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Benjamin Kheng is the vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist of The Sam Willows. He is a former radio DJ for Lush 99.5FM and was a national swimmer. He is known for starring in a number of plays and movies, and has also collaborated with many other content creators on Youtube both internationally and locally.<ref>''“Benjamin Kheng”''. Fly Entertainment. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: http://fly.com.sg/fly-artistes/fly-male-artistes/benjamin-kheng/</ref> Additionally, Benjamin Kheng has his own Youtube channel ([https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Xg9FUqDs_YTPZHkeD7p8A Youtube channel]) where he occasionally uploads music related content. His most viewed videos are his original spoken piece ‘Father, Father’ featuring Gentle Bones and a collaboration cover of Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ with Singapore Singer Tabitha Nauser.
{{Infobox person
| name              = Benjamin Kheng
| image              = Ben Kheng Spotify.png
| birth_date        = 15 August 1990
| education          = Diploma in Arts and Theatre Management
|alma mater=Republic Polytechnic}}


==Career highlights==
Benjamin Kheng (born 15 August 1990) is a Singaporean musician and actor. Popularly known as the vocalist of The Sam Willows, he has been producing solo music and creating comedy sketches with [[Hirzi Zulkiflie]] on The Benzi Project as of 2019. He was also a former youth national swimmer and a radio DJ for Lush 99.5FM.<ref>"[http://fly.com.sg/fly-artistes/fly-male-artistes/benjamin-kheng/ Benjamin Kheng | FLY Entertainment]". ''FLY Entertainment''. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref> As of 11 May 2020, Ben has 205,000 followers on [https://www.instagram.com/benjaminkheng/ Instagram].


===The Intruder (2019)===
==Background==
Benjamin Kheng starred in a local television series ‘The Intruder’ ([https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/the-intruder/episodes Toggle series]), where he plays one of the main characters - Adam. The drama follows a group of friends who have gone on a holiday together. Filled with manipulation and sinister plot twists, the story takes a turn for the worse when ‘The Intruder’ interrupts their fun.<ref>''“The Intruder”''. Toggle. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/the-intruder/info</ref>


===Wonderboy (2017)===
===Early life & family===
Wonderboy ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHuDXuEofL4 Wonderboy trailer]) is a local film directed by Dick Lee and Daniel Yam. The coming-of-age movie features a main character inspired by Dick Lee’s teenage years and is set in the 70s. The story follows a student named Richard Lee, played by Benjamin Kheng, as he faces problems with friendship and disapproval from his parents along his journey to become a singer-songwriter.
Benjamin Kheng was born on 15 August 1990 to Kheng Meng Siong and Regina.<ref>"[https://aminoapps.com/c/asianmusic/page/item/benjamin-kheng/NwB7_ELfWId1pe314ZrB3abzV3nn8z3Ev Benjamin Kheng | Wiki | Asian Music Amino]". ''aminoapps.com''. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref> He is the older brother of Narelle Kheng.<ref>Tan, Corrie. "THE LIFE! INTERVIEW WITH Benjamin Kheng; Star turn". ''The Straits Times''. April 21, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref> As children, their mother had exposed them to classical composers like Tchaikovsky and Bach.<ref>Yeo, Melissa. "[https://mustsharenews.com/narelle-kheng-sam-willows/ 10 Narelle Kheng Facts That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Her]". ''Must Share News''. December 3, 2015. Accessed on 21 October 2019. </ref> In 2002, they lost their mother to Stage 2 breast cancer after her four-year-long battle.<ref>Noor, Ashikin Abdul Rahman. "[https://www.tnp.sg/m/music/music-news/love-mum-deeper-meaning-behind-sam-willows-mv For Love of Mum: The deeper meaning behind The Sam Willows' MV]". ''The New Paper''. October 23, 2015. Accessed on 21 October 2019. </ref><ref>Tay, Winston. "[https://www.youth.sg/Spotted/People/2018/2/A-cause-close-to-Benjamin-Kheng-heart A cause close to Benjamin Kheng's heart]". ''Youth.sg''. February 2, 2018. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref> Ben began swimming competitively at six years old. He had been a part of the Swimfast Aquatic Club, managed by a former national swimmer, David Lim.<ref>Tan, Corrie. “[https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/star-turn?page=0%2C1 Star turn]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 23, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. </ref>


