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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Benjamin Kheng
| name              = Benjamin Kheng
| image              = File:Benjamin Kheng profile.jpg
| image              = Benjamin Kheng.jpg
| birth_date        = 15 August 1990
| birth_date        = 15 August 1990
| education          = Diploma in Arts and Theatre Management
| education          = Diploma in Arts and Theatre Management
| occupation        = Entertainer, musician, actor
| occupation        = Content producer, Actor, Musician
| known for          = The Sam Willows
| known for          = The Sam Willows
| family            = Narelle Kheng
| family            = Narelle Kheng
|alma mater=Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Singapore Sports School, Republic Polytechnic}}
|alma mater=Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Singapore Sports School, Republic Polytechnic}}


Benjamin Kheng is the vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist of The Sam Willows. He was a former national swimmer and radio DJ for Lush 99.5FM. He has starred in several 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> As of 2019, he has collaborated with [[Hirzi Zulkiflie]] to launch The BenZi Project, a comedy sketch channel on YouTube.
Benjamin Kheng is the vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist of The Sam Willows. He was a former national swimmer and also a radio DJ for Lush 99.5FM. He has starred in several plays and movies and has also collaborated with many international and local content creators on YouTube.<ref>''“Benjamin Kheng”''. Fly Entertainment. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: http://fly.com.sg/fly-artistes/fly-male-artistes/benjamin-kheng/</ref> As of 2019, he has collaborated with [[Hirzi Zulkiflie]] to launch The BenZi Project, a comedy sketch channel on YouTube.


==Background==
==Background==


===Competitive swimming===
===Youth athlete & competitive swimming===
At six years old, Benjamin Kheng swam competitively where he was part of the Swimfast Aquatic Club, managed by former national swimmer, David Lim.<ref>Tan, Corrie. “Star turn”. ''The Straits Times''. April 23, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/star-turn?page=0%2C1</nowiki> </ref> Benjamin Kheng had previously attended Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) before transferring to Singapore Sports School to further his pursuit in 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>  
At six years old, Benjamin Kheng swam competitively where he was part of the Swimfast Aquatic Club, managed by a former national swimmer, David Lim.<ref>Tan, Corrie. “Star turn”. ''The Straits Times''. April 23, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/star-turn?page=0%2C1</nowiki> </ref> Benjamin Kheng had previously attended Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) before transferring to Singapore Sports School to further his pursuit in 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>  




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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Benjamin Kheng (金文明) was born on 15 August 1990.<ref>"Benjamin Kheng | Wiki | Asian Music Amino". ''aminoapps.com''. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from  <nowiki>https://aminoapps.com/c/asianmusic/page/item/benjamin-kheng/NwB7_ELfWId1pe314ZrB3abzV3nn8z3Ev</nowiki></ref> His father is Kheng Meng Siong. Benjamin Kheng 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> During his childhood, Benjamin Kheng was largely influenced by his mother, Regina, who had introduced him to renowned classical composers including Tchaikovsky and Bach. <ref>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. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://mustsharenews.com/narelle-kheng-sam-willows/</nowiki> </ref> in 2002, Benjamin Kheng's mother passed away after a four year battle with Stage 2 breast cancer.<ref>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. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.tnp.sg/m/music/music-news/love-mum-deeper-meaning-behind-sam-willows-mv</nowiki> </ref>


=== Family ===
Benjamin Kheng (金文明) was born on 15 August 1990.<ref>"Benjamin Kheng | Wiki | Asian Music Amino". ''aminoapps.com''. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from  <nowiki>https://aminoapps.com/c/asianmusic/page/item/benjamin-kheng/NwB7_ELfWId1pe314ZrB3abzV3nn8z3Ev</nowiki></ref> His father is Kheng Meng Siong. In 2014, Ben released a spoken piece titled "FATHER, FATHER" ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY64nFtVcyI YouTube video]) dedicated to his dad. The video was directed by The Sam Willows band member, Sandra Riley Tang and the music and lyrics were written in collaboration with Joel Tan (Gentle Bones).<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> Benjamin Kheng is also the older brother of The Sam Willows band member, 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>


Benjamin Kheng is a synesthete. In a 2014 talk at TEDxYouth@Singapore, he mentions that he associates each music note with a unique person and colour.<ref>TedxYouth. "Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart: Benjamin Kheng at TEDxYouth@Singapore". ''YouTube''. February 4, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-JxYnzcq0</nowiki></ref>


