Edmund Chen Granted Travel Permission Pending Appeal
Former Singaporean actor Edmund Chen has been granted permission to travel to China and Japan while awaiting the outcome of his appeal against a five-day jail sentence. The 64-year-old is currently on bail after being convicted of careless driving causing grievous hurt to a motorcyclist.
Details of the Case and Travel Permission
Chen appeared in court on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, to request permission for the travel. The prosecution did not object to the application, but noted that Chen’s risk of flight, while low, was “not zero.” District Judge Shawn Ho, who originally imposed the jail term, ultimately granted Chen’s request.
Travel Itinerary
Chen is scheduled to travel to China from March 17 to March 26 for a business trip. He also plans a personal trip to Japan from April 15 to May 3.
Bail Conditions
Judge Ho imposed several conditions on Chen’s travel. These include:
- An additional bail sum of S$10,000, supplementing the existing S$15,000 bail provided by a third party.
- Submission of a complete travel itinerary to the investigating officer before departure.
- Provision of full details of lodging and contact numbers.
- Remaining contactable by the investigating officer throughout the trips.
- A stipulation that his bailor must not travel with him.
- Immediate notification to the investigating officer upon his return to Singapore.
- Surrender of his passport upon his return.
Background of the Case
Chen pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous hurt to a 21-year-old motorcyclist while driving on the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) on March 4, 2025. The accident resulted in multiple wrist fractures for the motorcyclist, requiring surgery and 99 days of hospitalization exit.
Despite both the prosecution and defense initially requesting a fine, District Judge Shawn Ho sentenced Chen to five days in jail. The sentence was stayed pending appeal, and bail was initially increased to S$15,000.