===TEDxYouth@Singapore (2014)===
===Education===
During his talk titled "Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart" ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-JxYnzcq0 Youtube video]), Benjamin Kheng spoke about his anxiety disorder during his younger days and how he had overcome the challenge. He started off with a story about how he was bullied in high school for being short and went on to share about his late mother and other pivotal experiences he had growing up. He went on to stress that in order to reach greater heights, there is a need to embrace personal demons. The theme for TedxYouth in 2014 was “REGENERATION” and it aimed to change mindsets of Singaporean youth and empower them.<ref>TEDxYouth. ''“Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart: Benjamin Kheng at TEDxYouth@Singapore”''. Youtube. February 4, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-JxYnzcq0 </ref>
Ben attended Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) before enrolling into Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) through the Direct School Admissions (DSA) programme.<ref>Hannah. "[https://www.youngparents.com.sg/education/local-musician-benjamin-kheng-shares-heartwarming-psle-story-viral-post/ Local musician Benjamin Kheng shares heartwarming PSLE story in viral post]". ''Young Parents''. November 29, 2016. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref> He had then transferred to the Singapore Sports School to pursue competitive swimming.<ref>Ho, Ai Li. “They want the best of both worlds”. ''The Straits Times''. November 8, 2004. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva. </ref> During his time there, Ben was a part of the national youth team, specialising in long-distance events and the individual medley. In 2005, he won the Queensland State Championships for the boys' 200 m individual medley at a timing of 2:16.92.<ref>“Home Sports”. The Straits Times''.'' January 11, 2005''.'' Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva</ref><ref>“Sports School continue golden run”. ''Today''. August 11, 2006. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref> In 2006, Benjamin Kheng was presented with the National Schools Colours Award in recognition of his sporting achievements.<ref>“2006 National Schools Colours Award winners”. ''The Straits Times.'' October 24, 2006. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva. </ref> Ben furthered his studies in Republic Polytechnic, graduating with a diploma in Arts and Theatre Management.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/it-boy-benjamin-kheng-on-a-roll-in-music-and-on-stage 'It' boy Benjamin Kheng on a roll in music and on stage]". ''The Straits Times''. April 21, 2014. Accessed on 17 April 2020. </ref>
==Relationships==
===Engagement to [[Naomi Yeo]] (2020)===
[[File:Ben Kheng and Naomi Yeo.jpg|thumb|''Photo credit to [https://www.instagram.com/phoenixcasuarina/ Phoenix Casuarina].'' ''Retrieved from [https://www.8days.sg/sceneandheard/celebrities/benjamin-kheng-proposed-to-his-girlfriend-naomi-yeo-and-she-had-12536784 8 Days].''|link=https://wiki.sg/p/File:Ben_Kheng_and_Naomi_Yeo.jpg]]Ben and Naomi made their relationship public in September 2019.<ref>Fong, Victor. “[https://goodyfeed.com/benjamin-kheng-made-public-about-his-relationship-with-987fms-naomi-yeo/ BENJAMIN KHENG ‘MADE PUBLIC’ ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH 987FM’S NAOMI YEO]”. ''GoodyFeed.'' September 26, 2019. Accessed on 23 March 2020.</ref> Before that, they had worked on projects together as colleagues - having been cast members in shows like ''The Intruder'' (2019). In March 2020, Ben and Naomi posted photos of their engagement onto their respective Instagram accounts.<ref>naomiyhs. ''Instagram.'' March 16, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wNnPUpFgP/</ref><ref>benjaminkheng. ''Instagram.'' March 18, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B91j14OFBXE/</ref> The proposal had been captured by New Zealand-based photographer, [https://phoenixcasuarina.com/ Phoenix Casuarina]. Ben had proposed to Naomi at Lindis Pass in Southern New Zealand.<ref>“[https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/sam-willows-benjamin-kheng-engaged-part-time-987-dj-naomi-yeo-12538506 Sam Willows' Benjamin Kheng gets engaged to part-time 987 DJ Naomi Yeo]”. ''CNA Lifestyle.'' March 14, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020.</ref><ref>Lee, Wei Lin. “[https://www.8days.sg/sceneandheard/celebrities/benjamin-kheng-proposed-to-his-girlfriend-naomi-yeo-and-she-had-12536784 Benjamin Kheng Proposed To His Girlfriend Naomi Yeo And She Had Just The Cutest Response]”. ''8Days.'' March 14, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020.</ref> The couple had been on holiday at the time. It was also revealed that Ben had asked Naomi's parents for their blessings four months prior to his proposal.<ref>naomiyhs. ''Instagram.'' March 16, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wXaLxJJQ9/</ref>


