{{Short description|Malaysian comedian and YouTuber (born 1991)}} {{Redirect|Uncle Roger|the work of hypertext fiction|Judy Malloy}} {{Use British English|date=June 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}} {{Infobox social media personality | image = Nigel Ng, 2020-11-14 A (crop 2x3).jpg | name = Nigel Ng | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|3|15}} | caption = Ng as Uncle Roger in 2020 | native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|zh|黃瑾瑜}}}} | native_name_lang = zh | birth_place = Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | occupation = {{hlist|Comedian|YouTuber}} | other_names = Uncle Roger<br>Nephew Nigel | spouse = {{marriage|Sabrina Ahmed|2025}}{{efn|Second wife; the identity of his first wife is not publicly known.}} | website = {{Official URL}} | youtube_handle = mrnigelng | youtube_years_active = 2012–present | youtube_subscribers = 10.6 million <!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW --> | youtube_views = 2.037 billion <!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW --> | stats_update = April 8, 2026 | module = {{Infobox Chinese | child=yes | s = 黄瑾瑜 | t = 黃瑾瑜 | p = Huáng Jǐnyú | poj = N̂g Kín-jû | j = Wong4 Gan2-jyu4 }} | alma_mater = Northwestern University }} '''Nigel Ng''' ({{IPAc-en|ʌ|ŋ|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Nigel Ng.wav}} {{respell|UNG}}; {{Lang-zh|c=黃瑾瑜}}; born March 15, 1991)<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Sathiabalan|first=S. Indra|date=October 29, 2019|title=Ng's a cracking success|url=https://www.thesundaily.my/style-life/next-gen/ng-s-a-cracking-success-LC1545269|accessdate =|website=The Sun Daily}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ng|first=Nigel|date=March 15, 2011|title=@njkian Thank you!!!!!! It's my birthday. I better churn out something impressive|url=https://twitter.com/MrNigelNg/status/47538795616280576|accessdate =|website=Twitter}}</ref> is a Malaysian comedian and YouTuber based in the United States. He is best known for co-creating (alongside Evelyn Mok) and portraying '''Uncle Roger''', a fictionalized alter ego of himself, representing a stereotypical middle-aged Chinese uncle with an exaggerated Cantonese accent who is often seen critiquing Westerners' attempts at cooking Asian food.
==Early life== Nigel Ng was born in Kuala Lumpur on March 15, 1991, the son of Malaysian Chinese parents of Hokkien ancestry.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lo|first=Ricky|date=October 14, 2019|title=Two Pinoys among 12 Asians in Stand-Up, Asia! Season 4|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/10/14/1959850/two-pinoys-among-12-asians-stand-up-asia-season-4|access-date=|work=The Philippine Star}}</ref><ref name=":1"/> His mother is a homemaker, while his father is a car salesman.<ref name=NeWeekly/> Ng, his sister, and his brother<ref name=NeWeekly/> grew up in the Cheras district with their parents.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Katelyn |title=The two faces of Nigel Ng: Who is the man behind the character? |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/food/nigel-ng-uncle-roger |work=Tatler Asia |date=September 11, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> After graduating from Chong Hwa Independent High School in 2009, he moved to the U.S. to study at Northwestern University. He majored in engineering and minored in philosophy, graduating in 2014.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Ngeow|first=Ivy|date=June 7, 2018|title=Interview with Nigel Ng: Malaysian Comedy Sensation – WRITE NGEOW|url=http://writengeow.com/interview-with-nigel-ng-malaysian-comedy-sensation/|access-date=July 20, 2020|website=writengeow.com}}</ref>
==Career== ===Early work=== Ng previously worked as a data scientist at Monzo<ref name="scmp/3117833">{{cite news |title=The real Uncle Roger: 6 things to know about comedian Nigel Ng |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3117833/real-uncle-roger-who-malaysian-comedian-nigel-ng-behind |access-date=June 11, 2023 |work=South China Morning Post |date=January 15, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> and maintained a GitHub account.