Gaming Updates: Matthew Ball's State of Video Gaming in 2026: "China is eating the video games industry"

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.biz/matthew-balls-state-of-video-gaming-in-2026-china-is-eating-the-video-games-industry/

ChatGPT:

Matthew Ball’s State of Video Gaming in 2026 report paints a paradoxical picture: record revenues alongside shrinking investment and industry restructuring. Global games content sales rose 5% year-on-year to an all-time high of US$195.6 billion in 2025, with new peaks across mobile, PC and console. However, private funding plunged another 55%, far below pandemic-era highs. Pre-seed and early-stage investments dropped dramatically, and deal volume in late 2025 was roughly one-fifth of Q4 2021 levels.

Development spending remained elevated at over US$40 billion for the second straight year, yet operating margins (excluding China and platform-owning developers) fell well below pre-pandemic levels. Despite 40% growth in consumer spending since 2019, total operating profits are lower than in 2019, reflecting rising costs and tougher competition.

Mobile spending has been flat for five years, with new titles capturing a decade-low share of player spending and downloads. User acquisition costs are crowding out discovery, strengthening established franchises. Console gaming rebounded strongly, surpassing 2020 records, while PC has grown steadily, up 30% since 2020.

China emerged as a dominant force, accounting for 20% of global player spending and 38% of growth. Chinese publishers have captured about half of global spending growth since 2019 and increased their overseas revenue share from 11% to 14%. Meanwhile, Roblox has expanded aggressively, setting records with over 45 million concurrent users.

Revenue gains increasingly stem from price hikes rather than player growth. U.S. player numbers have fallen below pre-pandemic levels, and mobile playtime has declined.

Layoffs continued but fell 40% year-on-year to 9,200 in 2025, signaling slower contraction. Overall, Ball concludes the industry is restructuring, fragmented, and increasingly shaped by China and platform ecosystems.

Comments:

Interesting news.

Some Hoyolab and NetEase games are quite good.

China games are worth a review in the game of the year awards.

Gaming Updates: Not 'major leap' but 'first step': Moonton Games on Singapore recognising esports as sport

Source:

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/moonton-games-singapore-recognising-esports-sport

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s recent passage of the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill formally recognising mind sports and esports as official sports marks what industry players describe as an important starting point — though not a dramatic transformation.

The Bill, announced by Acting Minister David Neo, aims to create a more inclusive and future-ready sports ecosystem. For Moonton Games, best known for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the move is positive but not a “major leap,” according to Singapore head of esports Daniel Chew. Instead, he described it as a meaningful first step.

Chew noted that while the Bill will not instantly transform the industry, it has already shifted perceptions. Shortly after its approval, partners began reaching out with renewed interest, and previously difficult conversations became possible. The recognition provides greater legitimacy, opening doors for collaboration and growth.

Beyond business impact, both Chew and academics believe the move may help reduce long-standing stigma around gaming. Critics, particularly from older generations, often view esports as mere entertainment or a waste of time. However, formal recognition places esports within a structured sporting framework — involving coaching, physical training, nutrition and psychological support — aligning it more closely with traditional athletics.

Moonton already works with the Singapore Cybersports and Online Gaming Association to promote teamwork and sportsmanship through academy leagues. Educators argue that institutional backing could integrate esports into schools as co-curricular activities, scholarships and specialised curricula, highlighting transferable skills such as strategy, data analysis and communication.

Chew added that esports and traditional sports share core values like discipline and teamwork. Ultimately, the Bill strengthens the broader sporting ecosystem, reinforcing that gaming is no longer just a hobby, but an emerging professional sport with long-term potential in Singapore.

Comments:

As parents, still find it hard to recommend kids to full-time eSports 😅

Never say never though.

We will see what happens.

Entertainment Updates: Man in S’pore advertises himself as ‘boyfriend for rent’ on social media for Valentine’s Day & CNY

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/boyfriend-for-rent-cny/

ChatGPT:

With Valentine’s Day just past and Chinese New Year (CNY) approaching, a Singaporean man has drawn attention online by advertising himself as a “boyfriend for rent” to help singles navigate festive social pressure. On 11 Feb, an Instagram post by Instagram user @liangjishiye showcased a tongue-in-cheek poster aimed at those weary of relatives asking why they are still single.