During his childhood, Benjamin Kheng was largely influenced by his mother, Regina, who had introduced him to renowned classical composers including Tchaikovsky and Bach. <ref>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. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://mustsharenews.com/narelle-kheng-sam-willows/</nowiki> </ref> In 2002, Benjamin Kheng's mother passed away after a four year battle with Stage 2 breast cancer.<ref>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. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.tnp.sg/m/music/music-news/love-mum-deeper-meaning-behind-sam-willows-mv</nowiki> </ref>
==Career highlights==
==Career highlights==


===No Sleep No FOMO (2019) - TV series===
=== Acting & hosting ===
In an eight part series by Viu Originals, 'No Sleep No FOMO' is a reality travelogue show featuring both local and international celebrities and social media Influencers. Alongside Benjamin Kheng, members of the show include Eric Nam, Nat Ho, Paul Foster and guest appearances by Kim Jong Kook. In each episode, members explore new cities and while completing missions.<ref>"Viu’s No Sleep No FOMO Cast Members Share Their Filming Experiences". ''HallyuSG''. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.hallyusg.net/2019/03/20/coverage-viunosleepnofomo/</nowiki> </ref><ref>Tetchie. "Viu Original “No Sleep No FOMO” Cast Members Showcase An Amazing Launch Party". ''hellokpop.com''. March 22, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.hellokpop.com/event/viu-original-no-sleep-no-fomo-launch-party/</nowiki></ref>
[[File:No Sleep No FOMO.png|thumb|''The promotional poster for No Sleep No FOMO (2019). Photo from HelloKpop.'']]
 
Most notably in 2019, Ben was a part of an international cast for No Sleep No FOMO. The eight-part series is a reality travelogue show featuring both local and international celebrities and social media personalities. Alongside Benjamin Kheng, members of the show include Eric Nam, Nat Ho, Paul Foster and guest appearances by Kim Jong Kook. 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>
===The Intruder (2019) - TV series===
{| class="wikitable"
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>
!Year
 
!Title of Show/Movie
===FAM! (2018) - TV series===
!Role
Starring alongside Jermaine Leong, Gurmit Singh, Vernetta Lopez and Patrick Teoh, FAM! is a 13-episode Mediacorp sitcom ([https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/fa/fam-tif/episodes Toggle series]) produced by Oak3 Films. The film follows the perspective of a an aspiring journalist but is caught in between her family of social media influencers.<ref>"Singapore sitcom 'FAM!' nominated for International Emmy Award". ''Yahoo''. September 21, 2019. Accessed on 15 October 2019. Retrieved from  <nowiki>https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-sitcom-fam-nominated-for-international-emmy-award-170335319.html</nowiki></ref> In 2019, the film has been nominated for best Comedy in the International Emmy Awards.<ref>"Nominees - International Academy of Television Art & Sciences". ''International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences''. Accessed on 15 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.iemmys.tv/international-emmy-awards/nominees/?fbclid=IwAR2AA_nK12dclMLk7n2Ltm5S0kIULzrmLI-JNMqlu8hS9kNfLSQlPb1QBaY</nowiki>  </ref>
!Refs.
 
|-
===Wonderboy (2017) - Movie===
|2019
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.
|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>
|-
|2019
|The Intruder ([https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/the-intruder/episodes Toggle])
|Main character (Adam)
|<ref>''“The Intruder”''. Toggle. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/the-intruder/info</ref>
|-
|2018
|FAM! ([https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/fa/fam-tif/episodes Toggle])
|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>
|-
|2017
|Wonderboy
|Main character (Richard Lee)
| -
|-
|2017
|The Breakup List ([https://tv.toggle.sg/en/tv/shows/th/the-breakup-list Toggle])
|Main character (Luke Wong)
| -
|-
|2016
|Can You Not?! ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfzkqRS9zPs&t=2399s YouTube web series])
|Main character (Jason)
| -
|}


