Roy Ngerng

Ngerng's father is a chai tow kway seller while his mother is a retired factory worker.{{cite web|author=Jeanette Tan|title=Beyond the blogger: Who is Roy Ngerng?|date=26 June 2014 |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/beyond-the-blogger--who-is-roy-ngerng-111945955.html|publisher=Yahoo Newsroom|access-date=8 November 2014}} Ngerng lived with them and his younger sister in a four-room Housing Development Board flat in Sembawang. Ngerng also has an elder sister. Before 2000, the Ngerng family lived in a two-room flat near the now-defunct Hong Dao Primary School, which Ngerng had attended. Ngerng's family were unaware of his blogging activities until the events of May 2014.{{cite web |title=Blog started with aim 'to call for change' |url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blog-started-aim-call-change |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901203144/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blog-started-aim-call-change |archive-date=1 September 2015 |access-date=13 June 2014 |work=The Straits Times}}

Ngerng states that his interest in people and their interactions started in primary school when he witnessed instances of racism. At the age of 15, Ngerng revealed his homosexuality to friends, but described facing resultant discrimination. He went on to study in Serangoon Junior College, where he took art as an GCE Advanced Level subject and won an award for topping his level in geography and art in his first year. Ngerng majored in sociology at the National University of Singapore, where he participated in its community service club helping autistic or hyperactive children and people with mental disorders.

File:Singaporean Activist Roy Ngerng.jpg

After graduation, Ngerng worked for six months with Autism Partnership, an organisation working with families with autistic children. Ngerng then joined the Health Promotion Board’s Communicable Diseases department for six years, working on campaigns and presenting at international conferences, and winning an Employee of the Year award for innovation in 2011. In 2012, he joined Tan Tock Seng Hospital as a contract patient coordinator, where he fronted a campaign to promote the understanding of the lives of HIV-infected people.

On 10 June 2014, Ngerng was sacked from his job at Tan Tock Seng Hospital for "conduct incompatible with the values and standards expected of employees" and for misusing resources for personal pursuits.{{cite web|title=Tan Tock Seng Hospital dismisses blogger Roy Ngerng|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/tan-tock-seng-hospital-dismisses-blogger-roy-ngerng|work=Today|access-date=10 June 2014}} Ngerng described the sacking as "politically motivated". NGO Maruah expressed concern on the manner of punishment and the reasons for doing so.{{cite web|title=Maruah raises questions over blogger's dismissal from hospital|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/maruah-raises-questions-over-bloggers-dismissal-hospital|work=The Straits Times|access-date=8 October 2014|author=Maryam Mokhtar|date=13 June 2014 }} In the same month, a 71-year-old man, Loh Thiam Hock, was jailed for four weeks for vandalising public property in support of Ngerng.{{cite web|title=Four weeks' jail for senior who defaced bus stops over CPF|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/four-weeks-jail-senior-who-defaced-bus-stops-over-cpf|work=Today|author=Amanda Lee|access-date=8 November 2014}} In August, it was also reported that Ngerng was working part-time at his father's chai tow kway stall.

In August 2015, Ngerng was part of the Reform Party six-member team contesting Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency in the 2015 general election.

On 21 May 2014, Ngerng applied to be a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), with the proposal being submitted by fellow blogger Han Hui Hui. Ngerng was ultimately not selected as an NMP in August 2014.{{cite web|title=9 new Nominated Members of Parliament announced|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/9-new-nominated-members/1307012.html|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=8 November 2014|archive-date=22 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022075503/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/9-new-nominated-members/1307012.html|url-status=dead}}

The People's Action Party team headed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong{{cite news|title=M Ravi, Roy Ngerng, Gilbert Goh on RP's 6-man team for Ang Mo Kio GRC|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/m-ravi-roy-ngerng-gilbert/2082366.html|access-date=28 August 2015|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=28 August 2015|archive-date=29 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629143414/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/m-ravi-roy-ngerng-gilbert/2082366.html|url-status=dead}} defeated the Reform Party by 135,115 to 36,711 (78.63% to 21.37%) in the election.{{cite web|url=http://www.eld.gov.sg/finalresults2015.html|title=2015 Parliamentary Results|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913201642/http://www.eld.gov.sg/finalresults2015.html|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=dead}}

