After 36 years in showbiz, veteran Singaporean actor and host Chew Chor Meng has parted ways with Mediacorp.
Source: Mediacorp
Mediacorp’s artiste management arm, The Celebrity Agency (TCA), announced the 57-year-old’s departure on 3 Nov, following the end of his contract on 31 Oct.
In its farewell message, TCA praised Chew for his memorable performances over the decades, including his role as Ah Bee in the sitcom ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ and his Best Actor-winning performance in ‘Hainan Kopi Tales’.
The agency also highlighted his versatility and lasting popularity, as well as his contributions to local entertainment, which earned him the Special Achievement Award at Star Awards 2019.
Following the announcement, Chew shared a heartfelt Instagram post reflecting on his career and thanking those who had supported him along the way.
“Thirty-six years in showbiz have passed in the blink of an eye, becoming some of the most precious memories of my life,” he wrote in Chinese.
Source: @chewchormeng on Instagram
He added that he had no regrets, only gratitude, having spent the past 36 years doing what he loved, working hard, and finding happiness along the way.
Chew also thanked those who had given him opportunities, support, and encouragement throughout his career, as well as audiences who had shown him love over the years.
“The curtain may have fallen, but life’s wonderful journey continues,” he reflected, adding that he believed God had a beautiful plan for every stage of life.
Accompanying his message was a video montage featuring highlights from his career, from his Star Search victory in 1990 to his many memorable acting roles and award wins.
Chew began his showbiz career at the age of 22 after winning the nationwide talent competition Star Search in 1990.
He subsequently appeared in dramas such as ‘The Last Swordsman’, ‘The Witty Advisor’, and ‘The Teochew Family’, before becoming a household name for his portrayal of Ah Bee in the popular Channel 8 sitcom ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’.
Source: Mediacorp Classics on YouTube
The character, a penny-pinching salesman always on the lookout for good lobangs (deals), became a fan favourite during the show’s run from 1996 to the early 2000s.
Chew later reprised the role in the spin-off series ‘Lobang King’ in 2003.
Screenshot from Star Awards 2019
Beyond his iconic role as Ah Bee, Chew earned recognition for his versatility as an actor, winning the Best Actor award at Star Awards 2000 for his performance in ‘Hainan Kopi Tales’.
He went on to win Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for his portrayal of a doctor whose life takes a tragic turn in ‘The Golden Path’.
Source: DramaWiki
Chew’s popularity also earned him 10 consecutive Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes awards, culminating in the All-Time Favourite Artiste award in 2004.
Apart from acting, he hosted variety programmes and large-scale events, including collaborations with artistes from Taiwan and China.
In 2010, he received a nomination for Best Info-Ed Programme Host at the Star Awards for ‘Food Hometown 2’.
His contributions to Singapore’s entertainment industry were further recognised in 2019, when he received the Special Achievement Award at the Star Awards.
Source: @chewchormeng on Instagram
Chew’s acting journey has not been without challenges.
In 2008, he was diagnosed with Kennedy’s disease, a rare neuromuscular condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and affects mobility.
He first noticed difficulties with his movement while filming the drama ‘Love Blossoms II’ that year, before publicly revealing his diagnosis in December 2008.
Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Chew continued pursuing his acting career and appeared in subsequent dramas, including ‘118’, ‘The Heartland Hero’, and ‘Family Ties’.
His most recent Mediacorp drama appearance was in the Channel 8 series ‘Where The Heart Belongs’.
Outside acting, Chew has also ventured into the food and beverage industry, co-owning businesses such as Thai barbecue chain 888 Mookata and Tam Chiak Kopitiam.
Source: @888mookata on Instagram
Earlier in May 2026, he also released an AI-generated song titled ‘After The Curtain Falls’, reflecting on his 36-year journey in showbiz.
Following the announcement of his departure, several fellow artistes took to social media to express their appreciation for Chew and wish him well.
Actor Romeo Tan paid tribute to Chew’s iconic sitcom character, commenting: “Our forever Lobang King. Thank you for giving us beautiful childhood memories.”
Veteran actress Zoe Tay also showed her support, writing: “All the best brother Ming.”
Meanwhile, fellow actress Aileen Tan offered her well wishes, commenting: “God’s grace abounds, brother.”
Although his 36-year chapter with Mediacorp has come to an end, Chew’s farewell message suggests he is looking ahead with gratitude and faith.
“Thank you for walking alongside me through these 36 years,” he wrote, bringing his tribute to a close.
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Featured image adapted from @chewchormeng on Instagram and Mediacorp Classic on YouTube.