'Senator, I’m Singaporean': The viral Singapore moments that took the internet by storm
This National Day, CNA Lifestyle takes a lighthearted look at the people and memes from Singapore that made their mark around the world.
In recent years, Singaporean content has taken the global internet by storm, thanks to the currency of memes and viral moments. This National Day, CNA Lifestyle reflects on the people and internet sensations that have made Singapore shine.
One notable figure is TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi, who testified before the US Congress about the dangers children face on social media platforms. During the hearing, Senator Tom Cotton repeatedly questioned Chew about his citizenship, leading to Chew's famous declaration: "Senator, I'm Singaporean." The clip garnered millions of views and became a popular response to accusations.
Singaporean model Chuando Tan is renowned for his age-defying looks, but his 60th birthday celebration in March 2026 truly cemented his place in history. Tan uploaded a series of photos with balloons reading "60," which sparked disbelief worldwide and garnered over three million likes. His post inspired countless articles and social media posts across the globe.
Another viral moment came in early 2026 when the former Hougang Neighbourhood Police Centre released an advisory on love scams, featuring ASP Benjamin Cheah. The video's captivating twists and Cheah's good looks made it a global sensation, amassing over eight million views on Instagram and inspiring recreations internationally.
Singapore's longest-running television program, Crimewatch, marks its 40th anniversary in 2026. The series has become a treasure trove of memes, with two specific clips becoming TikTok sensations. One shows the aftermath of a theft, while the other features two teenagers arguing, culminating in one character yelling "You're nothing but a prostitute." Both clips have been widely used humorously on the platform.
The National Council on Problem Gambling inadvertently created one of the internet's earliest viral videos in 2014 with an anti-gambling advertisement. The ad, featuring a young boy named Andy, was parodied in John Oliver's Last Week Tonight and sampled in Frank Ocean's "Super Rich Kids."
Lastly, a 2000s video showcasing audio company Creative Technology's Prodikeys keyboard went viral when its star, Paul Seow, unexpectedly performed a drum solo. The clip's popularity led to its sampling in Frank Ocean's song and turned it into a recognizable internet meme.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