In 2018, Ngerng took part in an Al Jazeera documentary, Singapore: The House that Lee Built.{{Citation|last=Al Jazeera English|title=🇸🇬 Singapore: The House that Lee Built – People and Power|date=1 March 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c27vAhUJQdc|access-date=3 March 2018}} The documentary was Ngerng's first media appearance since his participation in the 2015 Singapore general election and showed snippets of Ngerng's life in Taiwan.

Ngerng started his sociopolitical blog, The Heart Truths, in 2012.

On 15 May 2014, Ngerng made a post entitled "Where Your CPF Money Is Going: Learning From The City Harvest Trial" on his blog the Heart Truths.{{cite web|author=Jalelah Abu Baker|title=Blogger accused of defaming PM Lee|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-accused-defaming-pm-lee|work=MyPaper|access-date=8 November 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204014809/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-accused-defaming-pm-lee|url-status=dead}} Within the post, Ngerng created a chart which mapped the relationships between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the Central Provident Fund (CPF), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Temasek Holdings and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC). Ngerng claimed there was an "uncanny resemblance" between this chart and another chart by news agency Channel News Asia regarding the relationship among City Harvest Church leaders, who were being charged with misappropriating funds.

The CPF has been described as "a forced savings scheme" for Singaporeans with "monthly contributions into the fund" to be saved for retirement, or for expenses on "property, healthcare, and their children's education", while the GIC has been described to have "indirectly invested" funds from the CPF.{{cite web|last1=Han|first1=Kirsten|title=Southeast Asian leaders flounder in the face of online criticism|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/09/free-speech-goes-court-singapore-201491710135560258.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=11 November 2014}}

On 18 May, Lee's lawyer, Senior counsel Davinder Singh of Drew & Napier, stated that the blog post alleged that Lee "is guilty of criminal misappropriation of the monies paid by Singaporeans to the CPF" and that the allegations were "false and baseless".{{cite web|title=Blogger Roy Ngerng asked to remove defamatory post about PM Lee|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-roy-ngerng-asked-remove-defamatory-post-about-pm-lee|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=8 November 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204013255/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-roy-ngerng-asked-remove-defamatory-post-about-pm-lee|url-status=dead}} It was demanded that Ngerng issue an apology and take down the blog post within three days, as well as pay damages and legal fees, failing which Ngerng could be sued for defamation.{{cite web|author=Neo Chai Chin|title=PM Lee demands blogger remove post or face legal action|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pm-demands-blogger-remove-post-or-face-legal-action|access-date=8 November 2014|work=Today}} On 19 May, Ngerng took down the offending blog post but did not apologise and said that the offending article was a call for greater transparency on the CPF, the GIC and Temasek Holdings.{{cite web|author=Tham Yuen-c|title=Blogger accused of defaming PM Lee takes down blog post|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-accused-defaming-pm-lee-takes-down-blog-post|work=The Straits Times|access-date=8 November 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204072116/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-accused-defaming-pm-lee-takes-down-blog-post|url-status=dead}} He then posted another blog post entitled "Your CPF: The Complete Truth And Nothing But The Truth". Around this time, Singapore human rights non-governmental organisation Maruah called for Lee to rebut the points made in Ngerng's blog post.{{cite web|title=Blogger Roy Ngerng submits NMP application|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/blogger-roy-ngerng/1114980.html|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052517/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/blogger-roy-ngerng/1114980.html|url-status=dead}} After an extension for the deadline for Ngerng's written response was granted,{{cite web|title=PM Lee extends deadline to blogger over letter of demand|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-extends-deadline-blogger-over-letter-demand|publisher=AsiaOne|access-date=8 November 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204073632/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-extends-deadline-blogger-over-letter-demand|url-status=dead}} Ngerng apologised "unreservedly" on 23 May, admitting that his allegation was "false and completely without foundation".{{cite web|author=Teo Xuanwei|title=Blogger Roy Ngerng apologises to PM Lee|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/blogger-roy-ngerng-apologises-pm-lee|work=Today|access-date=8 November 2014}} Ngerng also asked that he not pay for damages and legal fees, while requesting an "open dialogue" with Lee on the CPF. Ngerng's appeal to drop damages and costs was rejected.{{cite web|author=Robin Chan|title=Roy Ngerng has 'no answer' after PM Lee rejects appeal to drop damages|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/roy-ngerng-has-no-answer-after-pm-lee-rejects-appeal-dro|work=The Straits Times|date=24 May 2014 |access-date=8 November 2014}}