<ref name="scroll.in/975160">{{cite web |title=Watch: Comedian 'Uncle Roger' approves of chef Gordon Ramsay's recipe for egg fried rice |url=https://scroll.in/video/975160/watch-comedian-uncle-roger-approves-of-chef-gordon-ramsays-recipe-for-egg-fried-rice |website=Scroll.in |access-date=June 11, 2023 |date=October 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="augustman/ng-uncle-roger/">{{cite web |title=Rice To Meet You, Nigel Ng – Creator Of Uncle Roger |url=https://www.augustman.com/my/culture/film-tv/rice-to-meet-you-nigel-ng-creator-of-uncle-roger/ |website=AugustMan Malaysia |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307134121/https://www.augustman.com/my/culture/film-tv/rice-to-meet-you-nigel-ng-creator-of-uncle-roger/ |archive-date=March 7, 2021 |date=March 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="github/nigeljyng"> *{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Nigel |title=BLOG |url=http://blog.nigelngcomedy.com/ |website=blog.nigelngcomedy.com |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825231037/http://blog.nigelngcomedy.com/ |archive-date=August 25, 2018}} *{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Nigel |title=Nigel Ng : standup comedian |url=http://nigelngcomedy.com/ |website=nigelngcomedy.com |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924060822/http://nigelngcomedy.com/ |archive-date=September 24, 2016}} *{{cite web |title=nigeljyng - Overview |url=https://github.com/nigeljyng |website=GitHub |access-date=June 11, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Inspired to pursue a comedy career in part by the work of Hong Kong comedy actor Stephen Chow,<ref name=NeWeekly>{{Cite web|last=崔斯也|title=脱口秀演员黄瑾瑜：人人都爱Uncle Roger|url=https://app.neweekly.com.cn/web/template/article/share/?id=shp1194290514-3d0e03fe93e4a81b0c9e9129c4e49d7f|access-date=September 9, 2021|website=新周刊|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531165513/https://app.neweekly.com.cn/web/template/article/share/?id=shp1194290514-3d0e03fe93e4a81b0c9e9129c4e49d7f|url-status=dead}}</ref> he made his TV debut in 2018 on Comedy Central's ''Stand Up Central''.<ref>{{cite web | title=BBC Michael McIntyre's The Wheel: Who is celebrity contestant Nigel Ng - Wales Online | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/bbc-michael-mcintyres-wheel-who-25330933.amp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022165150/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/bbc-michael-mcintyres-wheel-who-25330933.amp | publisher=South Wales Echo WalesOnline | date=October 22, 2022 | access-date=November 15, 2023 | archive-date=October 22, 2022 | quote=In 2018 Nigel made his TV debut on Comedy Central's show Stand Up Central. | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/interview-nigel-ng-malaysian-comedy-sensation-ivy-ngeow/|title=Interview with Nigel Ng: Malaysian Comedy Sensation|publisher=LinkedIn|access-date=November 23, 2021}}</ref> He hosted the comedy podcasts ''Rice to Meet You'' with UK-based Swedish comedian Evelyn Mok.<ref name=SCMorningPost/><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Rice To Meet You Podcast|url=https://ricetomeetyoupod.com/|access-date=|website=Rice To Meet You Podcast|language=en|archive-date=March 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306162924/https://ricetomeetyoupod.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/c/RicetoMeetYouPod/about|title=Rice to Meet You Podcast - YouTube|website=YouTube}}</ref> and ''HAIYAA with Nigel Ng'' with his producer Matt.<ref>{{cite web |title=HAIYAA Podcast with Nigel Ng |url=https://www.youtube.com/@haiyaapod/about |website=YouTube}}</ref> On January 2, 2021, he uploaded his first video on the Chinese video sharing website Bilibili.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ng|first=Nigel|title=华裔疯狂吐槽BBC蛋炒饭，你们的罗杰叔叔来了！|url=https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Ch411f7gX|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=Bilibili|language=zh}}</ref> In 2021, he appeared on the first episode of the 19th series of British comedy show ''Mock the Week''.<ref name="RealDamage">{{cite news |title=Why Uncle Roger's throwaway racism can do real damage |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/01/24/why-uncle-rogers-throwaway-racism-can-do-real-damage/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=January 24, 2021}}</ref>
=== Uncle Roger === Ng is best known for his comedic alter ego Uncle Roger, representing an old fashioned and chauvinistic Chinese uncle who speaks with a pronounced and exaggerated Cantonese accent and prides himself on various lost generation Chinese stereotypes.<ref name=SCMorningPost/><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 5, 2020|title=영국 BBC에서 만든 계란 볶음밥에 전 세계 ���시아인이 분노한 이유?|url=https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1005917193|website=SBS NEWS|language=ko}}</ref> His podcast partner Evelyn Mok came up with the middle-aged Asian uncle character for a sitcom with Ng in mind, and Ng further developed the character on TikTok and Instagram sketches before moving the character onto YouTube.<ref name="npr April 22"/><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=Carla|date=January 15, 2021|title=The real Uncle Roger: 6 things to know about comedian Nigel Ng|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3117833/real-uncle-roger-who-malaysian-comedian-nigel-ng-behind|access-date=January 20, 2021|website=South China Morning Post|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Yap |first1=Audrey Cleo |title=How Comedian Nigel Ng Became the Internet's Favorite Asian Uncle |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/nigel-ng-uncle-roger-fried-rice-viral-video-1234740100/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |work=Variety |date=August 19, 2020}}</ref>
