In a recent turn of events, Malaysian actor-host Hero Tai Zu Xiong found himself amidst a controversy over comments he made about Singapore on a Taiwanese reality show, “Students Coming.”
The 37-year-old has now issued an apology, shedding light on the context of the episode and expressing regret for any offense caused, according to a report by The New Paper.
Understanding the Controversy
The episode in question centered around a ‘Singapore versus Malaysia’ theme, where verbal sparring between representatives of both countries was encouraged by the show’s producers.
Tai, who has been residing in Taiwan for 12 years, clarified that the entire premise was crafted for entertainment purposes and involved staged confrontations between the two sides.
The Apology and Contextualization
Speaking to TNP on December 25, Tai revealed that his scenes were selectively edited, leading to a distorted portrayal of his views on Singapore.
He emphasized that what seemed like dissatisfaction with Singapore was, in reality, a performance tailored to fit the show’s entertainment format. Tai expressed regret over any misunderstanding and clarified that the intention was never to genuinely criticize Singapore.
The Backlash
Tai, who is expecting a child with his 25-year-old Ukrainian wife, disclosed that he received numerous messages from Singaporean netizens, ranging from expressions of unhappiness to malicious insults and attacks.
He said that he “sincerely apologise to any Singaporeans whom I’ve upset”.
However, he condemned the extreme reactions, highlighting that differing opinions shouldn’t escalate to such levels of hostility. Tai appealed for a more positive online environment filled with love and peace.
In addition to the interview with TNP, Tai and his wife appeared on Singapore’s livestreaming platform Star Live to discuss the issue further.
Co-founder of Star Live and local actor Terence Cao joined the conversation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full context before passing judgment based solely on headlines.
What He Said About Singapore
Zu Xiong asserted that popular Singaporean dishes such as chicken rice, char kway teow, bak kut teh, and nyonya kueh are all originally from Malaysia.
He invited the Taiwanese guests to list dishes they believed were Singaporean, countering each suggestion by claiming these were also Malaysian creations. He argued that these dishes existed in Malaysia before Singapore gained independence.
In response, a Singaporean guest defended the promotion of these dishes in Singapore as a form of cultural exchange, emphasizing the country’s efforts to showcase and popularize them.
Provocative Comments on Singaporean Attractions
Zu Xiong continued to provoke by labeling famous attractions in Singapore as “man-made.” He referred to Jewel’s Rain Vortex as a “man-made fountain,” Siloso Beach as a “man-made beach,” and Gardens by the Bay as “man-made botanic gardens.” In an additional controversial remark, he referred to Singaporean guests as “man-made people.”
Zu Xiong went further, advising potential visitors not to spend too much time in Singapore, claiming there’s not much to do. He recommended a three-day, two-night stay.