CHUA JUN YANG v KANG MAY TENG, MARIA OLIVIA
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Counsel (8)
Case Significance
In Chua Jun Yang v Kang May Teng Maria Olivia [2026] SGHC 63, the High Court General Division decided on 25 March 2026 a District Court appeal concerning civil liability for sexual battery. Kang May Teng Maria Olivia had made a police report in 2021 alleging sexual assault by her former colleague Chua Jun Yang, relating to incidents alleged to have occurred more than four and a half years earlier. When the police decided not to take further action, Kang commenced DC/OC 313/2022 claiming damages for battery in the form of digital penetration. The District Judge found in Kang's favour, awarding $25,000 for pain and suffering, $20,000 in punitive damages, and $8,697.39 as special damages. Chua appealed to the High Court. Chua Lee Ming J heard the matter on 19 November 2025 and reserved judgment. Narayanan Sreenivasan and Kyle G Peters of Sreenivasan Chambers LLC appeared for the appellant, and Mark Chow and Lee Wan Lin Amelia of Fortress Law Corporation for the respondent.
Summary
Chua Jun Yang appealed against a District Court judgment finding him liable in battery for sexually assaulting his former colleague, Kang May Teng, Maria Olivia, by way of digital penetration in July 2016, with the lower court having awarded $25,000 for pain and suffering, $20,000 in punitive damages, and $8,697.39 in special damages. The key issue was whether the respondent had proved the alleged assault on a balance of probabilities given the disputed evidence and a prior intimate relationship between the parties. The High Court allowed the appeal, finding the respondent's evidence insufficient to establish the assault on a balance of probabilities, and dismissed the claim.
What damages did the District Court award in Kang May Teng Maria Olivia v Chua Jun Yang before the High Court appeal in 2026?
The District Court awarded Kang May Teng Maria Olivia $25,000 for pain and suffering, $20,000 in punitive damages, and $8,697.39 in special damages against Chua Jun Yang for battery in the form of digital penetration, a total of $53,697.39.
Why did Kang May Teng pursue civil rather than criminal proceedings in Chua Jun Yang v Kang May Teng Maria Olivia [2026] SGHC 63?
After Kang May Teng made a police report in 2021 alleging sexual assault by former colleague Chua Jun Yang relating to incidents occurring over four and a half years earlier, the police decided not to take further action, prompting her to commence civil proceedings in DC/OC 313/2022 for battery.
Statutes Cited
Cases Cited (11)
Judgment
Read the full judgment on the official Singapore Courts portal.
Read on eLitigationSource: eLitigation ([2026] SGHC 63)