===Music collaborations<ref>''“Benjamin Kheng”''. Spotify. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53GouHDfCfsBJIn1OjYmPO </ref>===
===Music collaborations<ref>''“Benjamin Kheng”''. Spotify. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53GouHDfCfsBJIn1OjYmPO </ref>===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Year
!Artiste
!Project
!Description
!Artist
!Role
|-
|-
|2017
|2017
|2017 BILLBOARD HITS MASHUP ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rwPhpiUDSk YouTube])
|Vidi Aldiano
|Vidi Aldiano
|Benjamin Kheng collaborated with Indonesian artiste Vidi Aldiano in a mashup of monthly Billboard hits from 2017.
|Featured artist
|-
|-
|2017
|2017
|Sober
|Evanturetime (Evan Low)
|Evanturetime (Evan Low)
|Benjamin collaborated with Jonathan Chua (JX) and local singer Nathan Hartono to produce a song, ‘Sober’, with local producer and multi-instrumentalist Eventuretime.
|Produced a song alongside Jonathan Chua and Nathan Hartono
|-
|-
|2016
|2016
|THELIONCITYBOY
|YAYA
|Benjamin Kheng was featured in Singaporean rapper THELIONCITYBOY’s single ‘YAYA’.
|[[THELIONCITYBOY (Kevin Lester)|THELIONCITYBOY]]
|Featured artist in the single
|-
|-
|2016
|2016
|Comfortable & Blank
|Bittymacbeth
|Bittymacbeth
|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’.
|Featured artist in the 'Beauty for Ashes' album
|-
|-
|2016
|2016
|I Got All I Need (This Christmas)
|The Apex Project
|The Apex Project
|Benjamin Kheng worked with local acapella group, The Apex Project, in their Christmas single ‘I Got All I Need (This Christmas)’.
|Featured artist
|-
|-
|2015
|2015
|Fight Song - Rachel Platten - ONE TAKE! Benjamin Kheng & KHS Cover ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kR3hmaikGI YouTube])
|Kurt & Company
|Kurt & Company
|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.
|Featured artist
|-
|-
|2015
|2015
|A Love Song - Unbreakable
|28th SEA Games
|28th SEA Games
|Benjamin Kheng ‘A Love Song - Unbreakable’ under the compilation album for the 28th SEA Games titled ‘Songs Of The Games’.
|Featured artist in the 'Songs Of The Games' album
|-
|-
|2015
|2015
|Strangers
|Debra Khng
|Debra Khng
|Benjamin collaborated with Singaporean singer-songwriter Debra Khng to release a song titled ‘Strangers’ under her album ‘Wolves in The Night’.
|Featured artist in the 'Wolves in The Night' album
|-
|-
|2015
|2015
|ShiGGa Shay
|Red & Blue
|Benjamin Kheng was featured in Singaporean rapper ShiGGa Shay’s Album titled ‘ShiGGa Shay’ as they worked together on the song ‘Red & Blue’.
|[[ShiGGa Shay (Pek Jin Shen)|ShiGGa Shay]]
|Featured artist in the 'ShiGGa Shay’ album
|}
|}
===Other collaborations===
 
===Theatre===
[[File:Ah Boys To Men The Musical Benjamin Kheng.jpg|thumb|''In 2014, Ben Kheng played the character Ken Chow in the Ah Boys To Men musical. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/ah-boys-men-musical-gets-new-recruit AsiaOne].'']]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Year
!Partner
!Title of Play
!Title
!Character
!Description
!Company
|-
!Refs.
|2018
|Hirzi Zulkiflie
|The BenZi Project
|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.
|-
|2017
|Tree  Potatoes
|Toggle Original Series: 'The Breakup List'
|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.
|-
|2016
|Tree  Potatoes
|'Can You Not?!' web series
|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>
|-
|2015 & 2018
|The Smart Local
| -
|Between 2015 and 2018, Benjamin Kheng had been a special guest on The Smart Local’s Youtube videos such as ‘The Whisper Challenge’ ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZavIrR50SJ8 YouTube video]) and ‘The Price is Right Challenge’ ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFdiWeuYq7I 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]).
|-
|2014
|Gentle Bones
|FATHER, FATHER Spoken Word ft. Gentle bones
|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>
|}
 