In July 2020, Ng attracted attention for an Uncle Roger video critiquing Hersha Patel's BBC Food video on cooking egg-fried rice.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chalil|first=Melanie|date=July 24, 2020|title=UK-based Malaysian comedian roasts BBC Food host for cooking rice wrongly in fried rice tutorial (VIDEO)|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2020/07/24/uk-based-malaysian-comedian-roasts-bbc-food-host-for-cooking-rice-wrongly-i/1887612|access-date=|website=Malay Mail |language=en}}</ref> After the video went viral, Ng and Patel appeared on BBC Food together<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=July 29, 2020|title=BBC不懂煮饭？网红吐嘈影片爆红 片中主角一同接受访问|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/world-53577269|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=BBC News 中文|language=zh-Hans}}</ref> and collaborated on a YouTube video.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Westfall|first=Sammy|date=August 10, 2020|title=BBC Host Cooks for Comedian Who Roasted Her Egg Fried Rice Recipe|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/viral-bbc-fried-rice-wash-video-uncle-roger-meet-hersha-patel/|publisher=Vice Media|access-date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> In August, he spent a day working in Elizabeth Haigh's restaurant, Mei Mei. The following month, he posted a critique video with regards to Gordon Ramsay's fried rice and praised Ramsay for having the correct technique.<ref> *{{cite web |author1=mrnigelng |title=Uncle Roger Review GORDON RAMSAY Fried Rice |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrUfwpaNNIM |website=youtube |access-date=June 11, 2023 |language=en |date=September 20, 2020}} *{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiaone.com/digital/gordon-ramsay-responds-glowing-seal-approval-uncle-roger-nasi-goreng-cooking-video|title=Gordon Ramsay responds to glowing seal of approval by Uncle Roger for nasi goreng cooking video|first=Ilyas|last=Sholihyn|website=AsiaOne|date=September 22, 2020|access-date=September 23, 2020}}</ref> He has released numerous videos critiquing Jamie Oliver's versions of popular Asian dishes such as egg fried rice,<ref name="irishmirror/22695007">{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Paige |title=Jamie Oliver's fried rice roasted by comedian 'on behalf of Asians everywhere' |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/weird-celeb-news/jamie-olivers-egg-fried-rice-22695007 |access-date=June 11, 2023 |work=Irish Mirror |date=September 16, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Thai green curry,<ref name="npr April 22">{{cite news |last1=Limbong |first1=Andrew |title=Keep screwing up egg fried rice. It makes Uncle Roger happy |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/04/18/1092822251/uncle-roger-keep-screwing-up-egg-fried-rice |access-date=April 20, 2022 |work=NPR |date=April 18, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> ramen,<ref>{{Citation |title=Uncle Roger RECREATE JAMIE OLIVER RAMEN | date=March 26, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqQEpG39mL8 |access-date=January 24, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> and pho.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKGllr-Qlgw |title=Uncle Roger FORCED TO REVIEW Jamie Oliver's Pho |date=February 16, 2025 |last=mrnigelng |access-date=February 18, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
Ng was a special guest on second season of ''MasterChef Singapore'' in 2021,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kwok |first1=Kar Peng |title='Uncle Roger grandma cook faster than you': Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng makes surprise MasterChef Singapore appearance to 'roast' contestants |url=https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/uncle-roger-grandma-cook-faster-you-malaysian-comedian-nigel-ng-masterchef-singapore-2 |website=AsiaOne |access-date=September 11, 2023 |date=March 5, 2021}}</ref> and a guest judge on the third season of ''Junior MasterChef Indonesia'' in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Endra |first1=Yohanes |title=Profil Uncle Roger, Komika yang Sindir Oliver James di Junior MasterChef Indonesia |url=https://www.matamata.com/life/2022/08/16/113706/profil-uncle-roger-komika-yang-sindir-oliver-james-di-junior-masterchef-indonesia |website=MataMata |access-date=September 