From Staging Comebacks to Living Room Cheers: Chew Chor Meng’s Proudest Dad Moment

Eh Kakis, pull up a plastic chair and sit down. Uncle, order one cup of kopi-peng and a plate of Kaya toast first. Let’s talk about a heartwarming piece of local news that’s been making the rounds at the kopitiam tables: our very own veteran actor, Chew Chor Meng, and his family.

If you grew up watching Mediacorp dramas, Chor Meng is a household name—the Star Search 1990 champ, the comedic genius, the guy who gave us countless memories on the telly. But lately, what captured everyone’s hearts wasn’t a drama serial; it was a proud family moment happening right at home.

Si Beh Proud: Chloe’s Big NUS Graduation

Just recently, Chor Meng’s eldest daughter, Chloe, officially crossed the graduation stage! The 24-year-old finished her degree in Communications and New Media from the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Now, if you saw the family photos shared by his wife, Deon Tan, on Instagram, you might have noticed that Chor Meng wasn’t physically spotted at the NUS graduation ceremony itself. Instead, the celebration came straight to their living room. In the sweet photos, Chor Meng—dressed casually in a tan T-shirt and white shorts—was beaming ear-to-ear right next to Chloe, who was proudly wearing her graduation gown and holding her bouquet.

His wife penned a deeply touching tribute, calling Chloe an “easy child” and a disciplined student who never gave her parents a single moment of worry. To see Chor Meng standing there, leaning on a support stool, eyes shining with pure fatherly pride as his daughter steps into the next chapter of life… wah, confirm tear a little bit, right?

But Why Wasn’t He at the Ceremony? Understanding Kennedy’s Disease

If you’re wondering why the veteran actor missed the actual university grounds ceremony, it boils down to a quiet, ongoing battle he has been fighting for nearly two decades.

Back in 2008, when his daughters were just toddlers, Chor Meng was dealt a heavy blow: doctors diagnosed him with a rare condition called Kennedy’s Disease (clinically known as Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy, or SBMA).

To put it simply over a cup of coffee, here is what this illness is all about:

What happens? It’s a rare, inherited genetic condition that causes the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem.
The physical toll: It leads to gradual muscle wasting and weakness (muscular atrophy). Over time, it makes walking, standing up from a low chair, and managing everyday movements very tough. It can also affect bulbar muscles, which control speech and swallowing.
The outlook: Unlike some other aggressive motor neuron diseases, Kennedy’s disease typically progresses slowly, and patients usually have a normal life expectancy. However, the physical adaptations required are immense. There is currently no cure, so management is all about slowing things down and staying strong.

A True Fighter On and Off Screen

When Chor Meng was first diagnosed, doctors gave him a grim prognosis. But did he throw in the towel? Siao bo? Not his style.

Even with mobility challenges and the physical restrictions of Kennedy’s disease, he didn’t just hide away. He adapted. He pushed forward with his F&B businesses (like 888 Mookata) and even returned to television screens when health permitted, showing absolute grit.

Seeing him celebrate Chloe’s graduation at home reminds us what true strength looks like. It’s not about never stumbling; it’s about showing up for the people you love, no matter how hard the journey gets.

Two thumbs up, Chor Meng family. Truly steady worker, steady father.