Kelvin Tan, better known by his online persona Ma Yi Duo, has made a name for himself as an entrepreneur, content creator, and all-around creative force. Known for creating viral content that’s equal parts entertaining and unpredictable, from daring stunts to candid business stories, here are 8 surprising facts about the man behind the ‘Ah Beng’ persona.
1. A Born Entrepreneur
From a young age, Kelvin Tan was determined to break free from the cycle of financial hardship. His entrepreneurial journey began at a very young age, when he took on various part-time jobs to support his ambitions. At that time, he was also experimenting with his own business ventures such as reselling imported handbags and later launching a T-shirt printing operation. Today, as the founder of multiple enterprises including the interior design firm SG Interior KJ, Kelvin seamlessly blends his business acumen with his flair for content creation.
2. Went Bungee Jumping to Celebrate Sales Milestones
One of the moments that best captures Kelvin’s character happened during a Shopee 9.9 livestream, when he made a bold promise to his audience: hit S$99,000 in sales, and he’d go bungee jumping. He didn’t just hit the target; he blew past it, closing at S$102,000. True to his word, the self-proclaimed “pui kia” at 108kg took the plunge anyway, broadcasting the jump live to a crowd that absolutely loved it. It’s the kind of moment that’s hard to script, and that’s exactly why it worked.
3. Once Overcame Commercial Hardship Through Unconventional Means
Not every chapter in Kelvin’s journey has been marked by high-flying success. In 2015, after a failed business partnership that resulted in a loss exceeding S$200,000, he faced one of the toughest periods of his career. Struggling to manage the stress and responsibilities of an overwhelmed business, he found solace in solitude—spending an entire week chain-smoking on the staircase of his office. This period of reflection ultimately led him to devise a solution, reinforcing his resilience in the face of adversity and reputation as a go-to choice for anyone looking to do KOL marketing around entrepreneurship.
4. Renovated His HDB BTO Home for Free
In an innovative twist on self-promotion, Kelvin transformed his own HDB Build-to-Order flat into a showcase for his interior design company. Instead of shouldering the full cost of a renovation that would have exceeded hundreds of thousands of dollars, he arranged for over 20 contractors to work on his four-room flat at Punggol’s Northshore in exchange for “advertising space.” This creative strategy not only resulted in a fully renovated home at no cost but also served as a dynamic marketing campaign to highlight his company’s capabilities—a win-win scenario for all involved.
5. Relentless in Pursuit of New Challenges
Kelvin’s drive doesn’t stop at business ventures and creative content. His schedule is a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings, content production, and livestream sessions, often leaving little time for anything else. Despite acknowledging the challenges of a workaholic lifestyle, he remains committed to testing the limits of what he can achieve. This relentless pursuit of excellence is a key ingredient in his continuous evolution as both an entrepreneur and an entertainer.
6. Stepped Into Filmmaking With a Satirical Debut
Kelvin’s creativity extends well beyond short-form content and livestreams. In 2025, he made his directorial debut with Follow Aunty La (Aunty 当网红), a Singaporean satirical comedy that explores online fame, social media obsession, and cancel culture. The film follows an ordinary fishball stall owner who unexpectedly becomes an internet sensation, blending humour with social commentary that resonates strongly in today’s influencer-driven landscape. Released in cinemas in June 2025, the project marked a major milestone for Kelvin, proving his ability to translate digital storytelling into long-form cinematic narratives.
7. Expanding His Influence Through Regional Film Projects
Kelvin continues to push creative boundaries with his involvement in the upcoming Singaporean-Thai comedy film 3 Good Guys (《老婆，我爱你！》), scheduled for release in February 2026. Starring alongside fellow influencers Simonboy and Tommy Wong, the film centres on a gender-role reversal after a wild night in Bangkok, challenging long-held assumptions about masculinity and relationships. By participating in cross-border productions, Kelvin demonstrates how influencer-led storytelling can evolve into mainstream entertainment while reaching broader regional audiences.
8. Balancing Family Life With a High-Intensity Career
Despite his packed schedule, Kelvin is also a devoted husband and father of two. He often shares candid moments of juggling family responsibilities with business meetings, shoots, and creative projects, offering a more grounded side to his public persona. This openness about work-life balance resonates deeply with followers who see him not just as an entrepreneur or entertainer, but as someone navigating the same real-life pressures many face. It adds authenticity to his content and reinforces why audiences continue to connect with him on a personal level.
Conclusion
Kelvin Tan’s story is a reminder that success rarely follows a straight line. It’s built on risks taken, failures absorbed, and the willingness to keep moving anyway. What sets him apart isn’t just what he’s achieved, but how he’s done it: with grit, creativity, and a refusal to play it safe.
If his story resonates with you, you’ll understand why authentic voices matter in marketing. At GetKobe, we connect brands with creators who genuinely move their audiences, not just reach them. Whatever your goals, our platform gives you the tools and insights to make it count. Get in touch to find the right fit for your brand.
Image Credit: @mayiduosg