11, 2023 |date=August 16, 2022}}</ref> That same year, he was a guest diner on the 21st season of ''Hell's Kitchen''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Richardson |first1=Jay |title=Nigel Ng developing Uncle Roger sitcom with Gordon Ramsay |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/6715/uncle-roger-sitcom/ |website=British Comedy Guide |access-date=September 11, 2023 |date=February 13, 2022}}</ref> He has also collaborated with numerous entertainers and food personalities including Esther Choi,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzMqisoekaQ |title=UNCLE ROGER MEET HIS FAVORITE CHEF (ft. Auntie Esther) |date=May 1, 2022 |last=mrnigelng |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Joshua Weissman,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JzEcMu2cnI&list=PLXTPoCVoogtLZW6L3Xaz-r-5B8xy2P_ln |title=Uncle Roger vs Joshua Weissman (Flavor vs Texture). #nigelng #uncleroger #joshuaweissman |date=September 26, 2023 |last=Uncle Roger |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Chef Rush,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXnKr9dj9mY |title=Uncle Roger Train To Get Aunties (ft. Chef Rush) |date=June 9, 2024 |last=mrnigelng |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Andy Hearnden,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pqjr8TIim8o |title=Uncle Roger Steals @andy_cooks Girl |language=en |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Nick DiGiovanni,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naQ0RuXB3fI |title=Uncle Roger Learn To Make Lobster Roll (ft. NICK DIGIOVANNI) |date=January 1, 2023 |last=mrnigelng |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Steven He,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jlacaLPjRo |title=If Shark Tank Was Asian |date=April 20, 2022 |last=Steven He |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Simu Liu,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8hxsPduTSys |title=Uncle Roger & Simu Liu Get Juicy (Part 1) |language=en |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> Jimmy O. Yang,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS8EZcW8mAY |title=Uncle Roger Roasts Jimmy's Shrimp Fried Rice {{!}} Jimmy's Kitchen 4K |date=May 27, 2022 |last=Jimmy O Yang |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Benny Blanco,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuE6YwauHig |title=Uncle Roger Hate Jamie Oliver Lamb Curry Song (ft. @bennyblanco) |date=January 7, 2024 |last=mrnigelng |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Martin Yan,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZP21PK18hY |title=Uncle Roger ROASTED BY THE LEGEND Martin Yan |date=December 1, 2024 |last=mrnigelng |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> and Gordon Ramsay.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvbA25MbIHI |title=Can Gordon Ramsay Get His Uncle Crown Back from Uncle Roger?? |date=August 4, 2024 |last=Gordon Ramsay |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref> ==Reception== Ng won the Amused Moose Laugh-Off 2016 and was runner-up in the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year 2015. He was also a finalist in the ''Leicester Mercury'' Comedian of the Year (2016) and Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year (2015).<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2015 |title=Nigel Ng |url=https://backyardcomedyclub.co.uk/comedians/nigel-ng/ |work=Backyard Comedy Club}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigel Ng |url=https://offthekerb.com/artist/nigel-ng/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925134731/https://offthekerb.com/artist/nigel-ng/ |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=November 5, 2019 |website=Off the Kerb}}</ref> He was nominated for the "Best Newcomer Award" for his stand-up comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 21, 2019 |title=Here are your nominees for best show and best newcomer at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival |url=https://thecomicscomic.com/2019/08/21/here-are-your-nominees-for-best-show-and-best-newcomer-at-the-2019-edinburgh-fringe-festival/ |access-date=November 23, 2021 |publisher=The Comic's Comic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 21, 2019 |title=Edinburgh Comedy awards 2019: surrealists, standups and sausage act vie for prize |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/aug/21/edinburgh-comedy-awards-standups-prize-shortlist-nominees |access-date=November 23, 2021 |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Logan |first=Brian |date=February 5, 2020 |title=Nigel Ng review – primetime culture-clash comedy |url=http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/feb/05/nigel-ng-review-soho-theatre-london |access-date=February 18, 2021 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>