The eye-catching advertisement featured the man dressed in a bright yellow suit and glasses, confidently pitching himself as “The Perfect Plus-One.” The post promised services such as punctuality, appropriate dressing, polite smiling, and the ability to “automatically shut down all repetitive questions” from curious aunties during reunion gatherings.

The rental service is priced at S$500 per hour and comes with humorous terms and conditions. These include surge pricing if more than three aunties are present, extra charges for pets or babies, and complimentary transport—excluding parking fees. While the poster cheekily notes that “romance is possible,” it stresses that the arrangement is “purely optics” with zero commitment involved. The man also marketed the offer as a “2-in-1 promo” for both Valentine’s Day and CNY.

The individual behind the post is 52-year-old hawker Dominic Neo, who told MS News this is the second time he has offered such a service. He said the idea came from observing that many single women still struggle to find suitable partners.

Although no CNY bookings have been confirmed so far, Mr Neo has received several enquiries. He explained that the S$500 hourly rate reflects his humorous personality and added that prices are negotiable, even offering a promotional rate covering both Valentine’s Day and CNY.

Comments:

Ho Seh Bo Uncle Neo 😂

Entertainment Updates: State of Play | February 12, 2026 [English]

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/live/P0e5YEXtZu0?si=F8b7Z3TjT_HJsIdY

Comments:

Graphics are cool.

Can anyone beat Clair Obscur story-wise? 😙

Sports Updates: How Arteta’s Tactics Evolved Without Anyone Noticing

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IUV1VVKopI

Comments:

Football is complicated 😅

Gaming Updates: Hades Completed!

Comments:

Completed Main Story once. Googled and youtubed the rest for story 😜

Nice game.

Gaming Updates: Apple Arcade is adding Oceanhorn 3 and three more new games

Source:

https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/10/apple-arcade-is-adding-oceanhorn-3-and-three-more-new-games/

ChatGPT:

Apple Arcade has announced four new games arriving in March 2026, led by the highly anticipated release of Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea. The action role-playing game launches on March 5 and will be available across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro. Developed over five years, the new instalment continues the popular Oceanhorn franchise and promises a fresh adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers.

According to series creator Heikki Repo, the game represents the culmination of years of passionate development in collaboration with Apple. He described it as a rich new world filled with compelling characters and an unforgettable story. Apple highlighted the game’s “stunning console-quality visuals” along with innovative traversal and combat mechanics, positioning it as a major addition to the platform’s growing catalogue.

Alongside Oceanhorn 3, three additional titles will debut on March 5. Pocket Love!+ is a life simulation game, while Flow Free+ brings its well-known puzzle gameplay to the service. The fourth title, Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story+, is a sweet shop simulation game featuring the beloved Doraemon franchise. Each title carries the “+” designation, indicating enhanced versions tailored for Apple Arcade.

These new releases follow the recent addition of Civilization VII and expand Apple Arcade’s library to over 200 games. All titles on the platform are ad-free and contain no in-app purchases, a key selling point for subscribers.

Apple Arcade is available for US$6.99 per month as a standalone subscription or as part of the Apple One bundle, which packages multiple Apple services together.

Comments:

Nice additions recently.

Is Apple starting to get serious in gaming? 🤔

It's giving me more reasons to keep my subscription. Let's wait and see.

Entertainment Updates: Realtor reveals ‘truth about S’pore’s unspoken class system’ based on home addresses

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/unspoken-class-system/

ChatGPT:

A Singapore realtor has sparked online discussion after sharing what he described as the country’s “unspoken class system”, arguing that social hierarchy in Singapore is often reflected more by home addresses than by outward displays of wealth. In a TikTok video posted on Feb 3, realtor Luke Lim broke down what he sees as a location-based social structure shaped by years of observing the property market.

At the top of his hierarchy are what he called “old money” families, associated with exclusive neighbourhoods such as Nassim, Queen Astrid and Chatsworth. These areas are characterised by large landed homes, quiet streets and families who have lived there for generations. Below them are the “new elites”, who reside in prime districts like Orchard, Novena, Newton and Marina Bay. This group was portrayed as wealthier in a more visible and modern way, often associated with luxury cars, high-rise living and city views.

Next, Luke described a “cool crowd” living in areas such as Robertson Quay, Holland Village and Bugis. He characterised these residents as stylish, media-savvy and culturally influential, often appearing prominently on social media. Further down the spectrum, he highlighted heartland neighbourhoods including Jurong, Tampines, Bedok and Punggol, calling them the “heart of Singapore”. Residents there were described as hardworking “hustlers” who keep the country running.

