The recent death of Sumo Well founder Jane Lee has left many in the business and F&B community heartbroken. Behind her friendly demeanor and entrepreneurial drive was someone facing immense pressure—pressure that many small business owners can relate to, but few speak openly about.
Jane had been dealing with a workplace injury claim involving a foreign employee. She believed the injury was staged and that her business was being unfairly targeted. In the days leading up to her death, she expressed her frustration online, saying the situation had left her emotionally and financially drained.
Her death, now under investigation has become more than just a personal tragedy. It’s raised serious questions about the pressures employers face when navigating foreign manpower regulations, especially when things go wrong.
What Jane’s Story Reminds Us
If you’ve ever hired a Work Permit holder, Jane’s experience may feel uncomfortably familiar. While the full details of her case are still unfolding, it surfaces several difficult truths many employers quietly face:
🔹 Hiring foreign workers carries real legal obligations
Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), employers must ensure proper medical coverage, housing, and workplace safety. A single oversight., whether in paperwork, process, or insurance can trigger cascading consequences.
🔹 Insurance doesn’t always protect you the way you think it does
Many assume their Work Permit insurance policies offer full coverage. But when claims are disputed or fall into grey areas, the employer often shoulders the cost—financially and emotionally.
🔹 Small business owners are especially exposed
Without dedicated HR or legal teams, SMEs often face these challenges alone. When conflict arises, they’re left navigating unfamiliar systems under immense pressure.
🔹 Suspected false claims leave employers in a bind
If you believe a claim isn’t genuine, what can you do? How do you protect your business while remaining compliant with MOM regulations? These are tough, often unspoken questions that many struggle with behind the scenes.
A Painful but Powerful Reminder
Jane’s story is heartbreaking and also deeply human. It reminds us that compliance isn’t just about rules or policies. It’s about people, accountability, and being prepared for the unexpected.
Our EFMA course is designed to help employers:
Understand what EFMA requires in day-to-day practice
Respond appropriately when injury claims are filed
Manage foreign worker issues around termination, repatriation, and insurance
Learn from real-world examples to avoid costly missteps
Let’s Not Wait for Another Tragedy
That’s exactly why our EFMA course goes beyond theory.
Led by Nadia, an experienced legal practitioner, the course is grounded in real-world challenges employers face every day—not just textbook scenarios.
Participants are encouraged to bring up practical, case-specific questions during the session. Any doubts or grey areas can be clarified on the spot so you walk away with clear, legally sound answers without the need for additional legal consultation.
Whether it’s dealing with injury claims, early repatriation, or insurance loopholes, Nadia’s hands-on experience equips you to respond with confidence and stay compliant every step of the way.
