Singapore ― A video has been leaked online of Night Owl Cinematics (NOC) co-founder Ryan Tan addressing his partner Sylvia Chan’s management style.
Facebook page Wake Up, Singapore uploaded the video on Wednesday (Oct 20) of what appeared to be an old NOC online meeting.
In the video, Mr Tan, who is no longer affiliated with NOC since May 2021, presented issues NOC staff faced, such as working long hours and talents not receiving their pay on time.
“Talents asking me when is our pay coming in because the pay was never coming in on time,” asked Mr Tan.
When he would ask the accountant and other staff members, he would be informed that Ms Chan has not approved the payroll.
“You think the company is happy with the arrangement of working till 4 am? Nobody. Nobody is,” Mr Tan continued.
Mr Tan noted that the day he leaves the company, many would follow him.
“But why do I wanna do this for a company that I built with you painstakingly,” he asked. “Are you listening to my view? Are you seeing me as your partner?”
Mr Tan said that he doesn’t hold Ms Chan accountable because he trusted her as a partner. Meanwhile, “you hold me accountable to every single thing,” he added.
“So, are you listening to the problems we are facing as a team? You still don’t see the problem obviously because you’re smirking and smiling,” he commented.
During some parts of the video, Ms Chan appeared to have been on her phone. “Sylvia can be seen smirking at multiple points of the video,” the post caption added.
“Honestly speaking, this is not humane. Everybody in this chat can tell you what is the latest time they go home that is, and it’s not even once in a world thing; it’s a regular thing. If you don’t find your management style is problematic, then this is a company I don’t want to be a part of. Because I have took eight years to tell you this over and over again (sic),” said Mr Tan.
In the latter part of the video, it was alleged that Ms Chan had used company resources for personal purposes, such as getting hired human resources staff to pack masks at her home or using their graphic artist to design a logo for Ms Chan’s brother’s restaurant.
“I think at the end of it, you just have a lot of personal grievances,” responded Ms Chan to Mr Tan’s claims.
The video ended with Mr Tan asking if the issues he mentioned were addressed.
In case you missed it, here’s a timeline of the events:
- On Oct 7, Instagram page @sgcickenrice began sharing allegations against Ms Chan with screenshots and audio clips of Ms Chan hurling expletives on her employees.
Ms Chan reportedly called one of their talents named Samantha “f**king dumb” and planned an “exit strategy” for her.
- Colgate confirmed it has terminated “all related collaborations” with Ms Chan on Oct 9 through an Instagram comment. Beverage brand Milo also said it wasn’t working with Ms Chan on any brand ambassadorships.
- On Oct 11, NOC sent a cease and desist letter to @sgcickenrice, demanding it stop publishing allegations. @sgcickenrice uploaded a copy of the lawyer’s letter.
- On the same day, NOC uploaded a statement on Instagram – consisting of four pages – explaining that the company believes the accusations were made to harm the company’s reputation.
NOC noted that the “cherry-picked” clips and screenshots posted online between “private individuals” will be investigated by authorities.
- On Oct 12, @sgcickenrice uploaded a photo by Eugene Thuraisingam, a law firm representing the anonymous Instagram account on a pro bono basis.
- The following day, Ms Chan took to Instagram to apologise to her team, noting she had “not lived up to the standards” expected of her.
“Regardless of the situation or context, I acknowledge that I have disappointed people around me. I did not step up to the standards that I should have upheld, and I have instances where my emotions overrule my better judgment,” she noted.
Ms Chan also said she would be removed from NOC’s lineup of artistes.
“I agree alongside with the leadership team, that as a talent and content creator, I do not deserve the current job opportunities NOC offers.” /TISG
Read related: Co-founder Ryan Tan surprised that NOC office being sold for S$1.1 million
https://theindependent.sg/noc-co-founder-ryan-tan-surprised-that-noc-office-being-sold-for-s1-1-million/