===Plays===
==The Sam Willows (2012 - 2019)==
[[File:The Sam Willows 2020.jpg|thumb|''The Sam Willows. Photo from [https://hear65.bandwagon.asia/articles/remembering-the-sam-willows-2019 Hear65 Bandwagon Asia].'']]
The Sam Willows is comprised of Narelle Kheng, Jonathan Chua, Benjamin Kheng, Sandra Riley Tang. In late 2011, the quartet had first grouped to perform at their school’s alumni concert.<ref>Sumayao, Marco. “[http://www.mtvasia.com/news/8aemoz/the-sam-willows-learn-to-grow-up-without-ditching-fun The Sam Willows learn to grow up without ditching fun]”. ''MTV Asia''. July 13, 2018. Accessed on 11 January 2019.</ref> In May 2012, The Sam Willows uploaded their first mashup and cover of hit songs Hey Soul Sister by Train and We Are Young by Fun.<ref>The Sam Willows. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT-d4dHOQ4g Hey Soul Sister/ We Are Young (Cover) - The Sam Willows]". ''YouTube''. May 3, 2012. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref> The video went viral and marked their rise to fame as a household name. On 27 May 2019, The Sam Willows announced that they were going on a hiatus.<ref>Tan, Kendra. "[https://www.8days.sg/sceneandheard/entertainment/the-sam-willows-are-taking-a-break-i-wish-i-had-more-drama-for-11572272 The Sam Willows Are Taking A Break: "I Wish I Had More Drama For You But We're All Still Good Friends"]". ''8 Days''. May 28, 2019. Accessed on 20 November 2019.</ref>
==Discography==
As of April 2020, Ben is managed by Sony Music Entertainment Singapore.<ref>"[https://www.instagram.com/benjaminkheng/?hl=en Benjamin Kheng]". ''Instagram''. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref> He has an estimated 139,500 monthly listeners on Spotify as of 17 April 2020.
===2020===
[[File:Lovers Forever (2020) Ben Kheng.jpg|thumb|''The cover art for Lovers Forever (2020). Photo from [https://hear65.bandwagon.asia/albums/lovers-forever Hear65 Bandwagon Asia].'']]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Year'''
!Date Released
|'''Director'''
!Song
|'''Play'''
!Duration
|'''Character/Role'''
!Record Label(s)
|-
|-
|2013
|10 April 2020
|Derrick Chew
|Lovers Forever
|Edges The Musical (Sight Line Productions)
|3:27
|Main Character
| rowspan="3" |Sony Music Entertainment Singapore
|-
|-
|2012
|27 February 2020
|Ong Keng Sen
|Find Me
|National Broadway Company (Theatreworks)
|3:20
|Dick Lee
|-
|29 November 2019
|Wicked
|3:09
|}
 
===2019===
{| class="wikitable"
!Date Released
!Song
!Duration
!Record Label(s)
|-
|29 November 2019
|Wicked
|3:09
|Sony Music Entertainment Singapore
|}
 
==Music collaborations==
[[File:Unmanly Men.jpg|thumb|''Andrew Marko (left) and Ben wrote the music and lyrics for The Benzi Project's Unmanly Men (2019).'']]
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Project
!Artiste(s)
!Refs.
|-
|2019
|Unmanly Men
|Andrew Marko
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjXtoBGlSWY Video]
|-
| rowspan="2" |2017
|2017 BILLBOARD HITS MASHUP
|Vidi Aldiano
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rwPhpiUDSk Video]
|-
|Sober
|Evan Low, JX, Nathan Hartono
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcJzQypqe_8 Video]
|-
| rowspan="3" |2016
|YAYA
|[[THELIONCITYBOY (Kevin Lester)|THELIONCITYBOY]]
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yDAMD28zzQ Video]
|-
|Comfortable & Blank
|Bittymacbeth
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIMjigGVkBk Video]
|-
|I Got All I Need (This Christmas)
|The Apex Project
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-1Odf9erik Video]
|-
|-
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
| rowspan="3" |2015
|Antoine de Saint-Exupéry<ref>Ang, Sunny. Act 3 International. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: http://act3international.com.sg/author/mambo/ </ref>
|Fight Song
|The Little Prince (Act 3 International)
|Kurt Hugo Schneider
|Titular Character
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kR3hmaikGI Video]
|-
|-
|2013<ref>Pham, Larry. ''“It Is My Lady - A Song From Romeo & Juliet by Toy Factory Productions”''. Youtube. January 28, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyqpFSqxR5A&feature=youtu.be </ref>
|Bad Blood
|Nell Ng
|Kurt Hugo Schneider, Macy Kate
|Romeo & Juliet (Toy Factory Singapore)
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s44whB4w1Jw Video]
|Romeo
|-
|-
|2014
|Strangers
|Beatrice Chia-Richmond<ref>Ng, Gwendolyn. ''“Hit local military movie Ah Boys To Men to become musical”''. The Straits Times. February 5, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/hit-local-military-movie-ah-boys-to-men-to-become-musical </ref>
|Debra Khng
|Ah Boys To Men: The Musical (Running Into The Sun)
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWEqZTRZE0k Video]
|Ken Chow
|}
|}
==Other endeavours==
===The BenZi Project (2019 - present) - Content creator===
Ben collaborated with [[Hirzi Zulkiflie]] to create The BenZi Project ([https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp-GIYWwweRLtmHmMhCCmJw YouTube channel]), a comedy sketch channel on YouTube. The series feature relatable scenarios faced by most Singaporeans such as [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiGLXiaoRRg The Halal Gap] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCnfF6Owc2s Code-Switching]. In 2020, the BenZi project released a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JREJb5N7gK0 parody of Singapore Social] where Ben played the character Peter Faul - a caraciture of [[Paul Foster]]. Hirzi and Ben produce, direct and act in every episode of The Benzi Project. In a 2019 interview with ''8 Days'', Ben shared that the duo hoped to monetise The BenZi Project in the future.<ref>Fam, Jonathan. "[https://www.8days.sg/sceneandheard/celebrities/how-benjamin-kheng-and-hirzi-made-the-smartest-funniest-show-on-11675024 How Benjamin Kheng And Hirzi Made The Smartest & Funniest Show On The Internet]". ''8 Days''. June 30, 2019. Accessed on 19 November 2019.</ref>