On 26 May, Singh sent a letter to Ngerng, saying that four further blog posts by Ngerng and a 24 May YouTube video showed that Ngerng's apology was not "genuine".{{cite web |author=Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh |title=Roy Ngerng agrees to remove blog posts, asks to extend damages deadline |url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-agrees-remove-blog-posts-asks-extend-damages-deadline |work=The Straits Times |access-date=8 November 2014 |archive-date=4 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204091715/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-agrees-remove-blog-posts-asks-extend-damages-deadline |url-status=dead}} If Ngerng did not take down this material, aggravated damages would be claimed. Ngerng agreed to remove the additional posts and video. On 27 May, Ngerng offered S$5,000 in damages "with each party to bear their own costs",{{cite web|title=Blogger Roy Ngerng misled PM Lee, public a second time: Davinder Singh|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-roy-ngerng-misled-pm-lee-public-second-time-davinder-singh|work=The Straits Times|access-date=8 November 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204084656/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-roy-ngerng-misled-pm-lee-public-second-time-davinder-singh|url-status=dead}} which was rejected by Singh as "derisory".{{cite web|title=Blogger's S$5,000 offer for damages 'derisory': PM Lee's lawyers|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/bloggers-s5000-offer-damages-derisory-pm-lees-lawyers|work=Today|access-date=8 November 2014}} Meanwhile, Singh said that Ngerng had once again "misled" Lee and the public by not removing his YouTube video as agreed upon, claimed that the video was merely made private, and alleged that Ngerng had sent two emails with links to the posts and video to "a far wider audience" including local and international media. In response, Ngerng's lawyer, M Ravi, claimed no knowledge of the emails.

On 29 May, Lee filed a defamation lawsuit against Ngerng.{{cite web|author=Nur Asyiqin Mohamad Salleh|title=PM Lee commences suit against blogger Roy Ngerng|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/courts-crime/story/pm-lee-commences-suit-against-blogger-roy-ngerng-20140529|work=The Straits Times|date=29 May 2014 |access-date=8 November 2014}} In response, Ngerng made an online plea for help in settling his legal fees through crowdfunding, leaving instructions on how to transfer money to his bank account.{{cite web|title=Blogger Roy Ngerng sued by PM raises $81,000|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/blogger-roy-ngerng-sued-pm-raises-81000-20140604|work=The Straits Times|access-date=11 November 2014|author=Nur Asyiqin Mohammed Salleh|date=4 June 2014 }} Within a week, Ngerng said that he had raised more than his targeted S$70,000.{{cite news|title=Singapore Blogger Tops Funding Goal to Defend Against Lee's Suit|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-03/singapore-blogger-tops-funding-goal-to-defend-against-lee-s-suit.html|publisher=Bloomberg News|access-date=9 June 2014|last1=Chanjaroen|first1=Chanyaporn|last2=Tan|first2=Andrea|newspaper=Bloomberg |date=3 June 2014 }} It was later reported that Ngerng had managed to raise more than S$110,000 from over a thousand contributions. While Lee did not address the case directly, he wrote on Facebook that "freedom of speech does not come free from the need to be responsible for what one says, either online or offline".{{cite web|title=Singapore blogger crowdfunds legal defence against PM|url=http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201406031855-0023789|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=11 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111172745/http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201406031855-0023789|archive-date=11 November 2014}} Singaporean writer Catherine Lim has criticised the lawsuit against Ngerng.{{cite web|title=Singapore author Catherine Lim pens open letter to PM Lee |date=8 June 2014 |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-author-catherine-lim-pens-open-letter-to-pm-lee-043001872.html|publisher=Yahoo Newsroom|access-date=13 June 2014}}{{cite web|title=Singaporeans 'no longer trust their government': Writer Catherine Lim criticises PM in open letter |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1528124/writer-catherine-lims-open-letter-singaporean-pm-fuels-social-media-debate|work=South China Morning Post|date=9 June 2014 |access-date=13 June 2014}}

