View source for Calvin Cheng

{{pp|small=yes}}
{{short description|Singaporean politician (born 1975)}}
{{Use Singapore English|date=August 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Calvin Cheng
| birth_name          = Calvin Cheng Ern Lee
| native_name         = {{nobold|郑恩里}}
| native_name_lang    = zh-sg
| birth_place         = Singapore
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1975|09|24}}<ref name="Parl">{{cite web|title = CV-Calvin Cheng|url = http://www.parl.gov.sg/AboutUs/Org-MP-CV-NMP-CalvinCheng.htm|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110119090707/http://www.parliament.gov.sg/AboutUs/Org-MP-CV-NMP-CalvinCheng.htm|archive-date = 19 January 2011|website = Parliament of Singapore}}</ref>
| image               = CalvinCheng.jpg
| caption             = Calvin Cheng
| office              = [[Nominated Member of Parliament]]
| term_start          = 18 July 2009
| term_end            = 19 April 2011
| alma_mater          = [[Hertford College, Oxford]]
| occupation          = Businessman
| website             = {{URL|calvincheng.sg}}
}}

'''Calvin Cheng Ern Lee''' (born 24 September 1975) is a [[Singaporean]] businessman and former [[Nominated Member of Parliament]]. Cheng is known for his views on socio-political issues in Singapore. He began his business career in the modeling industry and expanded into event hosting, publishing, and educational technology.

==Education==

Cheng earned his undergraduate degree in [[Philosophy, Politics and Economics]] at [[Hertford College, Oxford|Hertford College]], [[University of Oxford|Oxford University]]. He later earned a master's degree in industrial relations. In 2017, he made a donation to Hertford to establish a prize for PPE students.<ref>
{{cite web|title=New Prizes and Awards|url=https://www.hertford.ox.ac.uk/news/new-prizes-and-awards|publisher=Hertford College|date=24 October 2017|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113161913/https://www.hertford.ox.ac.uk/news/new-prizes-and-awards|archive-date=13 January 2018|url-status=live}}
</ref>

== Business career ==
Cheng was the Asia-Pacific head of [[Elite Model Management]] from 2001 to 2004.<ref name="Parl"/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Guterl |first=Fred |date=9 November 2003 |title=The Global Makeover |language=en |work=Newsweek |url=http://www.newsweek.com/global-makeover-133425 |url-status=live |access-date=22 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122100844/http://www.newsweek.com/global-makeover-133425 |archive-date=22 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sng |first=Suzanne |date=6 November 2003 |title=Asia's Elite Corps |work=YaleGlobal Online |url=http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/asias-elite-corps |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415190907/http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/asias-elite-corps |archive-date=15 April 2015}}</ref> During his tenure, he opened an Elite agency in India while developing other projects in the region.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dasgupta |first=Reshmi R. |date=5 April 2003 |title=Interview: 'We'll identify & train new faces' |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/editorials/well-identify-train-new-faces/articleshow/42398931.cms?intenttarget=no |url-status=live |access-date=5 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107231322/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/editorials/well-identify-train-new-faces/articleshow/42398931.cms?intenttarget=no |archive-date=7 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cho |first=Ines |date=13 October 2003 |title=A Korean look for the world |work=Korea JoongAng Daily |url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2044612 |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218042950/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2044612 |archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> In 2004, Cheng set up Elite Models Singapore Pte Ltd. The company was renamed Looque Models Singapore Pte Ltd in 2005.<ref name="CCS">{{Cite web |date=23 November 2011 |title=Notice of Infringement Decision issued by CCS: Price-Fixing in Modelling Services |url=https://www.ccs.gov.sg/public-register-and-consultation/public-consultation-items/~/media/custom/ccs/files/public%20register%20and%20consultation/public%20consultation%20items/price%20fixing%20of%20rates%20of%20modelling%20services%20in%20sin/idamip202320nov202011.ashx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208044108/https://www.ccs.gov.sg/public-register-and-consultation/public-consultation-items/~/media/custom/ccs/files/public%20register%20and%20consultation/public%20consultation%20items/price%20fixing%20of%20rates%20of%20modelling%20services%20in%20sin/idamip202320nov202011.ashx |archive-date=8 December 2017 |publisher=Competition Commission of Singapore}}</ref>{{rp|6–7}}  Through Looque he ran several [[franchising]] businesses in the fields of luxury events, media, and talent management in entertainment and business.<ref name=TechAsia2017/> Cheng ran [[Ford Models Supermodel of the World]] competitions under license from Ford in China in 2007 and in Malaysia in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ismail |first=Yus |date=11 December 2010 |title=Ford Models Supermodel of the World Malaysia 2011 Joins Hands with 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. |work=Pageant Island |url=http://pageantisland.com/ford-models-supermodel-of-the-world-malaysia-2011-joins-hands-with-2011-malaysian-grand-prix/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107010732/http://pageantisland.com/ford-models-supermodel-of-the-world-malaysia-2011-joins-hands-with-2011-malaysian-grand-prix/ |archive-date=7 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2011 |title=Atikah claims supermodel ticket to NY |work=The Star |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2011/04/11/atikah-claims-supermodel-ticket-to-ny/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023404/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2011/04/11/atikah-claims-supermodel-ticket-to-ny/ |archive-date=7 November 2017}}</ref> The [[World Economic Forum]] named Cheng a [[Young Global Leader]] in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 February 2009 |title=S'pore 5 on list of young global leaders |work=The Straits Times |url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/the%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20090228-125168.html |url-status=dead |access-date=23 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926014025/http://news.asiaone.com/News/the%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20090228-125168.html |archive-date=26 September 2018}}</ref>

