> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.wwconemedia.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ‘Sheng Siong Ah Ma’ Dies at 91 as Son Recalls Harrowing 2014 Kidnapping and S$2 Million Ransom - URL: https://www.wwconemedia.com/sheng-siong-ah-ma-dies-at-91-as-son-recalls-harrowing-2014-kidnapping-and-s-2-million-ransom/ - Published: 2026-09-07T08:42:31.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-07T08:42:31.000Z - Author: WWC NEWSDESK - Tags: ASIA, ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE **SINGAPORE —** Ng Lye Poh, the mother of the founders of supermarket chain Sheng Siong and a beloved figure affectionately known as **“Sheng Siong Ah Ma,”** has died at the age of 91. Ng passed away at home on **Sept. 5, 2026**, surrounded by her family, according to her obituary. Her death has prompted an outpouring of memories—not only of her role as the matriarch of the family behind one of Singapore's best-known supermarket chains, but also of the extraordinary kidnapping ordeal she survived more than a decade ago. Her second son, **Lim Hock Chee**, chief executive officer of Sheng Siong, recently recalled the terrifying events of January 2014 as he spoke to reporters at his mother's wake. ## A family matriarch remembered as ‘Sheng Siong Ah Ma’ Ng was the mother of Sheng Siong founders **Lim Hock Eng, Lim Hock Chee and Lim Hock Leng**. Even as the supermarket business expanded and became a major household name in Singapore, Ng remained a familiar presence in her neighbourhood. Residents remembered her as friendly, approachable and fond of chatting with people during her regular outings. That earned her the affectionate nickname **“Sheng Siong Ah Ma.”** Her family said she remained active and independent for years after surviving the kidnapping. According to Lim, she continued going out as usual after the ordeal, although family members encouraged her to bring their helper with her for safety. ## The kidnapping that shocked Singapore Ng was **79 years old** when she was abducted in January 2014. The case became one of Singapore's most closely watched kidnapping-for-ransom cases in years. The accused, **Lee Sze Yong**, had targeted Lim Hock Chee after identifying him as a wealthy potential target. On the morning of the kidnapping, Lee reportedly approached Ng and deceived her into getting into his vehicle by telling her that her son had fallen and injured himself at his office. After she entered the car, she was taken away and later blindfolded. Lee initially demanded a staggering **S$20 million ransom** from Lim. The amount was later reduced to **S$2 million**. ## Lim remembers scrambling to raise the ransom More than 12 years later, Lim recalled the panic that followed when the kidnapper contacted him. He initially told the bank to prepare S$20 million in cash. But there was an immediate problem: the bank could release only about **S$800,000** at that time. Lim then began scrambling to gather more cash, including withdrawing available S$1,000 notes. Eventually, the family managed to assemble the **S$2 million ransom** demanded for Ng's release. The money was then delivered according to the kidnapper's instructions. Ng was subsequently released and found near a bus stop along **Jalan Kayu**. She survived the ordeal and returned to her family. ## The case ended with a life sentence The kidnapping eventually led to the arrest and conviction of Lee Sze Yong. In **2016**, the Singapore High Court sentenced Lee to **life imprisonment and three strokes of the cane** after finding him guilty of kidnapping Ng. The court heard that Lee had planned the kidnapping for an extended period and had studied potential wealthy targets before settling on Lim Hock Chee. The case was notable because it was Singapore's first kidnapping-for-ransom case in more than a decade and involved an unusually high ransom demand. ## Ng's life after the kidnapping Despite the trauma, Ng did not become defined solely by what happened to her. She continued living her life and remained a familiar face in her community. Her approachable personality helped earn her the affectionate nickname that stayed with her for years. At her wake, Lim recalled his mother's personality and described her as someone who enjoyed visiting markets and interacting with people. Her death therefore represents not only the loss of a family matriarch, but also the passing of a familiar figure to people who knew her as the warm and ordinary elderly woman who continued walking around her neighbourhood despite once being at the centre of a national kidnapping case. ## A difficult final chapter Ng had experienced health problems in her later years. Lim told Lianhe Zaobao that she had lived with diabetes for more than a decade and had undergone heart bypass surgery about three years ago. She was also hospitalized for asthma and was later admitted to intensive care last month after suffering from asthma and kidney failure. Her condition briefly improved before she experienced sudden internal bleeding. She returned home shortly before her death as her health deteriorated. She died peacefully at home at 91, surrounded by her family. ## Her family chooses charity Even in mourning, the family is continuing a tradition of giving. Lim said the **S$2 million ransom recovered by police after the kidnapping was eventually donated to the National Crime Prevention Council**. The family has also said that condolence money received during Ng's wake will be donated to charity in her name. It gives an especially poignant ending to the story of a woman whose life was once threatened by a crime that shocked Singapore—but who ultimately became remembered by many not as a kidnapping victim, but as **“Sheng Siong Ah Ma.”** ## Remembered beyond the headlines Ng Lye Poh's life contained a remarkable contrast. She was the mother of three brothers who built a major Singapore supermarket business, a grandmother and family matriarch, a familiar neighbourhood figure—and a survivor of one of Singapore's most notorious kidnapping cases. But for those who knew her personally, her legacy appears to be much simpler. She was a mother who loved going out, talking to people and staying connected with her community. And after surviving one of the most frightening experiences imaginable, she continued living her life. Now, as Singapore remembers **“Sheng Siong Ah Ma,”** her family's decision to direct condolence donations toward charity ensures that her final chapter will be remembered not only for tragedy, but also for generosity. **Ng Lye Poh was 91\. She survived a kidnapping that once shocked Singapore—and lived for another 12 years beyond it.** WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D