On 17 June, Ngerng's defence was filed in court by his lawyer, M Ravi, who stated that Ngerng had never intended to accuse Lee of criminal misappropriation of CPF funds.{{cite web|author=Nur Asyiqin Mohammed Salleh|title=Blogger Roy Ngerng says in his defence that PM's claim for damages is unwarranted|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/blogger-roy-ngerng-says-his-defence-pms-claim-damages-un|work=The Straits Times|date=17 June 2014 |access-date=10 November 2014}} In July 2014, Lee applied for summary judgment for the case.{{cite web|title=Singapore Prime Minister Seeks Summary Judgment Against Blogger|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/singapore-prime-minister-seeks-summary-judgment-against-blogger-557423|publisher=NDTV|access-date=10 November 2014}} In a 4 August affidavit, Ngerng argued that his blog post had been misunderstood, and that he was merely asking for more transparency and accountability for CPF monies.{{cite web|title=PM Lee responds to blogger's affidavit|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-responds-blogger-roy-ngerngs-affidavit|work=The Straits Times|access-date=11 November 2014|author=Tham Yuen-c|archive-date=13 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113080013/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-responds-blogger-roy-ngerngs-affidavit|url-status=dead}} At a 19 September closed hearing, Lee's lawyers asserted that Ngerng had "no defence" and asked for an injunction, while Ngerng's lawyer, M Ravi, argued that the blog post was not defamatory if read in its entirety.{{cite web|last1=Ng|first1=Kelly|title=High Court reserves judgment on PM Lee's application in defamation suit|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/high-court-reserves-judgment-pm-lees-application-defamation-suit|access-date=11 November 2014|work=Today}}

On 7 November, the High Court found Ngerng liable of defamation with damages to be assessed, which was the first such ruling in Singapore over a purely online article.{{cite web |date=7 November 2014 |title=Singapore PM wins defamation suit against activist |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-pm-wins-defamation-suit-against-activist-092131139.html |access-date=8 November 2014 |agency=Agence France-Presse}} The court ruled that there was "no triable defence" and "no doubt that it is defamatory to suggest that the plaintiff is guilty of criminal misappropriation". An injunction against Ngerng was granted, barring him from publishing future similar accusations regarding Lee and the CPF.{{cite news|title=Roy Ngerng found to have defamed PM Lee|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/roy-ngerng-found-have-defamed-pm-lee?singlepage=true|access-date=13 November 2014|work=Today|date=7 November 2014}} Ngerng expressed disappointment at the verdict, but maintained that he would "still continue to speak up on the CPF and other issues that concern Singaporeans". On 12 January 2015, the High Court ordered Ngerng to pay Lee S$29,000 for costs of legal fees and related expenses; with damages yet to be settled.{{cite news|title=Roy Ngerng ordered to pay PM Lee $29,000; PM reiterates readiness to be cross-examined|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-ordered-pay-pm-lee-29000-pm-reiterates-readiness-be-cross-examined|access-date=13 January 2015|agency=AsiaOne|date=12 January 2015|archive-date=13 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113062802/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-ordered-pay-pm-lee-29000-pm-reiterates-readiness-be-cross-examined|url-status=dead}} After missing the payment deadline twice, Ngerng paid on 6 February after a public spat with his lawyer, M Ravi.{{cite web|author=Tham Yuen-c|title=Blogger pays PM suit costs after stand-off with lawyer|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-pays-pm-suit-costs-after-stand-lawyer|work=The Straits Times|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210202237/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/blogger-pays-pm-suit-costs-after-stand-lawyer|url-status=dead}}