The accent Ng uses for the Uncle Roger character has received criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Asians.<ref name="RealDamage"/><ref name="npr April 22"/><ref name="OffLimits">{{cite news |last1=Chong |first1=Elaine |title=Nothing Is Off Limits for Nigel Ng—or Uncle Roger |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a36465097/nigel-ng-uncle-roger-interview/ |access-date=May 6, 2022 |work=Esquire |date=May 21, 2021}}</ref><ref name="ComedyReview">{{cite news |title=Nigel Ng review – comedy's viral sensation undercooks his live show |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/feb/25/nigel-ng-review-leicester-square-theatre-london |access-date=May 6, 2022 |work=the Guardian |date=February 25, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Chef J. Kenji López-Alt (who is of Japanese descent) said, "I don't like that [Ng's] schtick seems to give a free pass to people to imitate stereotypical Asian speech patterns and pronunciation, especially as it's almost always non-Asians doing the imitating. It's ugly, it's yellowface, it's not funny, and it promotes anti-Asian racism at a time when Asians are already being heavily discriminated against."<ref name="npr April 22"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MQowyj_hLw&t=305s | title=Chicken and Egg Fried Rice | Kenji's Cooking Show | website=YouTube | date=August 29, 2021 }}</ref> In response, Ng has said that simply speaking in an exaggerated accent is not an indication of discriminatory behavior<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDT85PgJTwU |title=Uncle Roger CLAP BACK At This Chef (J. Kenji Lopez-Alt) |date=2026-02-08 |last=mrnigelng |access-date=2026-02-09 |via=YouTube}}</ref> especially being a Chinese-Malaysian national himself, this highlights the difference in the perception of Asian stereotypes between Asians living in Asia and Asian Americans.<ref name="npr April 22"/> In a February 2026 video, Ng, as Uncle Roger, stated he is proud of his accent and the diffusion of Malaysian culture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xiang |first=Yap Wan |date=2026-02-09 |title=Uncle Roger Defends His Malaysian Accent After American Chef’s “Yellowface” Criticism |url=https://says.com/my/entertainment/uncle-roger-defends-malaysian-accent-american-chefs-yellowface-criticism |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=SAYS |language=en}}</ref>
His critique video of Patel's egg-fried rice has been described as making the viewers "fall for every cultural 'trap' his character sets", overlooking the differences of rice cooking methods in Indian cuisine, and turning East and Southeast Asians into "rice-cooking supremacists" with his "faux encouragement".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ozaeta|first=Nana|date=July 22, 2020|title=Nothing wrong with how that lady cooked rice—but all sorts of wrong with how the Internet reacted|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/features/07/28/20/nothing-wrong-with-how-that-lady-cooked-ricebut-all-sorts-of-wrong-with-how-the-internet-reacted|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=news.ABS-CBN.com|language=en-GB}}</ref>
On January 12, 2021, Ng apologized on the Chinese social media platform Weibo and deleted a video featuring fellow YouTuber Mike Chen,<ref>{{Cite web|last=王强|date=|title=马来西亚华裔网红对误同"法轮功"邪教背景人员合作向网友致歉|url=http://www.chinafxj.cn/c/2021-01-18/1332200.shtml|access-date=February 8, 2021|website=中国反邪教网|language=zh|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304052333/http://www.chinafxj.cn/c/2021-01-18/1332200.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> who had been critical of the Chinese Communist Party and had also been associated with the ultra-conservative movement Falun Gong.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|date=January 13, 2021|title=Uncle Roger comedian deletes video with China critic|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55651798|access-date=February 20, 2021}}</ref> He stated, "This video has made a bad social impact... I wasn't aware of his political thoughts and his past incorrect remarks about China. I hope you can give Uncle Roger, who has just entered China, a chance to improve!"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ng|first=Nigel|date=January 12, 2021|title=Apology Statement|url=https://passport.weibo.com/visitor/visitor?entry=miniblog&a=enter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fweibo.com%2F7231497816%2FJCQPH5vzK%3Ftype%3Dcomment&domain=.weibo.com&ua=php-sso_sdk_client-0.6.36&_rand=1613340209.8356|access-date=February 14, 2021|website=Sina Weibo}}</ref> His response attracted criticism on Twitter.