===Song Collaborations<ref>''“Benjamin Kheng”''. Spotify. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53GouHDfCfsBJIn1OjYmPO </ref>===
===TEDxYouth@Singapore (2014) - Speaker===
'''Kurt & Company (2015)'''
During his talk titled Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-JxYnzcq0 YouTube video]), Benjamin Kheng spoke about how he overcame his anxiety disorder during his youth. He shared a story about how he was bullied in high school for being short and talked about his late mother and other pivotal experiences he had growing up. He stressed that to reach greater heights, one needs to embrace personal demons. Ben also shared the fact that he is a synesthete, a person who associates each music note with a unique person and colour.<ref>TedxYouth. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-JxYnzcq0 Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart: Benjamin Kheng at TEDxYouth@Singapore]". ''YouTube''. February 4, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref>
==Acting==
As of April 2020, Benjamin Kheng is a Fly Entertainment artiste.<ref>"[http://fly.com.sg/fly-artistes/fly-male-artistes/benjamin-kheng/ Benjamin Kheng | FLY Entertainment]". ''FLY Entertainment''. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref>


In 2015, Benjamin Kheng collaborated with American musician and Youtuber Kurt Hugo Schneider to produce a cover of Rachel Platten’s ‘Fight Song’ and Taylor Swift’s ‘Bad Blood’. The videos for both songs were filmed in Kurt’s popular “One Take” style.
===Television & web series===
[[File:Benjamin Kheng The Intruder.jpg|thumb|''Ben pictured as Adam in The Intruder (2019). Photo from [https://www.buro247.sg/instagram/benjaminkheng/29801893 source].'']]
In 2019, Ben was a part of an international cast for No Sleep No FOMO. The eight-part reality travelogue show featured local and international personalities like Eric Nam, Nat Ho and [[Paul Foster]]. In each episode, members explore new cities and while completing missions.<ref>"[https://www.hallyusg.net/2019/03/20/coverage-viunosleepnofomo/ Viu’s No Sleep No FOMO Cast Members Share Their Filming Experiences]". ''HallyuSG''. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019. </ref><ref>Tetchie. "[https://www.hellokpop.com/event/viu-original-no-sleep-no-fomo-launch-party/ Viu Original “No Sleep No FOMO” Cast Members Showcase An Amazing Launch Party]". ''hellokpop.com''. March 22, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title of Production
!Role
!Refs.
|-
| rowspan="2" |2019
|No Sleep No FOMO
|Host
|<ref>"[https://www.hallyusg.net/2019/03/20/coverage-viunosleepnofomo/ Viu’s No Sleep No FOMO Cast Members Share Their Filming Experiences]". ''HallyuSG''. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref><ref>Tetchie. "[https://www.hellokpop.com/event/viu-original-no-sleep-no-fomo-launch-party/ Viu Original “No Sleep No FOMO” Cast Members Showcase An Amazing Launch Party]". ''hellokpop.com''. March 22, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref>
|-
|The Intruder
|Adam
|<ref>"[https://www.mewatch.sg/en/series/the-intruder/ep1/713154 The Intruder - EP 1]". ''MeWatch''. January 3, 2019. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" |2018
|Dead Lucky
| rowspan="2" |Isaac
|<ref>"[https://tv.mewatch.sg/en/tv/shows/de/dead-lucky-tif/info Dead Lucky]". ''MeWatch''. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref>
|-
|Saying Goodbye
|<ref>Jaze Phua. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eug51PIG-bE Saying Goodbye - (DEAD LUCKY Ext. Short) Ft. Benjamin Kheng and Naomi Yeo]". ''YouTube''. September 16, 2018. Accessed on 17 April 2020. </ref>
|-
|FAM!
|Main character
|<ref>"[https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-sitcom-fam-nominated-for-international-emmy-award-170335319.html Singapore sitcom 'FAM!' nominated for International Emmy Award]". ''Yahoo''. September 21, 2019. Accessed on 15 October 2019.</ref><ref>"[https://www.iemmys.tv/international-emmy-awards/nominees/?fbclid=IwAR2AA_nK12dclMLk7n2Ltm5S0kIULzrmLI-JNMqlu8hS9kNfLSQlPb1QBaY Nominees - International Academy of Television Art & Sciences]". ''International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences''. Accessed on 15 October 2019.  </ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2017
|Wonder Boy
|Richard Lee
| -
|-
|The Breakup List
|Luke Wong
|<ref>"[https://tv.mewatch.sg/en/tv/shows/th/the-breakup-list The Breakup List]". ''MeWatch''. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref>
|-
|2016
|Can You Not?!
|Jason
|<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfzkqRS9zPs&t=2399s Can You Not?! - The Full Webseries]". ''YouTube''. September 1, 2016. Accessed on 17 April 2020. </ref>
|}