On 12 June, Ngerng's application to be represented by a Queen's Counsel in the damages hearing scheduled for 1 to 3 July 2015 was denied by the High Court and he was ordered to pay costs of S$6,000 to Lee's lawyers from Drew & Napier.{{cite news |date=12 June 2015 |title=Roy Ngerng's application for a Queen's Counsel dismissed by High Court |work=TODAY |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/roy-ngerngs-application-queens-counsel-dismissed-high-co |access-date=27 June 2015}}

The damages hearing proceeded as scheduled from 1 to 3 July 2015 with Ngerng representing himself and Lee being represented by Singh. Citing a lack of funds, Ngerng represented himself after dismissing his third lawyer in this case – George Hwang of George Hwang LLC. Ngerng's first lawyer in the case, M Ravi, was suspended by the Law Society for mental health reasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/law-society-issues-statement-explaining-lawyer-m-ravis-suspension|title=Law Society issues statement explaining lawyer M. Ravi's suspension|date=12 February 2015|website=The Straits Times}} During a hearing, Ngerng broke down in tears while he was being cross-examined by Singh.{{cite news|last1=Law|first1=Elizabeth|title=Roy Ngerng cries in court|url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore-news/roy-ngerng-cries-court|access-date=5 July 2015|work=The New Paper|date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706010756/http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/roy-ngerng-cries-court|archive-date=6 July 2015|url-status=live}}

The hearing prompted much comment from international press freedom advocacy groups and a legal opinion in favour of minimal damages against defendant from the International Commission of Jurists: "It is humbly submitted that a decision awarding a disproportionately high amount of damages to the plaintiff in this case would cast a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Singapore".{{Cite web |title=LEGAL OPINION SUPPORTING THE CASE OF THE DEFENDANT IN LEE HSIEN LOONG (PRIME MINISTER OF SINGAPORE V. ROY NGERNG YI LING – SUIT NO. 569/2014 |url=http://icj.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Singapore-RoyNgerng-Advocacy-LegalOpinion-2015-ENG-.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704090706/http://icj.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Singapore-RoyNgerng-Advocacy-LegalOpinion-2015-ENG-.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2015 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=}} The High Court requested both parties to make written submissions on their respective cases by 31 August 2015. No date was given for the court's decision.{{cite news |date=3 July 2015 |title=Roy Ngerng not repentant despite apologies to PM Lee Hsien Loong, says Senior Counsel Davinder Singh |work=The Straits Times |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/roy-ngerng-not-repentant-despite-apologies-to-pm-lee-hsien-loong-says-senior |access-date=6 July 2015}}

On 17 December, the court handed down a judgement ordering Ngerng to pay S$100,000 in general damages and S$50,000 in aggravated damages. Ngerng, through his lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam, proposed to pay the S$150,000 in instalments. Lee granted Ngerng his request on the condition that Ngerng paid the S$30,000 in hearing costs immediately, i.e., by 16 March 2016. Ngerng is expected to repay S$100 a month from 1 April 2016 onwards over five years until 1 April 2021 when instalments are increased to S$1,000 until the full sum has been paid by the year 2033.{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Min Kok|title=Blogger Roy Ngerng to pay $150,000 in damages to PM Lee in instalments|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/blogger-roy-ngerng-to-pay-150000-in-damages-to-pm-lee-in-instalments-lawyer|access-date=16 March 2016}} Lee also rejected Ngerng's request to reimburse part of the damages, i.e., S$36,000.{{cite news|title=PM Lee rejects blogger Roy Ngerng's request to pay part of damages|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-rejects-blogger-roy-ngerngs-request-pay-part-damages|access-date=16 March 2016|date=14 March 2016|archive-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316145357/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-rejects-blogger-roy-ngerngs-request-pay-part-damages|url-status=dead}}

