Latest news with #TheBreakfastQuartet
CNA
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Radio DJ and actor Dennis Chew graduates from Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Mediacorp artiste Dennis Chew, 51, has graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). He is the polytechnic's oldest full-time diploma student to graduate in 2025. The Love 972 radio DJ and Aunty Lucy actor received his Diploma in Chinese Media & Communication on May 2. His co-hosts on the station's The Breakfast Quartet show, Marcus Chin and Mark Lee, also attended the ceremony. Chew told local news publication The Straits Times after the ceremony that he has been offered a place in National University of Singapore's College of Humanities and Sciences. Chew returned to school at age 48 and during his three years at NP, while balancing his media career and studies, he was awarded The Kongzi Culture Fund's Pei Hwa Foundation Scholarship and MOE's Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement for two consecutive years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (@ngeeannpoly) Chew shared images of his milestones during his three-year course in a joint Instagram post with NP and NP's School of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies on May 5. These included moments like Chew's first day of school, his 50th birthday celebration with his classmates, his internship at Chinese restaurant Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, promoting his Final Year Project (FYP) on radio station Yes 933, his FYP film screening at Golden Village cinema, as well as his last lesson in school. The polytechnic wrote: 'Our beloved Dennis Chew has graduated!' The popular personality said in the caption, reflecting on his time at NP: 'Many times, especially at my age, I tend to unconsciously think that I know a lot. But after coming to study at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I realised that I am actually very fortunate – because it turns out I don't know as much as I thought I did. I truly need to continue learning in order to gain more knowledge and skills related to my work.' The school added: 'We're so glad that you enjoyed your time in NP, Dennis, and truly what a journey it's been! We'll be rooting for you as you embark on your next big adventure!' In another Instagram post by Chew on May 4, he documented his graduation ceremony, including taking pictures with his classmates and receiving his diploma. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dennis Chew （周崇庆） (@denniszhouchongqing)
The Star
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
SG actor Dennis Chew graduates from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, offered spot in NUS
Singaporean celebrity Dennis Chew has graduated from polytechnic at the age of 51, and is looking forward to furthering his studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS). On May 2, the Love 972 DJ, actor and host was among 198 full-time graduates from the School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to receive their diplomas at the institution. Dressed in a dark blue graduation gown and sporting a tie, he walked onstage to receive his diploma in Chinese media and communication from the school's director, Sandra Toh, at 4.50pm. His famous friends – local actors Marcus Chin and Mark Lee, who are also his co-hosts on Love 972's radio programme The Breakfast Quartet – turned up to support him. Chew was even name-dropped by the event's guest of honour, Yuen Kuan Moon, who is chairman of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Council as well as group chief executive of telco Singtel. In his speech, Yuen said Chew's story is an inspiration to many. 'Although he already has a successful media career with Mediacorp, he saw the value of upskilling. With the support of his employer, and by sheer determination, he overcame challenges related to returning to school after a long gap.' Chew is the oldest full-time diploma student to graduate in 2025. During his three years at NP, he was awarded the Kongzi Culture Fund's Pei Hwa Foundation Scholarship and the Ministry of Education's Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement for two consecutive years. The Mediacorp artiste told The Straits Times after the ceremony that he has been offered a place in NUS' College of Humanities and Sciences. He hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in Chinese studies come August, once he sorts out his work commitments. 'I have attended the Star Awards many times, but this is my first time attending a graduation ceremony and I was very moved,' he said, referring to Mediacorp's annual television awards ceremony. Before enrolling in 2022, he had hosted events on NP's campus. 'But never did I think I would study, let alone graduate, from here.' Unfortunately, his father, who died in February, did not live to witness the proud moment. Chew said: 'Decades ago, when I did very poorly for my O levels and told him I did not want to study any more, he let out a very long sigh and walked to another room. I will never forget that sigh. So, if he saw me today, I think he would feel very happy and comforted.' Calling his poly journey enriching, he added: 'I realised that I am like a frog in a well. There were a lot of things I thought I knew, but I did not. Even now, there is still a lot more to learn.' Being around his batchmates, who are mostly in their late teens and early 20s, has also taught him life lessons. 