#SHOWBIZ: Shaun Chen: More savings, bigger house behind move to JB from Singapore

New Straits Times

11-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore-based Malaysian actor Shaun Chen moved back to Malaysia with his family last year.
AsiaOne reported yesterday that Shaun, his wife Celine, also Malaysian, and their daughters Nellie, nine, and Neia, seven, have been living in a rented home in Johor Baru's Eco Botanic City since Aug 1.
In a recent interview with actor-host Allan Wu on his podcast Call Us Daddy, the 46-year-old actor shared insights into his current lifestyle and the reasons behind the move.
As a Malaysian citizen, Shaun explained that returning to the country was a "natural and logical choice", particularly as they have extended family there.
He added that the cost of education and general expenditure in Singapore were also significant factors.
"So one day I thought, since we already had the plan to make the move, why not make it earlier?" he recounted.
His wife, Celine, was supportive and suggested they live in JB so that he could commute to Singapore for work.
Shaun cited various pull factors for the move, reiterating that their Malaysian citizenship was the primary reason.
"Because we're Malaysians, we have an advantage; we can reduce our living costs and stay in a bigger house," said Shaun, whose hometown is in Negri Sembilan.
He added that both he and his wife had lived in larger houses during their upbringing compared to their accommodation in Singapore.
"If we stayed in Singapore, I don't know if I'll have a chance to stay in landed property. I don't think so, because I'm not a Singaporean."
When asked for a rough estimate of their potential savings, Shaun shared that it would be between "30 per cent and 50 per cent".
Despite being comfortable living in Malaysia, he noted during the interview that he does not rule out the possibility of residing in Singapore in the future, for instance, if his children were to study there.
"I don't think it's a downgrade; I've upgraded my lifestyle," he quipped, while carefully emphasising: "Doesn't mean living in Singapore is not good."
He continued, "I love the Singapore lifestyle, it's just different. Malaysia has a bigger space, and it's my country – that's the main thing."
He also estimated that the annual cost of public school fees and after-school care in Singapore for a permanent resident is almost equivalent to an international school education in Malaysia, which costs approximately RM32,000 annually.
Following the move, friends began contacting him to inquire about his lifestyle, "as if he were the ambassador for JB".
Regarding his commute for shoots in Singapore, Shaun shared that it is typically a 45-minute drive from home, extending to 1.5 hours if there is a traffic jam.
While he is accustomed to being recognised by fans both in Singapore and across the Causeway, he acknowledged that Malaysians tend to be more enthusiastic.
However, he has a note for fans who spot him in public: he is happy to pose for photographs as long as they ask.
"If you ask, I'll definitely say yes; just don't take photos in secret," he said.