Written by Who is he: Royce Lee, Master of Ceremonies & Content Creator
Age: 31
From teaching us how to score free blankets at HaiDiLao to interrogating couples in street interviews, Royce Lee has slowly taken over Singapore’s TikTok algorithm with his short and snappy clips. But beyond being a social media star, the content creator is also a veteran emcee who has hosted gigs for clients including Starhub, McDonald’s, and his own commencement at the Singapore Management University.
1. What are your other hobbies?
Eating! I’m a big foodie. I love to explore the latest haunts and hidden gems because I eat everything.
2. What is your favourite TV show?
Survivor! I love reality TV shows in general. I’m also a big fan of American Horror Story. The latest season is amazing.
3. What are three words people use to describe you?
Loud. Witty. Friendly.
4. What are three words you use to describe yourself?
Adventurous. Hardworking. Cute – haha kidding. Determined.
Image credit: Royce Lee
5. Who are other YouTubers or content creators that inspire you?
Anyone who is able to be 100% real, authentically themselves.
6. What spurred you to become a content creator?
My love to entertain. Growing up, I’ve always been the life of the party among my friends. So social media videos came along and I thought, why not put up some videos that represent my quirky personality? Then some parodies happened, and my content creation journey began from there.
7. What do you think sets you aside from other creators out there?
Wah must praise myself ah. Okay, something quantifiable. My drive. Once I have set my goal, I won’t stop until I’ve achieved it. In the past, I used to upload once a week. Now I upload my videos on a daily basis.
8. What’s the most memorable moment of your career?
As an emcee and content creator, I’ve hosted many milestone events, including SEA Games, Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, and Project We Care Garden Party for our President. But the most memorable one would be to host my own graduation ceremony, SMU Commencement. Celebrating this achievement together with my cohort is a memory I hold dear to my heart.
9. Which organic video are you the proudest of?
The one that garnered my first million views – Sugar Baby parody. But I want to clarify, I’m not a sugar baby okay! ? Then followed by my cabin crew parody. I love you SIA! And my current street interview series. Sorry I picked more than 1 ?
10. Which client ad are you proudest of?
Wah hard to pick. I’ll choose the Ministry of Communications and Information because I had to produce video content to help relay Covid-related information in bite-sized messages to raise awareness. My audience got to understand the different Covid guidelines and policies a lot better and I felt happy doing so.
11. How do you think your personality differs on-screen and off?
Same same. Equally loud. Usually, the soundman will have to adjust my volume if not will peak haha. Sorry, I’m not screaming. It’s just my natural volume.
12. Do you have advice for those who aspire to be content creators?
Always be yourself. Sounds easy but actually, it’s the most difficult to do. Once you are able to do so, a lot of inspiration and creativity will just flow through you and you will naturally gravitate towards a certain type of content that best suits you!
13. Has anyone ever come up to you about your videos in real life?
Yes. Recently it’s been more about my HaiDiLao hacks – asking me if I have any more to recommend haha. Thank you to all those who have come up to me to say hi. These small gestures really brighten up my day and motivate me to do even better.
@theroycelee #HDL – More Cheat Codes revealed?! And how to get free Deep-fried Hand-pulled Noodles?? 🍲🍜🥤#haidilao #hdlhacks #haidilaohacks #hotpot
14. What is one fun fact your viewers don’t know about you?
I have a fear of heights. Please don’t ask me to bungee jump or skydive.
15. What job would you be in if you weren’t a content creator?
In an advertising agency. I like to see ideas come to life!
16. What is the toughest thing about being a content creator?
The number of hours you’re putting in. It’s almost like a lifestyle to me now. I’m always thinking of what’s the next thing to video and do. If I’m not filming, I’m editing – vice versa.
17. Which was your favourite content creator collaboration?
I will not forget the first time I got to collaborate with Michelle Chong, someone whom I admired growing up watching The Noose. That was quite a milestone for me. Thank you, Michelle!
18. What was one challenge you faced starting your own channel?
I think the biggest question is “What content should I do?” I too faced that challenge. For me is to keep doing, and exploring different options. Once you start the ball rolling, you can slowly figure out what you want to do along the way.
19. What was the hardest piece of constructive criticism you had to hear to improve as a creator?
When people comment about my looks in my food videos. Hello, I’m talking about the food leh. Then they will say my eyes are too big or my eyebrows are too thick. Aiyo, what do you want me to do about it?
20. Any interesting projects that you’re currently working on?
I’m currently trying to expand my street interview series. So if you see me on the streets and if you’re game for it, join me for a quick chat hehe. And also, now that the world is opening up, I’m covering more travel content so hopefully, viewers who are travelling soon can get some tips from me!
Related links:
Royce Lee’s website
Royce Lee’s TikTok
Royce Lee’s Instagram
This post is part of our larger feature on content creators. If you’d like to be featured, or have a nominee in mind, please drop us a note at group@thesmartlocal.com.
Cover image credit: Royce Lee
