claimed contained false and damaging allegations regarding GCB transactions. The court found in favor of the ministers, resulting in the substantial legal costs award. This case highlights the stringent application of defamation laws in Singapore and the potential financial liabilities for media organizations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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