Addy Lee gives up Singapore PR, cashes out CPF to 'enjoy life' with rabbits in Bangkok
Lim Ruey Yan
The Straits Times
August 28, 2025
Former celebrity hairstylist Addy Lee has given up his permanent resident (PR) status in Singapore, with the revelation coming after he thanked and bid farewell to the country on Facebook on Aug 27.
In a telephone interview with Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao on Aug 28, the 54-year-old Malaysian confirmed he did so - as well as withdrew his Central Provident Fund (CPF) monies - last week.
Lee is from Penang and obtained his PR status when he was 23. The founder of the Monsoon chain of hair salons, who currently divides his time between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, said he wrestled with the decision for several months.
"I originally planned to retire at 50, but the pandemic delayed it by a few years. That's why I decided to withdraw my CPF for retirement," he said. "This money will allow me to live quite comfortably, so I'm really grateful to Singapore."
He added: "The entire policy is well-designed - not just for locals, but also for those of us who have come here to make a living. I still have something to fall back on now that I'm leaving this second home."
Lee did not disclose the specific amount of the CPF sum, but said he felt both happiness and a sense of loss the moment he received the money.
"I'm happy because it means I can tangping (lie flat) and enjoy life for about 30 years, though I won't be splurging recklessly," he said. "The pace of life in Thailand is slower, and things are cheaper."
It was also bittersweet for him.
"I built everything I have in Singapore from scratch. Besides the fame and gains, this place has taught me so much. From a teenager who couldn't speak a word of English to where I am now, I think I'm doing fine. Singapore has given me countless opportunities and I have met many benefactors."
He said he would likely return to Singapore in the future for reasons like consulting doctors, but admitted he would not do so for leisure.
"Spending three or four days here would cost me a month's worth of living expenses in Thailand," he explained.
Lee has established a rabbit farm which is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Bangkok. And despite starting live-stream company Mdada in 2020 with host Pornsak and actress Michelle Chia, he will not go back to a live-selling career.
"It's okay to do live-streaming to chat, but I won't be selling products," he said. "Live-streaming has really made me money and taught me a lot, but it has also hurt me deeply."
Lee said in a Facebook live stream in May that he fell out with local TV host Quan Yifeng, formerly a long-time close friend of his, over disagreements related to live-stream sales they did together in 2020.
Pornsak announced his abrupt departure from Mdada in January 2023, and Lee accused him of bullying and defaming a staff member of the company who was Lee's assistant in a live stream in May 2023.
Lee, who said on Facebook that he officially left the company in February 2025, also alleged in May 2025 that Chia had withheld his salary and was not responding to his texts.
"It's time to draw the line," he told Zaobao. "Whatever grudges there are, let them begin and end here."