'''28th SEA Games (2015)'''
===Theatre===
 
{| class="wikitable"
Benjamin Kheng released a song, ‘A Love Song - Unbreakable’, under the compilation album for the 28th SEA Games titled ‘Songs Of The Games’.
!Year
 
!Title of Play
'''Debra Khng (2015)'''
!Character
 
!Company
Benjamin collaborated with Singaporean singer-songwriter Debra Khng to release a song titled ‘Strangers’ under her album ‘Wolves in The Night’.
!Refs.
 
|-
'''ShiGGa Shay (2015)'''
|2014
 
|Ah Boys To Men: The Musical
Benjamin Kheng was featured in Singaporean rapper ShiGGa Shay’s Album titled ‘ShiGGa Shay’ as they worked together on the song ‘Red & Blue’.
|Ken Chow
 
|Running Into The Sun
'''THELIONCITYBOY (2016)'''
|<ref>Ng, Gwendolyn. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/hit-local-military-movie-ah-boys-to-men-to-become-musical Hit local military movie Ah Boys To Men to become musical]”. ''The Straits Times''. February 5, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019. </ref>
 
|-
Benjamin Kheng was featured in Singaporean rapper THELIONCITYBOY’s single ‘YAYA’.
| rowspan="2" |2013
 
|Edges The Musical
'''Bittymacbeth (2016)'''
|Main character
 
|Sight Lines Productions
Benjamin collaborated with several artists in 2 songs for Singaporean singer-songwriter Bittymacbeth’s ‘Beauty for Ashes’ album. They collaborated to produce the song ‘Comfortable’ and worked with another Singaporean artist, Tim De Cotta, to produce ‘Blank’.
|<ref>Tan, Corrie. "Gen Y angst in song and dance". ''The Straits Times''. April 1, 2013. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
 
|-
'''The Apex Project (2016)'''
|Romeo & Juliet
 
|Romeo
Benjamin Kheng worked with local acapella group, The Apex Project, in their Christmas single ‘I Got All I Need (This Christmas)’.
|Toy Factory Singapore
 
|<ref>Pham, Larry. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyqpFSqxR5A&feature=youtu.be It Is My Lady - A Song From Romeo & Juliet by Toy Factory Productions]”. ''YouTube''. January 28, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019. </ref>
'''Evanturetime (Evan Low) (2017)'''
|-
 
| rowspan="2" |2012
Benjamin collaborated with Jonathan Chua (JX) and local singer Nathan Hartono to produce a song, ‘Sober’, with local producer and multi-instrumentalist Eventuretime.
|National Broadway Company
 
|Dick Lee
===Other Collaborations===
|Theatreworks
'''The BenZi project (November 2018 - Present)'''
|<ref>"Singapore theatre's 1980s zeitgeist". ''The Business Times''. August 17, 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
 
|-
Benjamin Kheng collaborated with Hirzi Zulkiflie to produce a comedy sketch channel on Youtube called The BenZi Project ([https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp-GIYWwweRLtmHmMhCCmJw youtube channel]). In the series, they produce and act out comedy skits on localised Singaporean topics such as "Paiseh Piece" ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffDeEUDtNfk youtube video]) and "Code-Switching"([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCnfF6Owc2s youtube video]). The series also stars other known individuals in the media industry, such as fellow band member Sandra Riley Tang.
|Boom
 
|Real estate agent
'''The Smart Local (TSL)'''
|Sight Lines Productions
 
|<ref>"[http://www.inkpotreviews.com/2012reviews/0629,boom,nk.xml Inkpot Review: Boom by Sight Lines Productions]". ''inkpotreviews.com''. 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref><ref>Martin, Mayo. "Grave issues ; A trip to Bukit Brown Cemetery moves the folks behind Boom". ''Today''. June 19, 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
Between 2015 and 2018, Benjamin Kheng had been a special guest on The Smart Local’s Youtube videos such as ‘The Price is Right Challenge’ ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFdiWeuYq7I youtube video]) and ‘The Whisper Challenge’ ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZavIrR50SJ8 youtube video]). Benjamin Kheng had also appeared on TSL Acoustic Sessions twice. In July 2015, he performed his original song ‘In Time (Acoustic)’ ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieqHMCyx2sw youtube video]). In July 2016, he joined THELIONCITYBOY in performing his new single ‘YAYA (acoustic) feat. Benjamin Kheng’ ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdW529IxWVs youtube video]).
|-
 
|2009
'''FATHER, FATHER Spoken Word ft. Gentle bones (2014)'''
|The Little Prince
 
|Titular Character
Benjamin Kheng released a spoken piece titled "FATHER, FATHER" ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY64nFtVcyI youtube video]) with the intent to relay his message to his father. The video was directed by band member, Sandra Riley Tang. The music and lyrics were written in collaboration with Joel Tan (Gentle Bones). The director of photography was Benjamin Ong and choreography was done by Gino Flordeliza Babagay.<ref>Kheng, Benjamin. “FATHER, FATHER || Spoken Word || Benjamin Kheng x Gentle Bones”. Youtube. December 22, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY64nFtVcyI </ref>
|Act 3 International
 
|<ref>"[https://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090721-156211.html Bless the children]". ''The Straits Times''. July 22, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019.</ref><ref>Ng, Magdalen. "Singapore showcase in Shanghai". ''The Straits Times''. July 9, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
'''‘Can You Not?!’ By Tree Potatoes'''
|}
 