'When I am with young people, I see their innocence and it changes me. From them, I learn not to be so fussy about some things. So, although I came to study, I also learnt how to live better and be a better person.' Fully aware that they have officially parted ways, he admitted he will miss them dearly. 'We have spent almost every day together for the last three years. But now, some of them will be serving in the army, and others will be travelling. We will have less time to interact and I will feel a sense of emptiness without them.' He added: 'In my life, there have been only two periods which I thoroughly enjoyed – my national service days and my poly days.' Chew also hopes to encourage those wanting to further their education to take the leap, no matter their age or stage in life. 'As long as you can take the first step, you will realise that it is not as difficult as you imagined.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
New Paper
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Actor-DJ Dennis Chew earns poly diploma at 51, offered place at NUS
Local celebrity Dennis Chew has graduated from polytechic at the age of 51, and is looking forward to furthering his studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS). On May 2, the Love 972 DJ, actor and host was among 198 full-time graduates from the School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to receive their diplomas at the institution. Dressed in a dark blue graduation gown and sporting a tie, he walked on stage to receive his diploma in Chinese media and communication from the school's director, Ms Sandra Toh, at 4.50pm. His famous friends - local actors Marcus Chin and Mark Lee, who are also his co-hosts on Love 972's radio programme The Breakfast Quartet - also turned up to support him. Chew was even namedropped by the event's guest-of-honour, Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, who is chairman of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Council as well as group CEO of telco Singtel. In his speech, Mr Yuen said Chew's story was an inspiration to many. "Although he already has a successful media career with Mediacorp, he saw the value of upskilling. With the support of his employer, and by sheer determination, he overcame challenges related to returning to school after a long gap." Dennis Chew (right) receives his diploma in Chinese media and communication from Ms Sandra Toh, the director of Ngee Ann Polytechnic's School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Chew is the oldest full-time diploma student to graduate in 2025. During his three years at NP, he was awarded the Kongzi Culture Fund's Pei Hwa Foundation Scholarship and the Ministry of Education's Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement for two consecutive years. The Mediacorp artiste told The Straits Times after the ceremony that he has been offered a place in NUS' College of Humanities and Sciences, and hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in Chinese studies come August once he sorts out his work commitments. Local actors Marcus Chin (right) and Mark Lee (left, wearing spectacles) who are Chew's friends, attended the ceremony. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO "I have attended the Star Awards many times, but this is my first time attending a graduation ceremony and I was very moved," he said, referring to Mediacorp's annual television awards ceremony. Before enrolling in 2022, he had hosted events on NP's campus. "But never did I think I would study, let alone graduate, from here." Chew shared that as he waited to receive his diploma, his hands felt cold, and he teared when he saw his lecturers enter the venue. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Unfortunately, his father, who died in February, did not live to witness the proud moment. Chew said: "Decades ago, when I did very poorly for my O levels and told him I did not want to study any more, he let out a very long sigh and walked to another room. I will never forget that sigh. So if he saw me today, I think he would feel very happy and comforted." Calling his poly journey enriching, he added: "I realised that I am like a frog in a well. There were a lot of things I thought I knew, but I did not. Even now, there is still a lot more to learn." Being around his batchmates, who are mostly in their late teens and early 20s, has also taught him lessons. "When I am with young people, I see their innocence, and it changes me. From them, I learn not to be so fussy about some things. So although I came to study, I also learnt how to live better and be a better person." Chew shared that he has been offered a place in the National University of Singapore's College of Humanities and Sciences, and intends to start his university studies if all goes well. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Fully aware that they have officially parted ways, he admitted he will miss them dearly. "We have spent almost every day together for the last three years. But now, some of them will be serving the army, and others will be travelling. We will have less time to interact, and I will feel a sense of emptiness without them." He added: "In my life, there have only been two periods which I thoroughly enjoyed - my national service days and my poly days." Chew also hopes to encourage anyone wanting to further their education to take the leap, no matter their age or stage in life. "As long as you can take the first step, you will realise that it is not as difficult as you imagined."
