Former entertainment lawyer Samuel Seow died on July 25 at the age of 53, according to a statement from a family friend seen by The Straits Times on July 26.
It is believed that the Singaporean personality’s family is currently in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, attending to his death.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Samuel, who passed away peacefully in his sleep last night,” said the statement. “The attending doctor has confirmed that the cause of death was a heart attack.”
Seow, a bachelor, was the founder and chief executive of local talent management, entertainment, branding and event consultancy agency Beam Artistes.
It was launched in 2010 and organised male pageants such as Mr World Singapore, Mister International and Manhunt Singapore. Beam Artistes’ latest competition, Masters of the World 2026, was slated to take place in September.
At one point, the company represented about 20 artistes, including Ase Wang, Shane Pow, Jaymee Ong and Paul Foster.
A representative for Beam Artistes said of Seow’s death: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We kindly ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy as they take the time they need to grieve and make the necessary arrangements.”
Seow was also a former high-profile entertainment lawyer who had previously represented local celebrities such as singer Tanya Chua and actress Michelle Saram.
But he was disbarred in May 2022 after admitting before a disciplinary tribunal in 2019 to eight instances of professional misconduct involving three women employees, including a lawyer who is also his niece, at his office between March and April 2018.
He was sentenced in October 2022 to four weeks’ jail and fined $1,500 for assaulting his niece and using criminal force on another female employee.
Local filmmaker Kelvin Sng, who directed movies such as The Fortune Handbook (2017) and King Of Hawkers (2024), paid tribute to Seow on Facebook on July 26 after receiving the “shocking news”.
“He became my godparent back in 2010 when I was baptised a Catholic,” Sng, 52, wrote, sharing two photos with Seow. “Despite whatever happened over the years, I choose to remember the good times and his goodness. Rest in peace, Sam.” -- The Straits Times/Asia News Network
