Huang Yiliang and Cherie Lim Return to Acting in New Microdrama
Former 1990s stars Huang Yiliang and Cherie Lim are returning to the small screen to star in the local microdrama BingBingBiangBiang Kopidiam, according to reporting published on August 21 by The Straits Times. The production marks a notable artistic return for Huang, who has spent recent months operating a seafood stall at the Circuit Road Hawker Centre following a 19-year absence from regular television acting.
From Hawker Stall to Screen: The Genesis of BingBingBiangBiang Kopidiam
The 100-episode, three-minute sitcom takes inspiration from everyday Singapore life, incorporating plotlines drawn from viral online incidents set within a neighborhood coffee shop. According to The Straits Times, veteran TV producer Michael Woo helms the project. Woo is recognized in the local industry for his work on hit series like Don’t Worry, Be Happy, which ran from 1996 to 2001. The microdrama is scheduled to premiere in mid-September across the social media platforms of the live commerce channel Bing Bing Biang Biang Squad, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
The live commerce channel itself was founded by Cassandra See, Jason Oh, and Constance Song. For Huang, stepping back in front of the camera required overcoming initial hesitation about the microdrama format. He ultimately agreed to participate after being persuaded by his friends and former colleagues to “play himself”. In the series, Huang plays Ah Liang, the new towkay of a kopitiam stall named That Stall that specializes in crab bee hoon, mirroring his real-life business venture running the Old Fisherman seafood stall.
An Ensemble Cast of 1990s Television Personalities
The microdrama brings together a recognizable roster of actors who defined the landscape of local television during the 1990s. Alongside Huang and Lim, the cast features Cassandra See, Jason Oh, Constance Song, Tang Miaoling, Apple Hong, Jin Yinji, and Joy Yak. According to The Straits Times, Huang noted that his decision to join the cast was reinforced by the steady support these peers extended to him after he transitioned into the hawker trade in February.
That support proved vital during a tumultuous period earlier in the year. In May, Huang found himself at the center of intense public scrutiny following a viral dispute with the operator of a neighboring chicken rice stall at his hawker center. The altercation drew significant online attention, culminating in a police report after an escalation involving physical confrontation.
Balancing the Demands of Culinary and Creative Ventures
For Huang, managing a demanding one-man hawker operation while committing to a production schedule requires careful time management. According to The Straits Times, filming for BingBingBiangBiang Kopidiam is structured around Mondays, which serve as Huang’s regular off-days from the food stall. This logistical arrangement allows him to continue running his single-operator seafood business without sacrificing production commitments.
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