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Actor-DJ Dennis Chew, 51, graduates from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, offered spot in NUS
Singaporean DJ Dennis Chew graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and received a diploma with merit on May 2. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Local celebrity Dennis Chew has graduated from polytechic at the age of 51, and is looking forward to furthering his studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS). On May 2, the Love 972 DJ, actor and host was among 198 full-time graduates from the School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to receive their diplomas at the institution. Dressed in a dark blue graduation gown and sporting a tie, he walked on stage to receive his diploma in Chinese media and communication from the school's director, Ms Sandra Toh, at 4.50pm. His famous friends - local actors Marcus Chin and Mark Lee, who are also his co-hosts on Love 972's radio programme The Breakfast Quartet - also turned up to support him. Chew was even namedropped by the event's guest-of-honour, Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, who is chairman of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Council as well as group CEO of telco Singtel. In his speech, Mr Yuen said Chew's story was an inspiration to many. 'Although he already has a successful media career with Mediacorp, he saw the value of upskilling. With the support of his employer, and by sheer determination, he overcame challenges related to returning to school after a long gap.' Dennis Chew (right) receives his diploma in Chinese media and communication from Ms Sandra Toh, the director of Ngee Ann Polytechnic's School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Chew is the oldest full-time diploma student to graduate in 2025. During his three years at NP, he was awarded the Kongsi Culture Fund's Pei Hwa Foundation Scholarship and the Ministry of Education's Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement for two consecutive years. The Mediacorp artiste told The Straits Times after the ceremony that he has been offered a place in NUS' College of Humanities and Sciences, and hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in Chinese studies come August once he sorts out his work commitments. Local actors Marcus Chin (right) and Mark Lee (left, wearing spectacles) who are Chew's friends, attended the ceremony. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO 'I have attended the Star Awards many times, but this is my first time attending a graduation ceremony and I was very moved,' he said, referring to Mediacorp's annual television awards ceremony. Before enrolling in 2022, he had hosted events on NP's campus. 'But never did I think I would study, let alone graduate, from here.' Chew shared that as he waited to receive his diploma, his hands felt cold, and he teared when he saw his lecturers enter the venue. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Unfortunately, his father, who died in February, did not live to witness the proud moment. Chew said: 'Decades ago, when I did very poorly for my O levels and told him I did not want to study any more, he let out a very long sigh and walked to another room. I will never forget that sigh. So if he saw me today, I think he would feel very happy and comforted.' Calling his poly journey enriching, he added: 'I realised that I am like a frog in a well. There were a lot of things I thought I knew, but I did not. Even now, there is still a lot more to learn.' Being around his batchmates, who are mostly in their late teens and early 20s, has also taught him lessons. 'When I am with young people, I see their innocence, and it changes me. From them, I learn not to be so fussy about some things. So although I came to study, I also learnt how to live better and be a better person.' Chew shared that he has been offered a place in the National University of Singapore's College of Humanities and Sciences, and intends to start his university studies if all goes well. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Fully aware that they have officially parted ways, he admitted he will miss them dearly. 'We have spent almost every day together for the last three years. But now, some of them will be serving the army, and others will be travelling. We will have less time to interact, and I will feel a sense of emptiness without them.' He added: 'In my life, there have only been two periods which I thoroughly enjoyed - my national service days and my poly days.' Chew also hopes to encourage anyone wanting to further their education to take the leap, no matter their age or stage in life. 'As long as you can take the first step, you will realise that it is not as difficult as you imagined.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Mark Lee, Dennis Chew, Marcus Chin parody Emerald Hill in sarong kebayas as 'little nyonyas'
Jan Lee The Straits Times April 21, 2025 Singapore's biggest show of the moment, Mediacorp's Mandarin drama Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story, wrapped its run on Netflix and mewatch on April 21. Channel 8 will air the series finale later in April. And the co-hosts of Love 972 radio programme The Breakfast Quartet – Mark Lee, Dennis Chew and Marcus Chin – have jumped in on the action. They dressed in sarong kebayas to parody the series, a spin-off of the hugely popular drama The Little Nyonya (2008 to 2009). Fellow programme host Chen Biyu was not part of the parody. They posted a clip, titled Pearl Hill Episode 1, on Instagram on April 15, before following up with Pearl Hill Finale on April 21. In the videos, Lee takes on the role of protagonist Zhang Xinniang, played by Tasha Low in the series. Chew parodies Zhang Anna, the villain and Xinniang's nemesis, played by Chantalle Ng. And Chin plays matriarch Liu Xiuniang, portrayed by Zoe Tay. The three men recreate the opening sequence of Emerald Hill, walking into a room and looking into the camera pointedly, set to the series' theme song, Flowers Falling Like Rain by local singer Kit Chan. Instead of focusing on the complicated relationships of the central Zhang family, the DJs' version starts with Lee, 56, accusing Chew of betraying Love 972 by working for another Mediacorp radio station, Yes 933. Chin, 70, comes in and breaks up the fight. Chew, 51, who has a small role in Emerald Hill as a street storyteller, hosts programmes on both stations. In the finale episode, Lee and Chew continue to fight, this time over the affections of Zuye, a character played by Zhang Zetong who is the love interest of Anna and Xinniang. At one point, Lee calls Chew 'Ne Zha', referring to the Chinese mythological figure from hit animated film Ne Zha 2 (2025). The double bun hairstyle Chew sports resembles Ne Zha's. Anna sports a similar hairstyle in Emerald Hill. Chin enters to break up the fight once more and settles their marriage plans. He betroths Chew to Capital 958 radio personality Pan Jiabiao, and tells Lee he has been promised to Capital 958 DJ Qiu Shengyang, which causes Chew and Lee to break character and burst into laughter. The parody has been warmly embraced, with Emerald Hill cast members Low, Jesseca Liu, Dawn Yeoh and Chen Liping reacting with laughing emoji. Emerald Hill has stayed in the top 10 most-watched series on Netflix Singapore since it premiered on the streaming platform on March 10.