On 23 November 2011, several model agencies, including Looque Models, were fined for [[price fixing]].<ref name="Law360">{{Cite news |last=Bishop |first=Stewart |date=23 November 2011 |title=Singapore Fines 10 Modeling Agencies For Price-Fixing |language=en |work=Law360 |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/288144/singapore-fines-10-modeling-agencies-for-price-fixing |url-status=live |access-date=5 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013135/https://www.law360.com/articles/288144/singapore-fines-10-modeling-agencies-for-price-fixing |archive-date=7 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CCS Case 500/002/09: Price fixing of rates of modelling services in Singapore by Modelling Agencies |url=https://www.ccs.gov.sg/public-register-and-consultation/public-consultation-items/price-fixing-of-rates-of-modelling-services-in-singapore-by-modelling-agencies?type=public_register |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218214519/https://www.ccs.gov.sg/public-register-and-consultation/public-consultation-items/price-fixing-of-rates-of-modelling-services-in-singapore-by-modelling-agencies?type=public_register |archive-date=18 December 2017 |publisher=Competition Commission of Singapore |language=en}}</ref> They fixed prices on modelling services through the Association of Modelling Industry Professionals (AMIP) from 2004, continuing after anti-competition laws were in effect.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Esther |date=2011-11-24 |title=Model agencies fined for anti-competitive practices |url=http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC111124-0000100/Model-agencies-fined-for-anti-competitive-practices |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125055413/http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC111124-0000100/Model-agencies-fined-for-anti-competitive-practices |archive-date=2011-11-25 |website=[[Today (website)|Today]]}}</ref> Cheng claimed in defense that the goal was to raise wages for models.<ref>{{cite news |author=Janice Heng |title=Agencies which fixed prices had 'noble goals' |url=http://news.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130506-420591.html |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=9 May 2013 |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-date=10 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110001840/http://news.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130506-420591.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) ruled that AMIP engaged in [[Anti-competitive practices|anti-competitive]] price-fixing that resulted in customers paying more, causing an adverse impact on the market.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 May 2013 |title=CCS's reply to Straits Times report on 6 May titled "Agencies which fixed prices had 'noble goals'" |publisher=Competition Commission of Singapore |url=https://www.ccs.gov.sg/media-and-publications/forum-letter-replies/ccss-reply-to-straits-times-report-on-6-may-titled-agencies-which-fixed-prices-had-noble-goals |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208044108/https://www.ccs.gov.sg/media-and-publications/forum-letter-replies/ccss-reply-to-straits-times-report-on-6-may-titled-agencies-which-fixed-prices-had-noble-goals |archive-date=8 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tay |first=Kelly |date=2011-11-24 |title=Modelling agencies fined $362,000 for price fixing |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20111124-1.2.16.1 |work=Business Times |pages=10}}</ref> CCS noted that as president of AMIP, Cheng played a central role by instructing AMIP members how to mask the collusion to evade detection and complaints.<ref name="CCS" />{{rp|point 213h, page 95}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Anandarajah |first1=Kala |last2=Lombardi |first2=Dominique |date=22 April 2013 |title=The Singapore Competition Appeal Board reduces the financial penalties against 5 modelling agencies found by the Competition Commission to have fixed the rates of modelling services (Bee Works Casting, Diva Model, Impact Models Studio, Looque Models Singapore, Ave Management) |url=https://www.concurrences.com/en/bulletin/news-issues/april-2013/The-Singapore-Competition-Appeal |journal=Concurrences |language=en |issue=April 2013 |issn=2116-0201}}</ref> Cheng's appeal of this ruling was dismissed because he had not been personally fined.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2011 |title=Appeal 1 of 2012 |url=https://www.mti.gov.sg/legislation/Documents/CAB%20Decision%20Calvin%20Cheng%20vs%20CCS%20dd%2031%20May%202012.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722145504/https://www.mti.gov.sg/legislation/Documents/CAB%20Decision%20Calvin%20Cheng%20vs%20CCS%20dd%2031%20May%202012.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2018 |publisher=Competition Commission of Singapore}}</ref>