===Plays===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Year'''
|'''Director'''
|'''Play'''
|'''Character/Role'''
|-
|-
|2014
|2014
|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>
|Ah Boys To Men: The Musical
|Ah Boys To Men: The Musical (Running Into The Sun)
|Ken Chow
|Ken Chow
|Running Into The Sun
|<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>
|-
|-
|2013
|2013
|Derrick Chew
|Edges The Musical
|Edges The Musical (Sight Lines Productions)<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>
|Main character
|Main Character
|Sight Lines Productions
|<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>
|-
|-
|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>
|2013
|Nell Ng
|Romeo & Juliet
|Romeo & Juliet (Toy Factory Singapore)
|Romeo
|Romeo
|Toy Factory Singapore
|<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>
|-
|-
|2012
|2012
|Ong Keng Sen
|National Broadway Company
|National Broadway Company (Theatreworks)<ref>"Singapore theatre's 1980s zeitgeist" ''The Business Times''. August 17, 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
|Dick Lee
|Dick Lee
|Theatreworks
|<ref>"Singapore theatre's 1980s zeitgeist" ''The Business Times''. August 17, 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
|-
|-
|2012
|2012
|Derrick Chew
|Boom
|Boom (Sight Lines Productions)<ref>"Inkpot Review: Boom by Sight Lines Productions". ''inkpotreviews.com''. 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>http://www.inkpotreviews.com/2012reviews/0629,boom,nk.xml</nowiki></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>
|Real estate agent
|real estate agent
|Sight Lines Productions
|<ref>"Inkpot Review: Boom by Sight Lines Productions". ''inkpotreviews.com''. 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>http://www.inkpotreviews.com/2012reviews/0629,boom,nk.xml</nowiki></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>
|-
|-
|2009
|2009
|Ruby Lim-Yang<ref>"Bless the children". ''The Straits Times''. July 22, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved on <nowiki>https://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090721-156211.html</nowiki></ref><ref>Ng, Magdalen. "Singapore showcase in Shanghai". ''The Straits Times''. July 9, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
|The Little Prince
|The Little Prince (Act 3 International)
|Titular Character
|Titular Character
|Act 3 International
|<ref>"Bless the children". ''The Straits Times''. July 22, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved on <nowiki>https://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090721-156211.html</nowiki></ref><ref>Ng, Magdalen. "Singapore showcase in Shanghai". ''The Straits Times''. July 9, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.</ref>
|}
|}


===TEDxYouth@Singapore (2014)===
===The BenZi Project (2019 - present)===
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>
[[File:The Benzi Project Code Switching.jpg|thumb|''Ben Kheng (right) and Hirzi (left) in Code Switching. Thumbnail from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCnfF6Owc2s YouTube].'']]
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 'The Halal Gap' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiGLXiaoRRg YouTube video]) and 'Code-Switching' ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCnfF6Owc2s YouTube video]). 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>


===Radio DJ (May 2008 - November 2010)===
===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>
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==
== 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>
 
===TEDxYouth@Singapore (2014)===
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>
 
 
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. "Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart: Benjamin Kheng at TEDxYouth@Singapore". ''YouTube''. February 4, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from <nowiki>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-JxYnzcq0</nowiki></ref>
 
=== Volunteer at Singapore Cancer Society ===
Benjamin Kheng is a regular volunteer at the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). He has been volunteering for the 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:People of Interest]]
[[Category:People of Interest]]

Revision as of 10:37, 20 November 2019

Benjamin Kheng
Benjamin Kheng.jpg
Born15 August 1990
EducationDiploma in Arts and Theatre Management
Alma materAnglo-Chinese School (Primary), Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Singapore Sports School, Republic Polytechnic
OccupationContent producer, Actor, Musician
Known forThe Sam Willows
FamilyNarelle Kheng

Benjamin Kheng is the vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist of The Sam Willows. He was a former national swimmer and also a radio DJ for Lush 99.5FM. He has starred in several plays and movies and has also collaborated with many international and local content creators on YouTube.[1] As of 2019, he has collaborated with Hirzi Zulkiflie to launch The BenZi Project, a comedy sketch channel on YouTube.

Background

Youth athlete & competitive swimming

At six years old, Benjamin Kheng swam competitively where he was part of the Swimfast Aquatic Club, managed by a former national swimmer, David Lim.[2] Benjamin Kheng had previously attended Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) before transferring to Singapore Sports School to further his pursuit in competitive swimming.[3]


During his time at Singapore Sports School, Benjamin Kheng was part of the national youth team, specializing in long-distance events and individual medley. He participated in regional competitions and won various titles. In 2005, he won the Queensland State Championships for the boys' 200 m individual medley at a timing of 2:16.92.[4][5] In 2006, Benjamin Kheng was presented with the National Schools Colours Award in recognition of his sporting achievements.[6]