The video ended humorously with a joke about Yishun being a “special category”, which further resonated with viewers. Netizens largely responded positively, praising the light-hearted and non-judgmental tone. Luke later clarified that the video was meant to share observations from his decade-long real estate career in a relatable way, stressing that higher-priced areas benefit from better amenities and infrastructure, but ultimately emphasising that true class is defined by character, not one’s address.

Comments:

Interesting and Creative.

Yishun joke though... 😅

Technology Updates: Move over, Ghibli – caricatures are the next ChatGPT trend

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/life/move-over-ghibli-caricatures-are-the-next-chatgpt-trend

ChatGPT:

A new AI-driven trend has emerged, with users generating portrait-style caricatures using ChatGPT and other generative AI tools like Google Gemini. Moving beyond the earlier Ghibli-style image craze, this latest trend involves users entering the prompt: “Create a caricature of me and my job based on everything you know about me.” Users are then asked to upload a selfie. Those who have an established interaction history with the AI may receive more personalised results, while others are prompted to provide additional details about their occupation, interests, personality traits, and even home environment.

The resulting images resemble street artist caricatures commonly found at tourist spots. They feature semi-exaggerated facial traits and depict individuals engaged in their professions or hobbies. The images are often highly detailed, incorporating elements such as pets, work tools, or aspects of the user’s lifestyle. Influencers and professionals worldwide have embraced the trend, echoing past waves of AI-generated portrait fads.

However, privacy experts warn that the trend reflects a growing normalisation of sharing personal information with AI platforms. In 2023, experts highlighted the potential security and privacy risks of providing sensitive data to external AI providers. Concerns include emotional dependency on AI and the erosion of self-awareness as users increasingly rely on such tools for creative and personal expression.

US-based lawyer Jessica Eaves Mathews cautioned that what appears to be harmless fun contributes to large-scale data collection. She warned that sharing detailed personal information could make individuals easier to track and target. As AI companies rely heavily on data to refine their systems, she reminded users that “free” services are not truly free, as users ultimately pay with their data, attention and participation.

Comments:

It's cool.

But I prefer the Ghibli style photos.

Because it's not self-centred and is able to include family.  😊

Entertainment Updates: Baldur’s Gate TV Series Set for HBO, Will Be a Continuation of Baldur’s Gate 3's Story

Source:

https://sea.ign.com/baldurs-gate-iii/238348/news/baldurs-gate-tv-series-set-for-hbo-will-be-a-continuation-of-baldurs-gate-3s-story

ChatGPT:

A Baldur’s Gate television series is officially in development at HBO, with the show set to continue the story of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning RPG. Reported by Deadline, the series will be set after the events of the game and follow familiar characters as they deal with the consequences of its world-altering ending, marking a rare case of a TV adaptation acting as a direct narrative continuation rather than a retelling.

The project will be led by Craig Mazin, co-creator of HBO’s The Last of Us, who brings extensive experience adapting beloved video games for television. Mazin has described himself as a devoted fan of both Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons, revealing he has spent nearly 1,000 hours in the game. He said it is a “dream come true” to continue the story created by Larian Studios and Wizards of the Coast, and pledged to bring the characters and world to life with care and respect.

While the series is not tied to any upcoming Baldur’s Gate games, Mazin will have creative freedom over the story he tells. The show is expected to feature a mix of returning and new characters from BG3, raising fan speculation about appearances by favourites such as Shadowheart, Karlach, and Astarion. Mazin is also reportedly open to involving the original game cast, similar to how The Last of Us brought back game actors for key roles.

One major challenge will be deciding which version of Baldur’s Gate 3’s many possible endings becomes canon for the show. With Mazin still focused on future seasons of The Last of Us, the series may be some time away, but anticipation is already high.

Entertainment Updates: Stunning Cinematic Platformer 'Planet Of Lana 2' Leaps Onto Switch 1 & 2 Next Month

Source:

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/stunning-cinematic-platformer-planet-of-lana-2-leaps-onto-switch-1-and-2-next-month

ChatGPT:

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf, the visually striking sequel from Wishfully Studios and publisher Thunderful, is set to launch on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 on 5 March 2026. Revealed in a new release-date trailer, the game continues to impress with its cinematic presentation and refined puzzle-platforming gameplay.