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Grundy|first=Tom|date=January 12, 2021|title='Uncle Roger' apologises and deletes video featuring fellow YouTube star who criticised China|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/01/13/uncle-roger-apologises-and-deletes-video-featuring-fellow-youtube-star-who-criticised-china/|access-date=January 13, 2021|website=Hong Kong Free Press|language=en-GB}}</ref> In his first subsequent video as Uncle Roger, he said he would "keep making funny videos [...] no politics, no drama".<ref name=SCMorningPost/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Chau|first=Candice|date=January 18, 2021|title=I'm 'not bowing down to anyone': Uncle Roger comic urges 'no politics' after deleting YouTube vid starring Beijing critic|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/01/18/im-not-bowing-down-to-anyone-uncle-roger-comic-urges-no-politics-after-deleting-youtube-vid-starring-beijing-critic/|access-date=January 18, 2021|website=Hong Kong Free Press|language=en-GB}}</ref>
On July 30, 2023, Ng stated in an Uncle Roger video, "Not all Southeast Asia has good food. You don't want food from Laos and Cambodia." He also jokingly described Laotian food as an inferior version of Thai food, causing criticism and backlash from both Laotian and Cambodian communities. In a response video to Laotian chef Ae Southammavong challenging him to try Laotian food she had cooked, Ng accepted the challenge and explained his comments by saying, "All the Laos food I had so far... not my favourite. Asian people criticizing other Asian people is just a way of life."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chia |first=Jolynn |title='You need to stop saying racist things like this': Nigel Ng aka Uncle Roger gets flak for criticising Laotian and Cambodian food |date=August 11, 2023 |url=https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/stop-saying-racist-things-nigel-ng-uncle-roger-gets-flak-criticising-laotian-cambodian-food |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=AsiaOne |language=en}}</ref> Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism issued a statement condemning Ng's remarks as damaging to the image of its cuisine and demanding an apology.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Minea |first=Son |title=Ministry seeks 'Uncle Roger' apology over offensive remarks on Khmer food |date=August 9, 2023 |url=https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501339093/ministry-seeks-uncle-roger-apology-over-offensive-remarks-on-khmer-food/ |access-date=August 9, 2023 |website=Khmer Times |language=en}}</ref> The Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh distanced Malaysia from Ng's remarks, saying that "[t]hey do not in any way reflect our view".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malai |first=Yatt |title=Malaysia Condemns Comedian's Criticism of Cambodian Food |date=August 18, 2023 |url=https://kiripost.com/stories/malaysia-condemns-uncle-roger-nigel-ng-criticism-of-cambodian-food |access-date=August 18, 2023 |newspaper=Kiripost |language=en}}</ref>
Ng has stated that he does not want any of his viewers to spread hate towards anyone.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yeung|first=Jessie|title=The Uncle Roger controversy: Why people are outraged by a video about cooking rice|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/uncle-roger-rice-food-appropriation-intl-hnk/index.html |website=CNN|date=July 30, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
On May 22, 2023, it was reported that Ng's Bilibili and Weibo accounts<ref name="hampshirelive/8464080">{{cite news |last1=Purves |first1=Robbie |title=TikTok star breaks silence after getting social media accounts suspended |url=https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/uk-world-news/tiktok-star-uncle-roger-breaks-8464080 |access-date=June 11, 2023 |work=HullLive |date=May 23, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> had been closed down in response to perceived criticism of China's government in his stand-up comedy special for the phrase "this Nephew using Huawei phone, they all listening."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davidson |first1=Helen |last2=Lin |first2=Chi Hui |title=Comedian Uncle Roger has social media accounts suspended in China |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/22/comedian-uncle-roger-has-social-media-accounts-suspended-in-china |work=The Guardian |date=May 22, 2023}}</ref>
== Business ventures ==
=== ''Fuiyoh! It's Uncle Roger'' === {{Infobox restaurant | name = FUIYOH! It's UNCLE ROGER | logo = FUIYOH! It's UNCLE ROGER.png | image = Exterior of FUIYOH! It's Uncle Roger.jpg | image_caption = Exterior of the first restaurant of the chain at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, {{circa}} 2025 | established = {{Start date|2024}} | food_type = Chinese-Malaysian fusion cuisine }}