By 16 April 2021, a crowdfunding campaign had raised the S$144,389.14 required to pay the outstanding damages in full.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3129814/singapore-activist-roy-ngerng-crowdfunds-us108000-pay-defamation|title=Activist crowdfunds US$108,000 to pay Singapore PM's libel damages|date=16 April 2021|website=South China Morning Post}}

Ngerng was a speaker at the Return Our CPF protest organised by blogger Han Hui Hui at Hong Lim Park on 7 June 2014. In his speech, he demanded transparency and accountability for CPF monies.{{cite web|title=Thousands turn up for CPF protest|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/thousands-turn-cpf-protest|work=The New Paper|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206172135/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/thousands-turn-cpf-protest|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Nurul Azliah Aripin|title=Organisers claim #ReturnOurCPF protest drew 6K despite initial drizzle, blazing sun|date=7 June 2014 |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/over-1-000-people-at--returnourcpf-protest-at-hong-lim-park-093133980.html|publisher=Yahoo Newsroom|access-date=10 November 2014}} Organisers claimed a turnout of 6,000, while international news agencies reported about 2,000.{{cite news|title=Protesters Assail Singapore Pension System|url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/protesters-assail-singapore-pension-system-1402155985|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=7 June 2014 |access-date=29 October 2014|last1=Wong |first1=Chun Han }}{{cite news|author= Rachel Armstrong|title=Pension fears prompt rare protest in tightly regimented Singapore|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/singapore-protests-idUSL4N0OQ1EY20140609|work=Reuters|date=9 June 2014 |access-date=10 November 2014}} Ngerng also spoke at the second (which drew "hundreds") and third Return Our CPF protests at the same venue on 12 July and 23 August 2014.{{cite web|last1=Yong|first1=Charissa|title=Hundreds attend CPF protest|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/hundreds-attend-cpf-protest|work=The Straits Times|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-date=9 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209185634/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/hundreds-attend-cpf-protest|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=My Speech at #ReturnOurCPF 3 Protest on 23 August 2014: Time to Let the PAP Go|url=http://thehearttruths.com/2014/08/23/my-speech-at-returnourcpf-3-protest-on-23-august-2014-time-to-let-the-pap-go|access-date=13 November 2014|author=Roy Ngerng|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014003746/http://thehearttruths.com/2014/08/23/my-speech-at-returnourcpf-3-protest-on-23-august-2014-time-to-let-the-pap-go|archive-date=14 October 2014 |work=The Heart Truths}}

On 27 September 2014, during another Return Our CPF protest organised by Han Hui Hui,{{cite news|title=Special needs children heckled by CPF protestors at Hong Lim Park|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/special-needs-children-heckled-cpf-protestors-hong-lim-park|access-date=28 September 2014|publisher=AsiaOne|archive-date=28 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928094934/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/special-needs-children-heckled-cpf-protestors-hong-lim-park|url-status=dead}} which took place at Hong Lim Park at the same time as the YMCA Proms @ the Park event, a charity carnival attended by the elderly and disabled, featuring performances by children.{{cite web|last1=Mokhtar|first1=Faris|title=Protesters disrupt performances at YMCA carnival|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/protesters-disrupt/1385170.html|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=16 November 2014}} Agence France-Presse described Ngerng and Han as having "led a march ... despite having only a permit to stage a rally at a fixed spot".{{cite web|title=Singapore activists charged over park protest|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/10/singapore-activists-charged-over-park-protest-2014102765525490954.html|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=5 December 2014}} The Straits Times described that Han had led the protesting group in "marching around the park" together with Ngerng, with the group "heckling special needs children and confronting" Minister of State Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, who attended the YMCA event.{{cite web|last1=Sim|first1=Walter|title=Special needs children heckled as Hong Lim Park rallygoers disrupt charity carnival|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/special-needs-children-heckled-hong-lim-park-rallygoers-|work=The Straits Times|access-date=16 November 2014}} A few days later, Teo confirmed that Ngerng had issued an apology for the disruption; Teo himself apologised due to his "presence" causing the protesters to "go after" him.{{cite web|title=Roy Ngerng issues apology over carnival disruption: Teo Ser Luck|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-issues-apology-over-carnival-disruption-teo-ser-luck|publisher=AsiaOne|access-date=16 November 2014|archive-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205011246/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-issues-apology-over-carnival-disruption-teo-ser-luck|url-status=dead}}