Alongside the release announcement, the developers confirmed a free demo is on the way. PC, PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to try the demo from 11 February, while Switch and Switch 2 owners will receive it at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Even so, the full release is now just a month away for Nintendo players.

The latest trailer puts the spotlight on the game’s lush, hand-painted visuals while showing expanded gameplay mechanics. Central to this is Mui, Lana’s small but versatile companion, whose abilities have evolved significantly. In Children of the Leaf, Mui can transform into different forms — including a fish and a flying insect — pilot robots, and channel electrical currents, adding fresh layers to environmental puzzles and traversal.

Narratively, the sequel builds on the original’s emotional core. As greed and power divide the tribes of their home planet, Lana and Mui must work together to confront the forces reshaping their world. Their journey across the planet Novo blends ancient mysteries with new threats, testing both the player’s problem-solving skills and the bond between the two protagonists.

The game promises a broader story, more challenging puzzles, and deeper companion mechanics, all enhanced by an orchestral soundtrack and richly detailed environments. With its predecessor praised in 2024 as a standout cinematic platformer, expectations are high that Planet of Lana II will deliver another memorable experience when it arrives next month on Switch and Switch 2.

Gaming Updates: Popular PC franchise Civilization comes to Apple Arcade on February 5

Source:

On the same day, Apple Arcade adds three more games, all ad-free and without in-app purchases. Retrocade transports players to the golden age of video arcades, featuring classics such as Asteroids, Bubble Bobble, Centipede, and Galaga. Designed for Apple Vision Pro, it is also playable on iPhone and iPad, letting players experience the neon glow and excitement of ’80s arcades. Felicity’s Door, a rhythm-based adventure by Area 35, follows twins Tom and Felicity and their bear Mi-chan through dreamlike landscapes—from cosmic realms to seaside cliffs and cyberpunk cities—offering a magical, music-driven journey. I Love Hue Too+ returns as a fan-favorite color puzzle game, challenging players to organize mosaics of colored tiles into harmonious spectrums.
In addition to new releases, Apple Arcade continues to refresh its existing titles with updates and exclusive events. On January 22, Crayola Create and Play+ features a limited-time Paddington snowy day adventure, including snowman building, cake crafting, and winter-themed activities.
For Apple Arcade enthusiasts, these additions expand the range of experiences—from deep strategic empire-building to nostalgic arcade fun, musical adventures, and relaxing color puzzles—while maintaining the service’s hallmark of uninterrupted, ad-free gameplay. Players can explore the new games and ongoing updates via the App Store or Apple Games app, offering a hub to jump into favorites, discover new experiences, and enjoy shared gaming moments with friends.

Popular PC franchise Civilization comes to Apple Arcade on February 5 - Apple

ChatGPT:

Apple Arcade is expanding its lineup next month with several highly anticipated titles. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition launches on February 5, bringing the award-winning strategy franchise to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Players can build and evolve empires through distinct ages of human history, shaping their civilization’s cultural legacy and exploring paths rooted in history or imagination. This mobile version joins recent PC-to-Apple Arcade adaptations like PowerWash Simulator and Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition.

Comments:

Nice Surprise.

Hoping more good games to come for this service.

Entertainment Updates: 'Crying' toy goes viral in China after production error at factory

Source:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZj2fLEcPE/?igsh=MTBoMXJzdXJ3Zng2bA%3D%3D

ChatGPT:

What began as a manufacturing mishap at a Chinese factory has unexpectedly turned into a viral commercial success. The incident involved a plush toy horse created for the upcoming Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Originally, the toy was designed with an upturned, cheerful smile to match festive expectations. However, due to a stitching error at a factory in Yiwu, the horse left the production line with a noticeably downturned mouth, giving it a sad, pouting expression.

Rather than being discarded as defective stock, the toy’s fate changed when a customer who received the flawed version shared photos of it online. The images quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the attention and imagination of netizens. Users affectionately nicknamed it the “cry-cry horse”, and what was once a production mistake soon became the toy’s defining feature.

Demand surged almost immediately, with consumers specifically requesting the “accidental edition”. Many buyers, particularly office workers, said the toy resonated deeply with them. The horse’s forlorn pout was widely interpreted as a symbol of modern working life—projecting calm and professionalism on the outside while silently enduring stress, fatigue and pressure within. This emotional relatability transformed the toy from a novelty into a cultural expression.