Benjamin Kheng starred in a web series titled ‘Can You Not?!’ produced by Singaporean Youtubers Tree Potatoes. The series stars Janice Chiang, Nathan Hartono, Nicholas Bloodworth and Loo Le En as well. The plot follows Janice’s character, Beth, as she finds love in her workplace.<ref>TreePotatoes. ''“Can You Not?! - The Full Webseries”''. Youtube. September 1, 2016. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfzkqRS9zPs&t=2399s </ref>
 
'''Toggle Original Series: ‘The Breakup List’ by Tree Potatoes'''
 
Benjamin Kheng starred in another web series produced by Tree Potatoes as well, titled ‘The Breakup List’. The show centred around Luke Wong, played by Benjamin Kheng, and Joe Khoo, played by Elliot Tan, as they figured out singlehood together.
 
'''Vidi Aldiano ‘2017 Billboards Hits Mashup feat. Benjamin Kheng’'''
 
Benjamin Kheng collaborated with Indonesian artist Vidi Aldiano in a mashup of monthly Billboard hits from 2017.
 
===Radio DJ (May 2008 - November 2010)===
Benjamin Kheng started his journey in the entertainment industry as a radio DJ for Lush 99.5FM with two recurring programmes ‘The Art Of Lush’ and ‘The Lush Lab’.<ref>''“Benjamin Kheng”''. Celebs Money. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Accessed on: https://www.celebsmoney.com/net-worth/benjamin-kheng/ </ref>
 
==Social causes==
Benjamin Kheng is a regular advocate for the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). He had been volunteering for SCS since 2016 and has performed at many of their events including the ‘Relay for Life’, a marathon event, with his sister.<ref>Tay, Winston. ''“A cause close to Benjamin Kheng's heart”''. Youth.sg. February 2, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youth.sg/Spotted/People/2018/2/A-cause-close-to-Benjamin-Kheng-heart </ref>


==References / Citation==
==References / Citation==
<references />
<references />
[[Category: Artistes & Musicians]]

Latest revision as of 10:58, 10 November 2022

Benjamin Kheng
Ben Kheng Spotify.png
Born15 August 1990
EducationDiploma in Arts and Theatre Management
Alma materRepublic Polytechnic

Benjamin Kheng (born 15 August 1990) is a Singaporean musician and actor. Popularly known as the vocalist of The Sam Willows, he has been producing solo music and creating comedy sketches with Hirzi Zulkiflie on The Benzi Project as of 2019. He was also a former youth national swimmer and a radio DJ for Lush 99.5FM.[1] As of 11 May 2020, Ben has 205,000 followers on Instagram.

Background

Early life & family

Benjamin Kheng was born on 15 August 1990 to Kheng Meng Siong and Regina.[2] He is the older brother of Narelle Kheng.[3] As children, their mother had exposed them to classical composers like Tchaikovsky and Bach.[4] In 2002, they lost their mother to Stage 2 breast cancer after her four-year-long battle.[5][6] Ben began swimming competitively at six years old. He had been a part of the Swimfast Aquatic Club, managed by a former national swimmer, David Lim.[7]

Education

Ben attended Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) before enrolling into Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) through the Direct School Admissions (DSA) programme.[8] He had then transferred to the Singapore Sports School to pursue competitive swimming.[9] During his time there, Ben was a part of the national youth team, specialising in long-distance events and the individual medley. In 2005, he won the Queensland State Championships for the boys' 200 m individual medley at a timing of 2:16.92.[10][11] In 2006, Benjamin Kheng was presented with the National Schools Colours Award in recognition of his sporting achievements.[12] Ben furthered his studies in Republic Polytechnic, graduating with a diploma in Arts and Theatre Management.[13]

Relationships

Engagement to Naomi Yeo (2020)

Photo credit to Phoenix Casuarina. Retrieved from 8 Days.

Ben and Naomi made their relationship public in September 2019.[14] Before that, they had worked on projects together as colleagues - having been cast members in shows like The Intruder (2019). In March 2020, Ben and Naomi posted photos of their engagement onto their respective Instagram accounts.[15][16] The proposal had been captured by New Zealand-based photographer, Phoenix Casuarina. Ben had proposed to Naomi at Lindis Pass in Southern New Zealand.[17][18] The couple had been on holiday at the time. It was also revealed that Ben had asked Naomi's parents for their blessings four months prior to his proposal.[19]

The Sam Willows (2012 - 2019)

The Sam Willows. Photo from Hear65 Bandwagon Asia.

