A Digital-First Comeback
Former 1990s Mediacorp stars Huang Yiliang and Cherie Lim are set to return to acting in BingBingBiangBiang Kopidiam, a 100-episode microdrama premiering in mid-September. The series, which features three-minute episodes, will be released across social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
The project is spearheaded by the ‘Bing Bing Biang Biang Squad,’ a live commerce channel founded by veteran actors Cassandra See, Jason Oh, and Constance Song. Announced at a press event at the Singapore Expo on Aug 21, the sitcom focuses on the everyday lives and interactions of characters at a neighborhood coffee shop, with some plotlines inspired by viral online incidents.
Motivations for the Return
For Huang, 65, the return marks a shift back to acting after nearly two decades. Since February, he has been operating a seafood stall, ‘Old Fisherman,’ at the Circuit Road Hawker Centre. Huang noted that he was initially hesitant to join the project due to his focus on his hawker business, but he was persuaded by his friends and former colleagues, Cassandra See and Jason Oh, who frequently visited his stall to show support.
Huang’s recent months have been marked by a highly publicized dispute with a neighboring stall owner, which resulted in a police report following an altercation in May. Huang stated that he has since cut ties with the parties involved, and he intends to balance his new filming schedule—conducted on his off-days—with his ongoing one-man operation at the hawker center.
Cherie Lim, 56, is also returning to the industry after a 30-year hiatus. Lim, who has maintained a low profile since leaving show business in 1994, stated that her primary motivation for returning was to support her friend Huang. She plays the role of ‘Bing Bing,’ a nosy fried chicken rice stall owner. Addressing potential criticism regarding her return, Lim remarked that she is focused on the enjoyment of the craft and contributing to the local entertainment industry rather than public perception.
The Microdrama Format
The production represents a strategic shift toward short-form, digital-first content, aiming to leverage the nostalgia of 90s-era stars for a modern audience. Producer Michael Woo, known for his work on Don’t Worry, Be Happy (1996–2001), is helming the project. The cast also includes other familiar names from the 90s, such as Tang Miaoling, Apple Hong, Jin Yinji, and Joy Yak. For the veteran actors, the challenge lies in adapting to the fast-paced filming requirements of the micro-content format, while the production itself serves as a platform to foster community and support local talent.