Benjamin Kheng, born on August 15, 1990, in Singapore, is a multifaceted artist known for his contributions to music, acting, and advocacy. He gained prominence as a member of the indie pop band The Sam Willows, which he co-founded with his sister, Narelle Kheng, and friends Sandra Riley Tang and Jonathan Chua. Beyond music, Benjamin has ventured into acting and content creation, notably co-creating the online comedy sketch series "The BenZi Project." He is also recognized for his openness about mental health, sharing his experiences with depression and anxiety to raise awareness and support for others.​

Family Background

  • Parents: Benjamin is the son of Kheng Meng Siong and Regina. His mother, Regina, played a significant role in his early life, introducing him and his sister to classical music. Tragically, she passed away from breast cancer in 2002 after a four-year battle. ​

  • Sibling: Benjamin's younger sister, Narelle Kheng, born on September 24, 1993, is also a singer, actress, and former national swimmer. The siblings share a close bond, often collaborating professionally and supporting each other's endeavors. 

  • Spouse: In 2021, Benjamin married Naomi Yeo, a Singaporean actress and host. ​

Benjamin's family has been a cornerstone of his artistic journey, with early musical influences stemming from his mother's encouragement. His partnership with his sister Narelle in The Sam Willows showcases their shared passion for music and performance.

Early Life and Education

Benjamin's early years were marked by a strong inclination towards both academics and sports. He began swimming at the age of six and eventually became a national youth swimmer. His educational journey included attending Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), and the Singapore Sports School. He later pursued a diploma in Arts and Theatre Management at Republic Polytechnic .​

Career

Music: As a member of The Sam Willows, Benjamin served as the keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and vocalist. The band performed internationally, including appearances at SXSW in Austin and MU:CON in Seoul. After the band's hiatus, Benjamin embarked on a solo music career, releasing his debut single "Wicked" in November 2019, followed by his EP "A Sea That Never Stops" in June 2020 .​

Acting: Beyond music, Benjamin has showcased his acting prowess in various stage productions such as "EDGES The Musical" and "Toy Factory's Romeo & Juliet." His on-screen appearances include roles in television series like "Mata Mata" (2013) and films like "Wonder Boy" (2017) .​

Content Creation: In collaboration with Singaporean YouTuber Hirzi Zulkiflie, Benjamin co-created "The BenZi Project," an online comedy sketch series that gained popularity for its satirical take on societal issues 

Personal Life

Benjamin's family has been a significant influence on his artistic journey. His sister, Narelle Kheng, is also a member of The Sam Willows and has pursued her own career in music and acting. In 2021, Benjamin married Naomi Yeo, a Singaporean actress and host 

Advocacy

Benjamin is an advocate for mental health awareness. He has openly shared his experiences with depression and anxiety, aiming to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage open conversations among youth.

 

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