The Sam Willows is comprised of Narelle Kheng, Jonathan Chua, Benjamin Kheng, Sandra Riley Tang. In late 2011, the quartet had first grouped to perform at their school’s alumni concert.[20] In May 2012, The Sam Willows uploaded their first mashup and cover of hit songs Hey Soul Sister by Train and We Are Young by Fun.[21] The video went viral and marked their rise to fame as a household name. On 27 May 2019, The Sam Willows announced that they were going on a hiatus.[22]

Discography

As of April 2020, Ben is managed by Sony Music Entertainment Singapore.[23] He has an estimated 139,500 monthly listeners on Spotify as of 17 April 2020.

2020

The cover art for Lovers Forever (2020). Photo from Hear65 Bandwagon Asia.
Date Released Song Duration Record Label(s)
10 April 2020 Lovers Forever 3:27 Sony Music Entertainment Singapore
27 February 2020 Find Me 3:20
29 November 2019 Wicked 3:09

2019

Date Released Song Duration Record Label(s)
29 November 2019 Wicked 3:09 Sony Music Entertainment Singapore

Music collaborations

Andrew Marko (left) and Ben wrote the music and lyrics for The Benzi Project's Unmanly Men (2019).
Year Project Artiste(s) Refs.
2019 Unmanly Men Andrew Marko Video
2017 2017 BILLBOARD HITS MASHUP Vidi Aldiano Video
Sober Evan Low, JX, Nathan Hartono Video
2016 YAYA THELIONCITYBOY Video
Comfortable & Blank Bittymacbeth Video
I Got All I Need (This Christmas) The Apex Project Video
2015 Fight Song Kurt Hugo Schneider Video
Bad Blood Kurt Hugo Schneider, Macy Kate Video
Strangers Debra Khng Video

Other endeavours

The BenZi Project (2019 - present) - Content creator

Ben collaborated with Hirzi Zulkiflie to create The BenZi Project (YouTube channel), a comedy sketch channel on YouTube. The series feature relatable scenarios faced by most Singaporeans such as The Halal Gap and Code-Switching. In 2020, the BenZi project released a parody of Singapore Social where Ben played the character Peter Faul - a caraciture of Paul Foster. Hirzi and Ben produce, direct and act in every episode of The Benzi Project. In a 2019 interview with 8 Days, Ben shared that the duo hoped to monetise The BenZi Project in the future.[24]

TEDxYouth@Singapore (2014) - Speaker

During his talk titled Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart (YouTube video), Benjamin Kheng spoke about how he overcame his anxiety disorder during his youth. He shared a story about how he was bullied in high school for being short and talked about his late mother and other pivotal experiences he had growing up. He stressed that to reach greater heights, one needs to embrace personal demons. Ben also shared the fact that he is a synesthete, a person who associates each music note with a unique person and colour.[25]

Acting

As of April 2020, Benjamin Kheng is a Fly Entertainment artiste.[26]

Television & web series

Ben pictured as Adam in The Intruder (2019). Photo from source.

In 2019, Ben was a part of an international cast for No Sleep No FOMO. The eight-part reality travelogue show featured local and international personalities like Eric Nam, Nat Ho and Paul Foster. In each episode, members explore new cities and while completing missions.[27][28]

Year Title of Production Role Refs.
2019 No Sleep No FOMO Host [29][30]
The Intruder Adam [31]
2018 Dead Lucky Isaac [32]
Saying Goodbye [33]
FAM! Main character [34][35]
2017 Wonder Boy Richard Lee -
The Breakup List Luke Wong [36]
2016 Can You Not?! Jason [37]

Theatre

Year Title of Play Character Company Refs.
2014 Ah Boys To Men: The Musical Ken Chow Running Into The Sun [38]
2013 Edges The Musical Main character Sight Lines Productions [39]
Romeo & Juliet Romeo Toy Factory Singapore [40]
2012 National Broadway Company Dick Lee Theatreworks [41]
Boom Real estate agent Sight Lines Productions [42][43]
2009 The Little Prince Titular Character Act 3 International [44][45]