In August 2015, Cheng merged one of his franchise businesses, Lumina Looque Knowledge Hubs Pte Ltd, with a Chinese firm called ReTech that focused on [[educational technology]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chinese ed-tech firm ReTech seeks $112 million ASX IPO |url=http://www.afr.com/technology/chinese-edtech-firm-retech-seeks-112-million-asx-ipo-20170202-gu3pig |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107010848/http://www.afr.com/technology/chinese-edtech-firm-retech-seeks-112-million-asx-ipo-20170202-gu3pig |archive-date=7 November 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |website=Asian Financial Review|date=5 February 2017 }}</ref><ref name="TechAsia2017">{{Cite news |last=Millward |first=Steven |date=21 June 2017 |title=From Singapore to China to IPO |work=[[Tech in Asia]] |url=https://www.techinasia.com/calvin-cheng-singapore-to-china-to-ipo |url-status=live |access-date=4 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001181152/https://www.techinasia.com/calvin-cheng-singapore-to-china-to-ipo |archive-date=1 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2016 |title=Retech Prospectus |url=http://www.retech-rte.com/upfiles/pdf/201702/20170224120417.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106004856/http://www.retech-rte.com/upfiles/pdf/201702/20170224120417.pdf |archive-date=6 November 2017 |publisher=Retech}}</ref> and led the company to [[IPO]] on the [[Australian Stock Exchange]] in June 2017.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=22 June 2017 |title=China's ReTech lists on ASX, chair blasts lack of Australian investors |url=http://www.afr.com/business/chinas-retech-lists-on-asx-chair-blasts-lack-of-australian-investors-20170622-gww7d7 |url-status=live |journal=Financial Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214071902/http://www.afr.com/business/chinas-retech-lists-on-asx-chair-blasts-lack-of-australian-investors-20170622-gww7d7 |archive-date=14 December 2017 |access-date=13 December 2017}}</ref> In June 2023, Retech Technology Co issued an announcement that Calvin Cheng had resigned his directorship in the company.<ref>https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/RETECH-TECHNOLOGY-CO-LI-35897691/news/Retech-Technology-Co-Limited-Announces-Board-Resignations-44239003/ Retech Technology Co., Limited Announces Board Resignations</ref>

In May 2022, [[Dubai]]'s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority awarded a provisional virtual asset license to Cheng's company Web3 Holdings FZE,<ref name="regapproval">{{cite news |author=Claire Huang |title=Former NMP Calvin Cheng's digital asset firm receives Swiss regulatory approval |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/business/former-nmp-calvin-cheng-s-web3-firm-receives-swiss-regulatory-approval |date=10 February 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}</ref> a [[non-fungible token]] (NFT) and fan token cryptocurrency investment company.<ref>{{cite news |author=Wong Pei Ting |date=23 May 2022 |title=Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng sets up NFT, fan token investment company in Dubai |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/ex-nmp-calvin-cheng-sets-nft-fan-token-investment-company-dubai |newspaper=Business Times}}</ref>

In February 2023, Cheng's digital asset management company, Damoon Technologies, which allowed [[fiat money]] to cashless [[cryptocurrency]] transactions and vice-versa, was officially given regulatory approval by [[FINMA]], Switzerland’s financial services watchdog.<ref name="regapproval" /> In August 2023, Anchored Coins, formerly known as Damoon Technologies, issued two fiat-backed [[Stablecoin|stablecoins]] AEUR and ACHF on two major public [[Blockchain|blockchains]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Huang |first=Claire |date=2023-08-16 |title=Singaporean-backed Anchored Coins launches stablecoins pegged to euro and Swiss franc |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/business/singaporean-backed-anchored-coins-launches-stablecoins-pegged-to-euro-and-swiss-franc |access-date=2024-04-26 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref>