Recognising the sudden opportunity, the Yiwu factory moved swiftly to capitalise on the trend, pivoting its production line almost overnight to intentionally replicate the once-unwanted design. Despite the spike in popularity and orders, the company announced that it would keep the retail price unchanged at US$4.60, reinforcing the toy’s mass appeal and accessibility.

The “cry-cry horse” phenomenon highlights how social media, emotional resonance and rapid manufacturing agility can turn an error into a hit. It also reflects a broader consumer appetite for products that capture shared feelings, even when they arise by accident rather than design.

Comments:

Expect the unexpected sometimes. Just like Life 😁

Technology Updates: ‘Are You Dead?’ is now the top paid App Store app in China

Source:

https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/12/are-you-dead-is-now-the-top-paid-app-store-app-in-china/

ChatGPT:

A morbidly titled app, “Are You Dead?”, has surged to become the top paid app on China’s App Store, reflecting growing social changes among urban residents—particularly young people living alone. The app’s premise is deliberately simple: users must check in every one or two days by tapping a large button to confirm they are alive. If they fail to do so, the app automatically alerts a pre-selected emergency contact that something may be wrong.

Although the app launched quietly in May last year, its popularity has exploded in recent weeks. According to the BBC’s Stephen McDonell, the spike is closely tied to China’s rapidly increasing number of one-person households. Researchers estimate that by 2030, China could have around 200 million people living alone, a demographic shift driven by urbanisation, delayed marriage, and changing lifestyles. The app’s success highlights both practical safety concerns and underlying social anxieties faced by individuals without close daily contact.

The app’s Chinese name is a wordplay on a popular food delivery service, “Are You Hungry?”, with similar-sounding phrasing that adds a darkly humorous tone. This blend of humour and functionality appears to have resonated strongly with users.

Outside China, the app is available under the name Demumu and has also gained traction internationally. In the US App Store, it currently ranks among the top paid apps, priced at US$0.99, suggesting the concept has global appeal beyond China’s unique social context.

The rise of “Are You Dead?” has also sparked discussion about platform-level solutions. Some observers speculate that Apple could expand iOS’s existing Check In feature in Messages to include regular, automated wellness confirmations. Overall, the app’s popularity underscores how technology is increasingly stepping in to address loneliness, safety, and the realities of modern urban living.

Comments:

Simple but yet practical? 😋

Technology Updates: CES 2026 Live: Best of Show, Rollable Display Concepts, AI Toys and Dancing Robots

Source:

https://www.cnet.com/news-live/ces-2026-news-live-updates/

Entertainment Updates: S’pore Ranked 2nd Richest Country, But Drops To 8th After Factoring In No. Of Hours Worked

Source:

https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/local/singapore-world-richest-country-ranking-drops-852356

ChatGPT:

Singapore was ranked the second-richest country in the world in 2025, buoyed by strong economic performance and high average incomes, but the picture looks less rosy once working hours are taken into account. According to data highlighted by The Economist, Singapore drops sharply from second to eighth place when local prices and the number of hours worked are factored into the ranking.

On paper, 2025 was a solid year for Singapore. GDP expanded by a healthy 4.8 per cent despite global headwinds such as US tariffs, layoffs, and geopolitical tensions. The country’s high ranking was largely driven by average annual earnings of about US$90,700 (S$116,485), placing it among the wealthiest nations by income per person.

However, the adjustment for working hours reveals a different reality. Data from the International Labour Organization shows that Singaporeans worked an average of 44.6 hours per week, significantly more than workers in many other advanced economies. When income is assessed relative to time spent working and local costs of living, Singapore’s relative prosperity declines.

In contrast, Norway rose from third place to first after these adjustments. Norwegians work an average of just 34 hours per week, yet still enjoy high incomes and strong purchasing power, allowing for more leisure time. At the other extreme, Bhutan recorded the longest average working hours at 54.5 hours per week, despite often being described as the “happiest country in the world”.

The Economist ranked 178 countries using three measures: GDP per person at market exchange rates, income adjusted for purchasing power, and income adjusted further for local prices and hours worked. The analysis highlights how differences in cost of living and labour intensity can significantly alter perceptions of wealth.

