SINGAPORE — Former local actor Edmund Chen, also known in court documents by his legal name Tan Kai Yuan, was formally charged on Wednesday (14 Jan) with a traffic offence involving careless driving that resulted in grievous harm to a motorcyclist. 

The 63-year-old was accused of slowing down unnecessarily on the Ayer Rajah Expressway near midday on 4 March 2025, just before making an abrupt lane change. Prosecutors allege that Chen did not properly check for other road users before moving to the right lane, leading to a collision with a motorcycle that was overtaking his vehicle. The rider suffered serious injuries, though details have not been disclosed at this stage of proceedings. 

Chen appeared at the State Courts on Wednesday morning looking solemn, with legal representation from lawyers Josephus Tan and Cory Wong of Invictus Law. His counsel informed the court they were prepared and hoped to enter a guilty plea, but the prosecution confirmed they were not ready to proceed. 

The prosecution has indicated it will seek a fine of between S$3,000 and S$5,000 and a five-year driving disqualification if convicted. Chen is scheduled to return to court on 29 January to enter his plea. 

Edmund Chen is well known in Singapore’s entertainment industry for his acting career in the 1990s and 2000s, with roles in popular television series such as Double Happiness, Zero to Hero and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. He previously left full-time acting after the birth of his daughter but had expressed interest in returning to the screen as recently as 2024.