== Government roles ==
In July 2009, Cheng was appointed to a  {{frac|2|1|2}} year term as a [[Nominated Member of Parliament]] in [[11th Parliament of Singapore|Singapore's 11th Parliament]].<ref name="NMP">{{Singapore Hansard|mp=Abdullah Tarmugi|office=Speaker|title=Nominated Members of Parliament (Announcement by Mr Speaker)|url=http://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/topic.jsp?currentTopicID=00073615-ZZ|date=20 July 2009|volume=86|column=798}}</ref>  As NMPs are supposed to reflect nonpartisan views, the newspaper ''[[Today (Singapore newspaper)|Today]]'' questioned his appointment in light of his membership in [[Young PAP]].<ref>
{{cite news|url=https://www.smu.edu.sg/sites/default/files/smu/news_room/smu_in_the_news/2009/sources/TODAY_20090708_1.pdf|title=A question of party|author=Esther Ng|date=8 July 2009|work=TODAY|page=6|access-date=14 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214124711/https://www.smu.edu.sg/sites/default/files/smu/news_room/smu_in_the_news/2009/sources/TODAY_20090708_1.pdf|archive-date=14 December 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref> Cheng resigned from Young PAP shortly thereafter.<ref>
{{cite news|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/improving-system-selecting-nmps|title=Improving the system for selecting NMPs|last1=Talib|first1=Ameen|date=17 June 2014|work=TODAYonline|language=en|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906230028/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/improving-system-selecting-nmps|archive-date=6 September 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news|url=https://www.smu.edu.sg/sites/default/files/smu/news_room/smu_in_the_news/2009/sources/TODAY_20090709_1.pdf|title=NMP-designate quits young PAP|date=9 July 2009|author=Esther Ng|work=TODAY|page=6|access-date=14 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214182703/https://www.smu.edu.sg/sites/default/files/smu/news_room/smu_in_the_news/2009/sources/TODAY_20090709_1.pdf|archive-date=14 December 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref> His term as an NMP ended after 21 months when Parliament was dissolved during the general elections.<ref>
{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2011/11/04/search-begins-for-new-nmps/|title=Search begins for new NMPs|date=4 November 2011|work=The Star|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013356/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2011/11/04/search-begins-for-new-nmps/|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref>

In 2012, Cheng was appointed to the newly formed Media Literacy Council (MLC) of Singapore's [[Ministry of Communications and Information]], which was created to "promote civility and responsibility on the Internet".<ref>Media Development Authority of Singapore, a statutory board under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts. 30 July 2012 [https://web.archive.org/web/20130124092643/http://www.mda.gov.sg/NewsAndEvents/PressRelease/2012/Pages/31072012.aspx Press Release: New Council to oversee cyber wellness, media literacy initiatives]</ref><ref>
{{cite news|last1=Loh|first1=Andrew|title=Bloggers question aim of Media Literary Council|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/media-literary-council-formed-bloggers-frown-move-111025765.html|work=Yahoo! News SingaporeScene|date=31 July 2012|language=en-SG|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024509/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/media-literary-council-formed-bloggers-frown-move-111025765.html|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref>  He served two two-year terms on the MLC.<ref name=Online2016>
{{cite news|title=The silence of the Media Literacy Council|url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/07/22/the-silence-of-the-media-literacy-council/|work=The Online Citizen|date=22 July 2016|access-date=20 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050827/https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/07/22/the-silence-of-the-media-literacy-council/|archive-date=22 December 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref>

In November 2022, the prime minister of Serbia appointed Cheng as the first honorary consul of Serbia to Singapore to establish closer ties with the country. Prior to his appointment, the ambassador in [[Jakarta]] would assist Serbian interests.<ref>{{cite web |author=Belmont Lay |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng appointed Serbia's first honorary consul to S'pore |url=https://mothership.sg/2022/11/calvin-cheng-serbia/ |website=Mothership}}</ref>

