'Senator, I’m Singaporean': The viral Singapore moments that took the internet by storm
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Several Singaporean figures and moments have recently gone viral globally, capturing international attention.
- These include TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi's firm responses to US senators and model Chuando Tan's age-defying 60th birthday photos.
- Other viral moments include a Singapore Police Force advisory on love scams and clips from the "Crimewatch" series.
Singapore has recently seen a surge of viral moments and personalities capturing global attention, showcasing the nation's impact on the international digital landscape. From sharp testimonies in U.S. Congress to ageless beauty on social media, these instances have resonated widely online.
One prominent figure is TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi, who gained international recognition in 2024 during a U.S. Congressional hearing. When questioned repeatedly about his citizenship by Senator Tom Cotton, Chew, a Singaporean national, calmly asserted, "Senator, I'm Singaporean." Clips of this exchange garnered millions of views worldwide, with many praising his composed demeanor. His phrase has since become a popular, tongue-in-cheek retort for internet users facing incorrect assumptions.
Another viral sensation is Singaporean model Chuando Tan. Known for his remarkably youthful appearance over the years, Tan's post celebrating his 60th birthday in March 2026 truly broke the internet. Photos of him posing with balloons displaying '6' and '0' quickly went viral globally, sparking widespread disbelief and numerous articles from international publications. The post amassed over three million likes, attracting comments from celebrities like Tiffany Haddish and Vera Brezhneva.
Additionally, an advisory video on love scams released by the Singapore Police Force in early 2026 became a global talking point. The video, featuring ASP Benjamin Cheah, went viral for its engaging narrative and Cheah's appearance, attracting over eight million views on Instagram alone and making waves on platforms like Reddit. Its popularity even inspired recreations in other countries, including one from Taiwan that received praise from Cheah himself. Clips from the "Crimewatch" series have also contributed to Singapore's online presence.
Senator, I’m Singaporean.
Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.