Swimming with Sharks: My Unexpected Adventure in Legal Land

Against the Tide: Quantifying My Battle for Justice and Integrity

Yesterday and the day before, I filed for personal bankruptcy in Singapore (343 pages of documents), the UK (252 pages), and the US (109 pages). This decision was not voluntary or desired—it was forced upon me due to the relentless pressure exerted by the majority shareholders and ACRA-registered directors of Arival Pte Ltd. Their strategy has been clear: overwhelm me with lawsuits not to address their merits but to exhaust me physically, mentally, and financially.

For nearly two decades, I've dedicated my life to the financial sector, I've held leadership positions since 2008, earned some recognition from industry peers, and contributed to projects aimed at making a ‘positive impact on society’ (blah-blah-blah). I envisioned a future where I could continue to create jobs, develop new ventures, and uphold the values that have guided me throughout my professional journey.

However, over the past year, I've found myself entangled in a legal and financial struggle I never anticipated. The (newborn) majority shareholders and directors of Arival Pte Ltd (Takever) have initiated a series of lawsuits against me. These actions, I believe, are not about addressing legitimate concerns but are designed to exhaust me physically, mentally, and financially . Payments owed to me have been halted, and the relentless legal pressure has forced me into a position where I can no longer service my debts or afford legal representation.

On paper, it might appear that I'm a person of substantial means (hahah). My shares in Arival Pte Ltd are valued significantly—403,117 shares at an estimated $23 per share, totaling over $9 million (lol). Yet, without access to these resources, I'm faced with immediate financial hardship. The uncertainty of when—or if—I will receive the payments due makes it impossible to assure my creditors of repayment timelines. Despite this, I fully acknowledge all my debts, including interest and penalties, and I am committed to repaying them in full over time.

Opportunity Cost of My Time: $4m+ Based on the valuation of my shares, the "capitalization" of my efforts amounts to approximately $181,798 per month. Considering the period since the onset of the legal disputes—a span of 24 months—the total opportunity cost of my time spent resolving these conflicts is approximately $4,363,149. This figure represents the significant value of my time and efforts that could have been directed toward productive endeavors, benefiting both myself and the broader community.

Financial Loss from Delayed Payments: Up to $0,5m The delayed payments from Arival Pte Ltd have also led to substantial financial losses. If these funds had been available to me, they could have been invested, generating returns that now represent lost opportunities. Had I invested in a high-growth company, similar to tech firms experiencing significant appreciation, the funds could have grown to approximately $325,571 over two years. Investing in the Straits Times Index (STI), with an average annual return of about 6.5%, could have resulted in gains of approximately $188,404.? Investing in the S&P 500, with an average annual return of about 10.5%, could have yielded approximately $202,822. These calculations underscore the tangible financial impact of the delayed payments, beyond mere figures on paper.

Alternative Cost of My Time Based on Lost Earnings: Up to $0,3m The legal disputes have not only consumed my time but have also significantly reduced my earning capacity: this stark reduction reflects the financial toll the litigation has taken on my ability to maintain my prior standard of living and support my family.

The Personal Toll

The decision to file for personal bankruptcy in Singapore, the UK, and the US was one of the most difficult choices I've ever had to make. It was not a path I wanted to take, nor one I ever imagined for myself. But the circumstances left me with no viable alternative. The legal battles have consumed my life, preventing me from pursuing other work opportunities and forcing me to incur additional debts just to cover basic living expenses.

I've reached out to numerous law firms and legal aid organizations, seeking pro bono assistance or support contingent on a successful outcome. Unfortunately, these efforts have been unsuccessful, leaving me to represent myself in court. This self-representation is not a choice made out of preference but a necessity imposed by financial constraints. It's disheartening when this is portrayed as a voluntary decision, further complicating an already challenging situation.

The toll on my physical and mental health has been significant. The stress and demands of ongoing legal issues have weighed heavily, yet attempts to address these concerns within the legal system have not yielded relief. Instead, procedural challenges continue to mount, and my opponents' actions persist unabated.

A Threat to My Professional Life

What pains me deeply is the threat this situation poses to my professional life. In my field, a pristine financial record is not just a formality but a prerequisite for employment. The bankruptcy filings jeopardize not only my current livelihood but also the reputation I've worked tirelessly to build. It's a double blow—to be driven into bankruptcy under such circumstances and to face the potential end of a career I've devoted my life to cultivating.

Despite these challenges, I remain steadfast in my commitment to fulfilling all my obligations. I have no intention of evading responsibility or seeking to absolve myself of debts. My goal is to honor every commitment as soon as I'm able. I aspire to return to a semblance of normalcy, to continue contributing positively to society, and to rebuild in the aftermath of these trials.

Seeking Fairness and Resolution: A Call for Equitable Treatment

I've shared my experiences openly, believing in the importance of transparency and hoping to shed light on practices that I feel undermine fairness and justice. This openness has unfortunately led to additional legal actions against me, which I perceive as efforts to silence and further pressure me. Yet, these efforts have not yielded the collaborative resolution I had hoped for.

I write this not to elicit sympathy but to provide insight into the struggles I've been facing—a confluence of legal, financial, and personal challenges that have brought me to an unforeseen crossroads. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can highlight the need for a more equitable system that doesn't allow for individuals to be overwhelmed through protracted legal battles.

I am determined to navigate this adversity with the same integrity and resolve that have guided me throughout my career. I believe in a future where I can once again contribute meaningfully to my industry and society, uphold my commitments, and continue to stand for the principles that matter deeply to me.

In the face of these obstacles, I am reminded of the resilience that resides within us all. While the path ahead is uncertain, my commitment to justice, responsibility, and positive action remains unwavering. I am grateful for the support of those who understand the complexities of this situation, and I remain hopeful that through perseverance and integrity, a just resolution is within reach.

I aspire to return to a normal life, to create new projects and companies, and to continue being a socially responsible member of society. Despite the challenges, I am committed to paying all my debts in full over time, honoring my obligations, and rebuilding what has been lost.

This journey has been fraught with unexpected challenges, but it has also reinforced my belief in the importance of fairness and transparency (values and integrity!). I hope that sharing my experience will not only shed light on my personal struggle but also encourage dialogue about how we can create a more just and equitable system for all.