==Socio-political views ==
Cheng often posts his views on socio-political issues in Singapore on Facebook, and is known for attracting controversy at times for his outspoken views.<ref name="today-facebook">
{{cite news|last1=Tang|first1=Louisa|title=The Big Read: In the Facebook era, whither quality public discourse?|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-facebook-era-whither-quality-public-discourse|access-date=16 November 2017|work=Today (newspaper)|date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117070008/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-facebook-era-whither-quality-public-discourse|archive-date=17 November 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news|last1=Chia|first1=Lianne|title=Dealing with online lynch mobs: How companies should react|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/dealing-with-online-lynch-mobs-how-companies-should-react-7929258|access-date=24 November 2017|work=Channel NewsAsia|date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035327/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/dealing-with-online-lynch-mobs-how-companies-should-react-7929258|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref>

In November 2015, while he was on the Media Literacy Council, Cheng advocated for the killing of children of terrorists on the Facebook page of entrepreneur and commentator Devadas Krishnadas.<ref name=zannia>
{{cite news|last1=Zannia|first1=Neyla|title=Police closes case of former NMP Calvin Cheng, calling for kids of terrorists to be killed|url=https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/10/11/police-closes-case-of-former-nmp-calvin-cheng-calling-for-kids-of-terrorists-to-be-killed/|work=The Online Citizen|date=10 October 2016|access-date=14 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213213905/https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/10/11/police-closes-case-of-former-nmp-calvin-cheng-calling-for-kids-of-terrorists-to-be-killed/|archive-date=13 December 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref> His comments led to a verbal warning from [[Tan Cheng Han]], the Chairman of the MLC. Cheng apologized to the MLC.<ref name="MLCchair">
{{cite news|title=Calvin Cheng's 'killing children' remarks 'insensitive and inappropriate': MLC chairman|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/calvin-chengs-killing-children-remarks-insensitive-and-inappropriate-mlc-chairman|work=Today Online|date=27 November 2015|access-date=19 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220103408/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/calvin-chengs-killing-children-remarks-insensitive-and-inappropriate-mlc-chairman|archive-date=20 February 2016|url-status=live}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news|author1=Chew Hui Min|title=Calvin Cheng's comments on 'killing children' insensitive, but not hate speech, says Media Literacy Council|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/calvin-chengs-comments-on-killing-children-insensitive-but-not-hate-speech-says-media|access-date=26 March 2017|work=The Straits Times|date=28 November 2015|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004091315/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/calvin-chengs-comments-on-killing-children-insensitive-but-not-hate-speech-says-media|archive-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref>

[[Amos Yee]], a teenager who had been previously jailed for comments offensive to the Singaporean government, was convicted and jailed in 2016 for "hurting religious feelings" in his online responses to Cheng's Facebook posts.<ref>
{{cite news|title=Blogger Amos Yee arrested again|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/blogger-amos-yee-arrested-again-0|work=The Straits Times|date=13 May 2016|language=en|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514104326/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/blogger-amos-yee-arrested-again-0|archive-date=14 May 2016|url-status=live}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news|last1=En|first1=Siau Ming|title=Amos Yee jailed 6 weeks, fined for hurting religious feelings|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/amos-yee-jailed-6-weeks-fined-s2000-over-religious-insults|work=TODAYonline|date=29 September 2016|language=en|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225145152/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/amos-yee-jailed-6-weeks-fined-s2000-over-religious-insults|archive-date=25 December 2016|url-status=live}}
</ref> In March 2017, a United States judge granted Yee [[political asylum]], citing the different ways that Cheng and Yee had been treated, where Cheng was not charged, and Yee was charged and convicted.<ref>
{{cite news|last1=Philemon|first1=Jewel|title=Amos Yee is deserving of asylum, US Board of Immigration Appeal rules|url=http://www.theindependent.sg/amos-yee-is-deserving-of-asylum-us-board-of-immigration-appeal-rules/|work=The Independent|date=26 September 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015822/http://www.theindependent.sg/amos-yee-is-deserving-of-asylum-us-board-of-immigration-appeal-rules/|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=live}}
</ref>

