SINGAPORE, Nov 7 — A 29-year-old Singaporean man took his life weeks after a breakup with his long-time girlfriend, who also made him cancel their Build-To-Order (BTO) flat, a Singapore-based news outlet reported.
Citing his mother identified only as Madam Tan, Stomp reported that the man and his girlfriend, both 29, had been together for eight years since their polytechnic days and were preparing to move into their new home by mid-2026.
“They were together for eight years.
“The BTO was going to be ready next year,” the mother was quoted as saying.
According to Madam Tan, the girlfriend ended the relationship in late July and asked him to cancel the flat before breaking up.
“We had already prepared S$50,000 for renovation and S$10,000 for the wedding.
“She made him cancel their BTO before officially breaking up. His whole world collapsed,” Madam Tan was quoted as saying.
Her son attempted suicide the day after the breakup but survived.
According to the mother, the family tried to distract him with a cruise and a trip to Shanghai, but he remained distraught and eventually took his life on September 6.
The mother said her only child was hardworking, responsible, and had more than S$200,000 in savings.
“Now that he is gone, we have no one to carry our family tree down.
“The trauma of finding your loved one like that – it’s something no parent should ever face,” Madam Tan was quoted as saying.
Stomp reported that the unidentified ex-girlfriend later told the family she ended the relationship after years of “emotional exhaustion”, saying she no longer felt they shared the same outlook in life.
Madam Tan said she hopes more support can be given to couples who face emotional distress after cancelling a BTO, calling it a “final step toward marriage” that often leaves one partner devastated.
* If you are lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, Befrienders offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours is available here: www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia. There are also free hotlines for young people: Talian Kasih at 15999 (24/7); Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR)(daily 12pm-12am); Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); and Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214).