Media and performing arts

As part of a program by the Singapore Sports School, Benjamin Kheng enrolled in Republic Polytechnic's Arts and Theatre Management course. He also participated in plays such as The Little Prince (Act 3 International) at the 2009 Shanghai International Children's Theatre Festival.[7]


Additionally, Benjamin Kheng ventured into radio presenting. He was previously a radio presenter at Lush 99.5 FM where he hosted 'The Art of Lush' and 'The Lush Lab'.[8] In 2012, Benjamin Kheng co-founded The Sam Willows. The band has since developed a strong follower base with an average of 170,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.[9]


Benjamin Kheng is signed to Fly Entertainment, managed by Irene Ang.[10]

Personal life

Family

Benjamin Kheng (金文明) was born on 15 August 1990.[11] His father is Kheng Meng Siong. In 2014, Ben released a spoken piece titled "FATHER, FATHER" (YouTube video) dedicated to his dad. The video was directed by The Sam Willows band member, Sandra Riley Tang and the music and lyrics were written in collaboration with Joel Tan (Gentle Bones).[12] Benjamin Kheng is also the older brother of The Sam Willows band member, Narelle Kheng.[13]


During his childhood, Benjamin Kheng was largely influenced by his mother, Regina, who had introduced him to renowned classical composers including Tchaikovsky and Bach. [14] In 2002, Benjamin Kheng's mother passed away after a four year battle with Stage 2 breast cancer.[15]

Career highlights

Acting & hosting

The promotional poster for No Sleep No FOMO (2019). Photo from HelloKpop.

Most notably in 2019, Ben was a part of an international cast for No Sleep No FOMO. The eight-part series is a reality travelogue show featuring both local and international celebrities and social media personalities. Alongside Benjamin Kheng, members of the show include Eric Nam, Nat Ho, Paul Foster and guest appearances by Kim Jong Kook. In each episode, members explore new cities and while completing missions.[16][17]

Year Title of Show/Movie Role Refs.
2019 No Sleep No FOMO Host [18][19]
2019 The Intruder (Toggle) Main character (Adam) [20]
2018 FAM! (Toggle) Main character [21][22]
2017 Wonderboy Main character (Richard Lee) -
2017 The Breakup List (Toggle) Main character (Luke Wong) -
2016 Can You Not?! (YouTube web series) Main character (Jason) -

Music collaborations[23]

Year Project Artist Role
2017 2017 BILLBOARD HITS MASHUP (YouTube) Vidi Aldiano Featured artist
2017 Sober Evanturetime (Evan Low) Produced a song alongside Jonathan Chua and Nathan Hartono
2016 YAYA THELIONCITYBOY Featured artist in the single
2016 Comfortable & Blank Bittymacbeth Featured artist in the 'Beauty for Ashes' album
2016 I Got All I Need (This Christmas) The Apex Project Featured artist
2015 Fight Song - Rachel Platten - ONE TAKE! Benjamin Kheng & KHS Cover (YouTube) Kurt & Company Featured artist
2015 A Love Song - Unbreakable 28th SEA Games Featured artist in the 'Songs Of The Games' album
2015 Strangers Debra Khng Featured artist in the 'Wolves in The Night' album
2015 Red & Blue ShiGGa Shay Featured artist in the 'ShiGGa Shay’ album

Theatre

In 2014, Ben Kheng played the character Ken Chow in the Ah Boys To Men musical. Photo from AsiaOne.
Year Title of Play Character Company Refs.
2014 Ah Boys To Men: The Musical Ken Chow Running Into The Sun [24]
2013 Edges The Musical Main character Sight Lines Productions [25]
2013 Romeo & Juliet Romeo Toy Factory Singapore [26]
2012 National Broadway Company Dick Lee Theatreworks [27]
2012 Boom Real estate agent Sight Lines Productions [28][29]
2009 The Little Prince Titular Character Act 3 International [30][31]

The BenZi Project (2019 - present)

Ben Kheng (right) and Hirzi (left) in Code Switching. Thumbnail from YouTube.