On 12 March 2025, [[Ministry of Law (Singapore)|Minister for Law]] and [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Singapore)|Home Affairs]], [[K. Shanmugam]] was confronted by two women from Monday of Palestine Solidarity group at his Meet-The-People session to address [[Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-03-13 |title=Meet-the-People Session is not a protest venue, says Shanmugam after 2 women cause commotion |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/meet-the-people-session-is-not-a-protest-venue-shanmugam-after-confrontation-with-two-women |access-date=2025-04-03 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref> The confrontation was recorded on video and lasted seven minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minister Shanmugam Declines to Press Charges After Sisters Disrupt Meet-The-People Session_the_public_and |url=https://www.sohu.com/a/877329358_122342248 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=www.sohu.com}}</ref> On 13 March, Cheng, in a facebook post, offered to send the activist group to [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], provided they do not return to Singapore and also told their Facebook followers to leave Singapore for Gaza.<ref name="masagos">{{Cite news |last=Sun |first=David |date=2025-04-03 |title=Masagos says he disagrees with ex-NMP Calvin Cheng's views on the Israel-Palestine conflict |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/masagos-says-he-disagrees-with-ex-nmp-calvin-chengs-views-on-the-israel-palestine-conflict |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Kimberly |date=2025-04-10 |title='Hot potato': Singapore's criticism of ex-NMP seen as bid to cool tensions |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3306044/singapores-top-officials-pm-criticise-ex-nmp-calvin-cheng-over-gaza-post |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=[[South China Morning Post]] |language=en}}</ref> It was later discovered that [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]] [[Vivian Balakrishnan]] and Senior Minister of State for National Development and Digital Development and Information [[Tan Kiat How]] had liked the post by Cheng.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Hamzah |first=Aqil |date=2025-04-02 |title=Vivian says he did not 'like' FB post offering to relocate S'poreans to Gaza; Meta investigating |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/vivian-says-he-did-not-like-fb-post-offering-to-relocate-sporeans-to-gaza-meta-investigating |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref> Tan claimed that he had accidentally like the post after Monday of Palestine Solidarity had questioned him about Cheng's post. He had since “unliked” the Facebook post.<ref name=":0" /> Balakrishnan claimed he did not like the post and had since gotten [[Meta Platforms|Meta]], the owner and operator of Facebook, to investigate unauthorised activity on his facebook account.<ref name=":0" />

On 28 March, former [[Singapore Democratic Party]] chairman [[Jufrie Mahmood]] filed a police report against Cheng for being an [[Islamophobia|Islamophobe]] describing his actions as a "danger to our precious racial and religious harmony".<ref name="mahmood">{{Cite news |date=2025-04-02 |title='I have a very sharply different view on Israel, Palestine from Mr Calvin Cheng': Shanmugam |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i-have-a-very-sharply-different-view-on-israel-and-palestine-compared-to-mr-calvin-cheng-shanmugam |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref> On 2 April, Cheng posted on Facebook that he will take legal action over defamatory statements made against him, including Jufrie who had filed a police report against him, [[Reform Party (Singapore)|Reform Party]] secretary-general [[Kenneth Jeyaretnam]] who asked for a probe against Cheng and sociopolitical platform [[The Online Citizen]].<ref name=":0" /> Shanmugam, during a visit to [[Masjid Maarof]] in Jurong, expressed his views are sharply different from Cheng's on the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]].<ref name="mahmood" /> [[Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs]] and [[Minister for Social and Family Development]] [[Masagos Zulkifli]] also posted on Facebook that he disagreed with Cheng.<ref name="masagos" />

On 10 April, Cheng posted on Facebook again that he had met with Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan and Ustaz Pasuni Maulan at [[Masjid Yusof Ishak|Yusof Ishak Mosque]] in [[Woodlands, Singapore|Woodlands]] on 9 April.<ref name=":2" /> He said that he told them he did not intend any attack and had spoken to the Malay/Muslim community over the previous week and had realised he should be more sensitive and not said to send people to a conflict zone.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Sun |first=David |date=2025-04-10 |title=Calvin Cheng 'deeply remorseful' for remarks on activists, says he should have been more sensitive |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/calvin-cheng-deeply-remorseful-for-remarks-on-activists-says-he-should-have-been-more-sensitive |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref> Cheng also asserted that other had spoken untrue statements about him and he had to take legal actions.<ref name=":1" /> [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lawrence Wong]], during a visit to [[Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah|Madrasah Aljunied]] with Ustaz Hasbi and Ustaz Pasuni, said Cheng's remarks were "completely insensitive and unacceptable".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calvin Cheng's remarks 'completely insensitive, unacceptable'; Singapore must nurture and protect its cohesion: PM Wong |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/calvin-cheng-remarks-insensitive-unacceptable-pm-lawrence-wong-5057236 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=CNA |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" />

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{11th Parliament of Singapore}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cheng, Calvin}}
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Singaporean Nominated Members of Parliament]]
[[Category:Singaporean businesspeople]]
[[Category:Alumni of Hertford College, Oxford]]
[[Category:Singaporean politicians of Chinese descent]]