On September 11, 2024, Ng launched his first restaurant "Fuiyoh! It's Uncle Roger" at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andres |first1=Gabrielle |title=Comedian 'Uncle Roger' opens first restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, drawing hours-long queue |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/comedian-uncle-roger-opens-first-restaurant-in-kuala-lumpur-drawing-hours-long-queue |work=The Straits Times |date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=September 15, 2024|language=en}}</ref> On September 14, 2024, as a promotion event for his new restaurant, Ng convened his followers to dress as Uncle Roger outside there. This event broke the Guinness World Record for "Largest gathering of people dressed as Uncle Roger" with 388 participants. On the same day, he broke another Guinness World Record for "Most fried rice tossed and caught with a ladle in 30 seconds".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/09/15/walao-uncle-roger-sets-1-guinness-world-record-2-more-to-go/ |title=Walao! Uncle Roger sets 1 Guinness World Record… 2 more to go |first=Sheela |last=Vijayan |newspaper=Free Malaysia Today |date=September 15, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/sea-orange-uncle-roger-sets-guinness-world-record-largest-gathering-people-dressed-him |title=Sea of orange: Uncle Roger sets Guinness World Record for largest gathering of people dressed as him |first=Melissa |last=Teo |publisher=AsiaOne |date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref> The second restaurant, located at IPC Shopping Centre, was opened to the public in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mail |first=Malay |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Fuiyoh! Look what's coming to a mall in PJ in November |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2024/10/04/fuiyoh-look-whats-coming-to-a-mall-in-pj-soon/152559 |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}}</ref> He mentioned that he had plans to expand in Asia and then further into Western countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Durai|first1=Abirami|title=Fuiyoh, Uncle Roger speaks! Nigel Ng on his alter ego, and his new restaurant |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/people/2024/09/15/fuiyoh-uncle-roger-speaks-nigel-ng-on-his-alter-ego-and-his-new-restaurant |work=The Star |date=September 15, 2024 |access-date=September 15, 2024|language=en}}</ref>
In March 2026, the company announced that it will permanently close the IPC Shopping Centre branch, citing venue and menu issues and having to lean its operations.<ref>{{Cite Instagram |postid=DWHKuKzDz06 |user=fuiyohitsuncleroger |title=Saying bye bye to IPC. |author=FUIYOH! It’s Uncle Roger |date=20 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Seraj |first=Zaf |date=21 March 2026 |title=Haiyaa: Uncle Roger to 'slim down' operations after announcing outlet closure {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/03/1401335/haiyaa-uncle-roger-slim-down-operations-after-announcing-outlet-closure |access-date=21 March 2026 |website=New Straits Times |language=}}</ref>
=== ''Kawan by Uncle Roger'' === {{Infobox restaurant | name = Kawan by Uncle Roger | logo = Kawan Menu logo.jpg | established = {{Start date|2026}} | food_type = Asian fusion cuisine }} The restaurant is a joint venture between Ng, Keng Yew, and Daren Liew. The restaurant was originally set to open in April 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-10 |title=Uncle Roger is opening Kawan, his first London restaurant, in Chinatown |url=https://www.hot-dinners.com/2026021014831/Gastroblog/Latest-news/kawan-uncle-roger-chinatown-restaurant-london?utm_source=newsletter_7897&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=londons-new-michelin-starred-restaurants-uncle-rogers-new-london-restaurant-test-driving-dakadaka-lunar-new-year-tips-more |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=Hot Dinners |language=en-gb}}</ref> In March 2026, Ng announced that the opening was moved to May 2026 after a shipment delay of the restaurant's furniture and equipment due to the ongoing Iran war.<ref>{{Cite Instagram |postid=DWHQAQrDOSW |user=mrnigelng |title=Uncle Roger London restaurant @kawanlondon now opening May 2. NOT April 4 as I previously mentioned. Sorry for the delay, apparently there some sort of war going on haiyaaa |first=Nigel |last=Ng |date=21 March 2026}}</ref>
==Personal life== Growing up, Mandarin Chinese was Ng's first language.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://writengeow.com/interview-with-nigel-ng-malaysian-comedy-sensation/|title=Interview with Nigel Ng: Malaysian Comedy Sensation – WRITE NGEOW|website=writengeow.com}}</ref> His sister is a musician.<ref name="scmp/3117833" />
