Singapore Busker Stuns Crowd With Ex-PM Lee in Audience

Imagine performing your usual street show when you suddenly spot your country's former prime minister smiling up at you from the crowd.

That's exactly what happened to Bryan Wong, a 29-year-old acrobatics artist, during his Circles In Circus performance at Rainforest Wild Asia in Singapore. Wong was mid-routine when he recognized Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching watching from the audience.

"Stunned like a vegetable," Wong later captioned a video that quickly went viral. In the clip, he zooms in on Lee's face while apologizing for the attention, and the former prime minister waves back with a warm smile.

Wong faced a split-second decision about whether to acknowledge such a distinguished guest. His stunned expression had already given him away, so he went for it.

"I don't know if I should have acknowledged you, but I'm sorry, it's a bit too late now, so everyone, that's our ex-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong!" The crowd erupted in cheers.

After recovering from the initial shock, Wong kept his composure. "Sir, you are really cool, but this is still my show," he told Lee, treating him like any other audience member.

The timing made the moment even more remarkable. Wong had chosen to use a larger performance wheel that day, one he hadn't touched in two years. The prop weighed 3kg more than his usual equipment, and fatigue kicked in midway through.

"I was so tired and made so many mistakes," Wong admitted. Of all the performances to have such a distinguished guest, it wasn't his best technical show.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just the surprise celebrity sighting. It's Lee's choice to spend his afternoon supporting street performers and local artists. The former prime minister, who regularly shares photos from the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, didn't arrive for a formal event or photo opportunity. He simply showed up to enjoy the show like everyone else.

Wong didn't manage to grab a selfie with Lee afterward because he was busy collecting tips from the crowd. But he knows exactly what he'd say if given another chance: "Thank you for taking the time to watch and appreciate a more niche part of Singapore's arts scene, and for giving me the time to entertain you."

This isn't Wong's first viral moment, though it's certainly more pleasant than the last. In July 2024, a video of him being punched by a stranger while busking in London's Covent Garden made headlines. His calm, collected response earned widespread praise.

Sometimes the best performances aren't the most technically perfect ones but the ones that remind us how connection and appreciation can turn an ordinary afternoon into something unforgettable.