The findings sparked debate online, with some Singaporeans lamenting long working hours, while others pointed to countries like Norway as examples of better work-life balance. The contrast raises a broader question: is Singapore truly rich, or simply productive at the cost of time and energy?

Comments:

Interesting data.

Agree with it.

Entertainment Updates: Claw machines take over arcades in Japan

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaPTLoREV9I

Comments:

Interesting development.

Still feels like a waste of money?

Just play during overseas trips cause it's cheaper? 😅

Food Updates: Restaurant offers buffet for S$7, was forced to change terms after ‘overwhelming response’ from diners

Source:

https://theindependent.sg/restaurant-offers-buffet-for-s7-was-forced-to-change-terms-after-overwhelming-response-from-diners/

ChatGPT:

A restaurant on Cavan Road, Dragon’s Bite by Our Dining Place, recently found itself overwhelmed after launching an ultra-affordable S$7 nett unlimited lunch buffet, prompting it to revise its dining terms due to unexpectedly high demand. Announced on Instagram on Dec 9, the buffet was offered daily from Tuesday to Sunday, including weekends and public holidays, and quickly attracted attention for its unusually low price point. The restaurant, which seats about 70 diners, promoted the buffet as an affordable and satisfying dining option.

Interest surged further after the deal was highlighted on Dec 20 by the popular Instagram account @singaporebeauty, which labelled it a “value for money buffet” and showcased a wide variety of dishes. The video featured items such as sambal sotong, stir-fried pork collar, seafood tofu, pepper chicken soup, bitter gourd omelette, braised chicken feet, Hokkien mee, and desserts like cake and fruit. Many commenters expressed eagerness to try the buffet, fuelling even larger crowds.

However, the overwhelming response soon created operational challenges. On Dec 22, the restaurant issued an apology and announced updated terms and conditions. It cited full occupancy that prevented some diners with reservations from being seated and admitted it had underestimated demand, particularly for popular items like shell prawns. As a result, prawns were limited to five pieces per diner until stocks ran out.

To manage crowds better, Dragon’s Bite scrapped reservations in favour of walk-ins only, imposed a 45-minute dining limit, required table-sharing, and restricted diners to one plate and one bowl each, moving away from a traditional buffet format. The restaurant also stated it reserves the right to change dishes and portion sizes. Despite the changes, the S$7 buffet remains attractive, and the eatery now posts its daily menu online, though it is closed on Mondays and Dec 30.

My Comments:

Singaporeans are great "deal breakers" 😂

Entertainment Updates: Game of the Year Awards 2025

Opinion:

Back from holidays and catching up on news.

Game of the year has been announced.

Congratulations to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 team!

Entertainment Updates: Are Singaporean Chinese Men “Least Attractive”? Viral Chinese Sketches Stir Unnecessary Debate

Source:

https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/singaporean-chinese-men-least-attractive-851141

ChatGPT:

A set of colourful sketches comparing the “typical” appearances of men from different regions of China unexpectedly triggered a wave of online debate involving Singaporeans — even though the drawings had nothing to do with Singapore. The illustrations, which depict men from China’s Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast and Xinjiang, went viral on social media for their exaggerated differences. The Southeast Chinese man was drawn with a flatter nose and a more rounded, protruding jawline, while the others were given sharper features resembling C-drama heartthrobs.

When the South China Morning Post (SCMP) highlighted the sketches, it posed a provocative question: Are Singaporean Chinese men the “least attractive”? The leap occurred because many early Chinese immigrants in Singapore historically came from China’s Southeast region. Singaporeans reacted almost instantly, flooding the comment section to reject the premise and roast the comparison.

One netizen questioned how Singapore was dragged into the conversation at all, noting that the sketches represent Chinese men from China, not Singapore’s diverse, multicultural population. Others responded with humour, taking playful jabs — including one referencing Hong Kong’s recent football loss to Singapore. Some Hong Kong commenters even defended Singaporean men, saying they encountered more attractive men in Singapore than back home, and reminding critics that both places share similar ancestral roots.

Still, opinions varied. While many dismissed the comparison as unnecessary and silly, a few commenters leaned into old stereotypes. One revived the familiar “prawn” insult — that Singaporean men have good bodies but less attractive faces.

Ultimately, reactions across both regions show the debate is less about objective looks and more about online culture, humour, and how easily viral content sparks cross-border chatter over subjective beauty standards.