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' (YouTube video) and 'Code-Switching' (YouTube video). 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.[32]

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’.[33]

Social causes

TEDxYouth@Singapore (2014)

The theme for TedxYouth in 2014 was “REGENERATION” and it aimed to change mindsets of Singaporean youth and empower them.[34]


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.[35]

Volunteer at Singapore Cancer Society

Benjamin Kheng is a regular volunteer at the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). He has been volunteering for the SCS since 2016 and has performed at many of their events including the ‘Relay for Life’, a marathon event, with his sister.[36]

References / Citation

  1. ↑ “Benjamin Kheng”. Fly Entertainment. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: http://fly.com.sg/fly-artistes/fly-male-artistes/benjamin-kheng/
  2. ↑ Tan, Corrie. “Star turn”. The Straits Times. April 23, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/star-turn?page=0%2C1
  3. ↑ Ho, Ai Li. “They want the best of both worlds”. The Straits Times. November 8, 2004. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  4. ↑ “Home Sports”. The Straits Times. January 11, 2005. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva
  5. ↑ “Sports School continue golden run”. Today. August 11, 2006. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  6. ↑ “2006 National Schools Colours Award winners”. The Straits Times. October 24, 2006. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  7. ↑ Tan, Corrie. “Star turn”. The Straits Times. April 23, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/star-turn?page=0%2C1  
  8. ↑ "Benjamin Kheng | FLY Entertainment". FLY Entertainment. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from http://fly.com.sg/fly-artistes/fly-male-artistes/benjamin-kheng/
  9. ↑ "The Sam Willows". Spotify. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mXXLFHmd5bUHxkzaC9ujw/about
  10. ↑ "Benjamin Kheng | FLY Entertainment". FLY Entertainment. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from http://fly.com.sg/fly-artistes/fly-male-artistes/benjamin-kheng/
  11. ↑ "Benjamin Kheng | Wiki | Asian Music Amino". aminoapps.com. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from https://aminoapps.com/c/asianmusic/page/item/benjamin-kheng/NwB7_ELfWId1pe314ZrB3abzV3nn8z3Ev
  12. ↑ 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
  13. ↑ Tan, Corrie. "THE LIFE! INTERVIEW WITH Benjamin Kheng; Star turn". The Straits Times. April 21, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  14. ↑ 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. Retrieved from https://mustsharenews.com/narelle-kheng-sam-willows/
  15. ↑ 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. Retrieved from https://www.tnp.sg/m/music/music-news/love-mum-deeper-meaning-behind-sam-willows-mv
  16. ↑ "Viu’s No Sleep No FOMO Cast Members Share Their Filming Experiences". HallyuSG. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  17. ↑ Tetchie. "Viu Original “No Sleep No FOMO” Cast Members Showcase An Amazing Launch Party". hellokpop.com. March 22, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  18. ↑ "Viu’s No Sleep No FOMO Cast Members Share Their Filming Experiences". HallyuSG. March 20, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  19. ↑ Tetchie. "Viu Original “No Sleep No FOMO” Cast Members Showcase An Amazing Launch Party". hellokpop.com. March 22, 2019. Accessed on 21 October 2019.
  20. ↑ “The Intruder”. Toggle. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://tv.toggle.sg/en/shows/the-intruder/info
  21. ↑ "Singapore sitcom 'FAM!' nominated for International Emmy Award". Yahoo. September 21, 2019. Accessed on 15 October 2019.
  22. ↑ "Nominees - International Academy of Television Art & Sciences". International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Accessed on 15 October 2019.
  23. ↑ “Benjamin Kheng”. Spotify. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53GouHDfCfsBJIn1OjYmPO
  24. ↑ 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
  25. ↑ Tan, Corrie. "Gen Y angst in song and dance". The Straits Times. April 1, 2013. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  26. ↑ 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
  27. ↑ "Singapore theatre's 1980s zeitgeist" The Business Times. August 17, 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  28. ↑ "Inkpot Review: Boom by Sight Lines Productions". inkpotreviews.com. 2012. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from http://www.inkpotreviews.com/2012reviews/0629,boom,nk.xml
  29. ↑ 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.
  30. ↑ "Bless the children". The Straits Times. July 22, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved on https://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090721-156211.html
  31. ↑ Ng, Magdalen. "Singapore showcase in Shanghai". The Straits Times. July 9, 2009. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from Factiva.
  32. ↑ 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.
  33. ↑ “Benjamin Kheng”. Celebs Money. Accessed on 11 January 2019. Accessed on: https://www.celebsmoney.com/net-worth/benjamin-kheng/
  34. ↑ 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
  35. ↑ TedxYouth. "Walk With Your Mind; Run With Your Heart: Benjamin Kheng at TEDxYouth@Singapore". YouTube. February 4, 2014. Accessed on 21 October 2019. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-JxYnzcq0
  36. ↑ 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
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