References / Citation

  1. ↑ "Benjamin Kheng | FLY Entertainment". FLY Entertainment. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  2. ↑ "Benjamin Kheng | Wiki | Asian Music Amino". aminoapps.com. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  3. ↑ Tan, Corrie. "THE LIFE! INTERVIEW WITH Benjamin Kheng; Star turn". The Straits Times. April 21, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  4. ↑ Yeo, Melissa. "10 Narelle Kheng Facts That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Her". Must Share News. December 3, 2015. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  5. ↑ Noor, Ashikin Abdul Rahman. "For Love of Mum: The deeper meaning behind The Sam Willows' MV". The New Paper. October 23, 2015. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  6. ↑ Tay, Winston. "A cause close to Benjamin Kheng's heart". Youth.sg. February 2, 2018. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  7. ↑ Tan, Corrie. “Star turn”. The Straits Times. April 23, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  8. ↑ Hannah. "Local musician Benjamin Kheng shares heartwarming PSLE story in viral post". Young Parents. November 29, 2016. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  9. ↑ Ho, Ai Li. “They want the best of both worlds”. The Straits Times. November 8, 2004. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  10. ↑ “Home Sports”. The Straits Times. January 11, 2005. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva
  11. ↑ “Sports School continue golden run”. Today. August 11, 2006. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  12. ↑ “2006 National Schools Colours Award winners”. The Straits Times. October 24, 2006. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  13. ↑ "'It' boy Benjamin Kheng on a roll in music and on stage". The Straits Times. April 21, 2014. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  14. ↑ Fong, Victor. “BENJAMIN KHENG ‘MADE PUBLIC’ ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH 987FM’S NAOMI YEO”. GoodyFeed. September 26, 2019. Accessed on 23 March 2020.
  15. ↑ naomiyhs. Instagram. March 16, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wNnPUpFgP/
  16. ↑ benjaminkheng. Instagram. March 18, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B91j14OFBXE/
  17. ↑ “Sam Willows' Benjamin Kheng gets engaged to part-time 987 DJ Naomi Yeo”. CNA Lifestyle. March 14, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020.
  18. ↑ Lee, Wei Lin. “Benjamin Kheng Proposed To His Girlfriend Naomi Yeo And She Had Just The Cutest Response”. 8Days. March 14, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020.
  19. ↑ naomiyhs. Instagram. March 16, 2020. Accessed on 23 March 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wXaLxJJQ9/
  20. ↑ Sumayao, Marco. “The Sam Willows learn to grow up without ditching fun”. MTV Asia. July 13, 2018. Accessed on 11 January 2019.
  21. ↑ The Sam Willows. "Hey Soul Sister/ We Are Young (Cover) - The Sam Willows". YouTube. May 3, 2012. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  22. ↑ Tan, Kendra. "The Sam Willows Are Taking A Break: "I Wish I Had More Drama For You But We're All Still Good Friends"". 8 Days. May 28, 2019. Accessed on 20 November 2019.
  23. ↑ "Benjamin Kheng". Instagram. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  24. ↑ Fam, Jonathan. "How Benjamin Kheng And Hirzi Made The Smartest & Funniest Show On The Internet". 8 Days. June 30, 2019. Accessed on 19 November 2019.
  25. ↑ TedxYouth. "Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart: Benjamin Kheng at TEDxYouth@Singapore". YouTube. February 4, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  26. ↑ "Benjamin Kheng | FLY Entertainment". FLY Entertainment. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  27. ↑ "Viu’s No Sleep No FOMO Cast Members Share Their Filming Experiences". HallyuSG. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  28. ↑ Tetchie. "Viu Original “No Sleep No FOMO” Cast Members Showcase An Amazing Launch Party". hellokpop.com. March 22, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  29. ↑ "Viu’s No Sleep No FOMO Cast Members Share Their Filming Experiences". HallyuSG. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  30. ↑ Tetchie. "Viu Original “No Sleep No FOMO” Cast Members Showcase An Amazing Launch Party". hellokpop.com. March 22, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  31. ↑ "The Intruder - EP 1". MeWatch. January 3, 2019. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  32. ↑ "Dead Lucky". MeWatch. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  33. ↑ Jaze Phua. "Saying Goodbye - (DEAD LUCKY Ext. Short) Ft. Benjamin Kheng and Naomi Yeo". YouTube. September 16, 2018. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  34. ↑ "Singapore sitcom 'FAM!' nominated for International Emmy Award". Yahoo. September 21, 2019. Accessed on 15 October 2019.
  35. ↑ "Nominees - International Academy of Television Art & Sciences". International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Accessed on 15 October 2019.
  36. ↑ "The Breakup List". MeWatch. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  37. ↑ "Can You Not?! - The Full Webseries". YouTube. September 1, 2016. Accessed on 17 April 2020.
  38. ↑ Ng, Gwendolyn. “Hit local military movie Ah Boys To Men to become musical”. The Straits Times. February 5, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019.
  39. ↑ Tan, Corrie. "Gen Y angst in song and dance". The Straits Times. April 1, 2013. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  40. ↑ Pham, Larry. “It Is My Lady - A Song From Romeo & Juliet by Toy Factory Productions”. YouTube. January 28, 2014. Accessed on 11 January 2019.
  41. ↑ "Singapore theatre's 1980s zeitgeist". The Business Times. August 17, 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  42. ↑ "Inkpot Review: Boom by Sight Lines Productions". inkpotreviews.com. 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  43. ↑ Martin, Mayo. "Grave issues ; A trip to Bukit Brown Cemetery moves the folks behind Boom". Today. June 19, 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  44. ↑ "Bless the children". The Straits Times. July 22, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  45. ↑ Ng, Magdalen. "Singapore showcase in Shanghai". The Straits Times. July 9, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
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