[SINGAPORE] Pang Gek Teng, who grew Surrey Hills Grocer from one to five outlets, is no longer chief executive of Surrey Hills Holdings.
The company terminated her employment on March 26. It said in a media statement on Friday (Mar 28) that Pang has admitted to “certain wrongdoings and fraud” committed against the company.
Given the serious nature of her wrongdoings, the company will be carrying out further investigations to ascertain the full extent of losses suffered, it added.
In the interim, the duties of chief executive will be assumed by Koh Chew Chee, director of the board of Surrey Hills Holdings. It added that daily operations and its businesses will continue without disruption.
Pang told The Straits Times: “While I am deeply disappointed with the current situation, I am immensely proud of what (my colleagues and I) have accomplished together.”
“From a single vision from Joo Koon, we cultivated a thriving business that has resonated with so many, and I am grateful for the unwavering support from our customers, partners, and employees who believed in this journey.”
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She is also seeking legal advice, adding that though she is unsure about the future, her commitment to the industry remains strong.
The company is best known for its Aussie-inspired cafe chain, Surrey Hills Grocer, with outlets in locations like Raffles City, Woodleigh Mall and One Holland Village.
It also has other food and beverage brands under its belt: Japanese ramen restaurant Mensho Tokyo; Spanish restaurant MoVida Original from Melbourne; and Bon Broth, a hot pot concept opened in partnership with Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang in February.
Pang, 36, started her career in an events company before enrolling in PSB Academy, a partner of University of Newcastle in Australia, where she earned a degree in management and marketing.
She then worked in a bank, but later pivoted to business in Australia. However, her ideas, which included a home-delivery service that the Covid-19 pandemic eventually quashed, failed to take off.
In 2021, she returned to Singapore with just A$362 (S$320) in her pocket, and started Surrey Hills Grocer with a S$400,000 investment from a family friend. It made its debut in Joo Koon that December, and quickly became known for its pet-friendly spaces and brunch fare from Down Under.
In Pang’s statement to The Straits Times, she added: “At this time, I do need time to process what has happened. Though I’m unsure about the future, my commitment to the industry remains strong, and I trust in the One who holds my days.” THE STRAITS TIMES