Ng lived in Hammersmith in London.<ref name=SCMorningPost>{{Cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3117833/real-uncle-roger-who-malaysian-comedian-nigel-ng-behind|title=The real Uncle Roger: who is Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, behind the YouTube sensation forever remembered for mocking the BBC's approach to fried rice?|author=Carla Thomas|date=January 15, 2021 |publisher=South China Morning Post |access-date=January 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name="standard.co.uk/b139536" /> In 2020, he discussed being the victim of an anti-Asian assault while living there.<ref name="standard.co.uk/b139536">{{cite web |title=The Londoner: I was victim of 'racist attack' in London, says Uncle Roger comedian |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/the-londoner-i-was-victim-of-racist-attack-in-london-says-uncle-roger-comedian-b139536.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=August 22, 2022 |language=en |date=December 2, 2020}}</ref><ref name="thestar.com.my/comedian-attack-london">{{cite news |last1=Kho |first1=Gordon |title=Malaysian comedian Uncle Roger says he was a victim of racial attack in London |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/11/01/malaysian-comedian-uncle-roger-says-he-was-a-victim-of-racial-attack-in-london |work=The Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101141407/https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/11/01/malaysian-comedian-uncle-roger-says-he-was-a-victim-of-racial-attack-in-london |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |language=en |access-date=August 22, 2022 |date=November 1, 2020}}</ref>
Ng is divorced, but in 2025 he has since been remarried to his current wife Sabrina Ahmed, an ethnic Bengali. The identity of his ex-wife is not publicly confirmed, though he remarked in his podcast that he was married to a white woman.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYo72nKZagM |title=Evelyn Roasts Nigel's FAILED MARRIAGE |date=April 22, 2021 |last=Rice To Meet You Highlights |access-date=December 28, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Discovering Who Is The Popular Comedian Nigel Ng's Girlfriend {{!}} WOWally |url=https://wowally.com/entertainment/unlce-roger-nigel-ng-girlfriend/ |access-date=December 28, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2023, Ng moved to Los Angeles, California.<ref name="LosAngelesmove">{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Nigel |title=Nigel's Life Update (Moving To LA) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv2HXgBrG8w |website=Youtube |date=October 3, 2023 |publisher=HAIYAA with Nigel Ng |access-date=December 25, 2024}}</ref> At the end of 2024, he announced he was engaged to Sabrina Ahmed and proposed to her in Japan during the sakura festival, restating he was living in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Moe| last1=N/A |title=Uncle Roger Makes Onigiri with Kimono Mom, Nigel & His Fiancée |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EldPfV_AjRE |website=Youtube | date=December 22, 2024 |publisher=KimonoMom |access-date=December 25, 2024}}</ref> They married on July 19, 2025, in Sintra, Portugal. The three-day wedding celebration combined Chinese and Bengali traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 14, 2025 |title=Nigel Ng, aka Uncle Roger, is Now Married |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/showbizabroad/959077/nigel-ng-uncle-roger-married/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250914101328/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/showbizabroad/959077/nigel-ng-uncle-roger-married/story/ |archive-date=September 14, 2025 |access-date=September 14, 2025 |website=GMA Integrated News |language=en-Ph}}</ref>
==References== {{notelist}} {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website}} * {{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Nigel |title=BLOG |url=http://blog.nigelngcomedy.com/ |website=blog.nigelngcomedy.com |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825231037/http://blog.nigelngcomedy.com/ |archive-date=August 25, 2018}} * [https://www.youtube.com/c/mrnigelng Nigel Ng's channel] on YouTube * {{IMDb name}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ng, Nigel}} Category:English-language YouTube channels Category:1991 births Category:Living people Category:Entertainers from Kuala Lumpur Category:Malaysian people of Hokkien descent Category:Malaysian expatriates in the United Kingdom Category:Malaysian expatriates in the United States Category:Malaysian YouTubers Category:Malaysian stand-up comedians Category:Northwestern University alumni Category:21st-century comedians Category:Malaysian podcasters