In a joint statement, the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said that "each event was allocated a lawn" and that Han did not heed their advice "to speak at the allocated space". They described that "Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event". NParks and SPF also said that final approval to hold the event was given to YMCA on 9 September 2014, while Han's application for the protest was received and approved on 22 September 2014. The YMCA stated that NParks on 11 April 2014 had acknowledged their intent to hold the carnival.{{cite web|title=Final approval for Hong Lim Park event given on Sept 9: YMCA|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/final-approval-hong-lim-park-event-given-sept-9-ymca|access-date=16 November 2014|work=Today}}

On 27 October 2014, in relation to the YMCA event disruption, Ngerng, Han, and four others were charged for public nuisance, which can incur a maximum fine of S$1,000; Ngerng and Han were also charged for organising a demonstration without approval, which can incur a maximum fine of S$5,000.{{cite news|title=Roy Ngerng, Han Hui Hui and four others charged with public nuisance|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-han-hui-hui-and-4-others-charged-public-nuisance|access-date=27 October 2014|publisher=AsiaOne|date=27 October 2014|archive-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029170642/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-han-hui-hui-and-4-others-charged-public-nuisance|url-status=dead}} In October 2015, Ngerng pleaded guilty to charges of public nuisance and organising a demonstration without approval. His lawyer, Eugene Thuraisingam, said he committed the offence because of ignorance. Ngerng was fined S$1,900.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/roy-ngerng-pleads-guilty/2175122.html|title=Roy Ngerng pleads guilty to disrupting YMCA event, fined S$1,900|author=Vanessa Paige Chelvan|date=7 October 2015|access-date=16 October 2015|publisher=Channel NewsAsia}}

Raised in a family of five, Ngerng has an elder sister and a younger sister. His father is a hawker chef. During his early life, Ngerng and his family lived in Ang Mo Kio and later moved to Sembawang.

Ngerng attended the Hong Dao Primary School for a few years then transferred to Ang Mo Kio Primary School. He later studied at Mayflower Secondary School and then Serangoon Junior College before going to the National University of Singapore to major in sociology. During his junior college and university years, he excelled and got the top grade in English literature, Geography and arts. He was also on the dean's list of his university for one semester.{{Cite news|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/beyond-the-blogger--who-is-roy-ngerng-111945955.html|title=Beyond the blogger: Who is Roy Ngerng?|date=26 June 2014|work=My Right to Love by Roy Ngerng|access-date=16 April 2018|language=en-US}}

Ngerng is gay, as stated in his personal blog, My Right To Love, in 2011. He has written on topics related to the LGBT community, such as relationship woes and AIDS. Ngerng's family has long accepted his homosexuality even though they did not react positively when first revealed of his sexual orientation decades ago; his mother initially cried and for a few years refused to acknowledge his homosexuality.{{Cite news|url=https://myrighttolove.com/2012/08/22/my-fellow-singaporeans-i-am-roy-i-am-gay-and-this-is-my-story/|title=My Fellow Singaporeans: I am Roy. I am Gay and This is My Story|date=22 August 2012|work=My Right to Love by Roy Ngerng|access-date=16 April 2018|language=en-US}}

Ngerng has been residing in Taipei since October 2016.{{cite web |last=Voltaire |date=4 April 2017 |title=Social activist Roy Ngerng has moved to Taiwan {{!}} The Independent |url=http://www.theindependent.sg/social-activist-roy-ngerng-has-moved-to-taiwan/ |access-date=3 March 2018 |website=www.theindependent.sg |language=en-US}}

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