Jack Neo: How Singapore’s Controversial Filmmaker Rebuilt His Career and Earned a Lifetime of Recognition
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Despite a personal scandal that threatened to end his career, veteran Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo continues to achieve remarkable success, creating films that deeply resonate with local audiences. This month, Neo received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Singapore Film Society, a testament to his lasting impact on Singaporean cinema. In November 2025, he was further honored as the Iconic Producer of All Time (Singapore) by Malaysia-based The Knights Award, solidifying his regional prominence.
Neo’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to connect with viewers through relatable, slice-of-life stories infused with his signature blend of humor and heart. He debuted as a director with Money No Enough (1999) and subsequently directed beloved films such as I Not Stupid (2001), Homerun (2003), I Not Stupid Too (2006), and Where Got Ghost? (2009). These films consistently explore themes of family, identity, and social change.
A Career Interrupted by Controversy
However, Neo’s path hasn’t been without significant challenges. In 2010, he publicly admitted to an extramarital affair following allegations made by a 22-year-old freelance model, Wendy Chong, to Lianhe Wanbao. Chong had appeared in minor roles in two of Neo’s films, including Money No Enough 2 (2008).
According to Chong’s account in Shin Min Daily News, she was excited to land her first film role as a nurse in Money No Enough 2, after which Neo initiated contact. She later claimed that after a filming session, Neo offered her a ride home, during which they became intimate in his car. Chong further stated that Neo was meticulous about concealing the encounter, instructing her to ensure “no strands of hair should be found” and that the car seats be returned to their original position.
Neo, then 50 years old, issued a tearful public apology. His wife, Irene Kng, publicly forgave him, but collapsed during the press conference. The scandal resulted in the termination of his endorsement deal with Mitsubishi Electric and significantly damaged his reputation.
That same year, actress and host Foyce Le Xuan, also known as Lim Hui Hui, alleged that Neo had made unwanted sexual advances. Neo did not confirm the claim, and Lim later issued an apology in a 2013 interview with Razor TV, stating she had underestimated the potential harm of her accusations, while also praising Neo as an “irreplaceable director.”
The Remarkable Comeback with Ah Boys to Men
Despite the controversy, Neo’s filmmaking career did not end. Two years later, he returned with Ah Boys to Men (2012), a military comedy that became one of the highest-grossing Singaporean films of all time. Starring Joshua Tan, Maxi Lim, Noah Yap, and Tosh Zhang, the film resonated deeply with generations of Singaporean men who had completed national service.
Reportedly the first feature film shot on Pulau Tekong, Ah Boys to Men spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, including Ah Girls Go Army Again (2022), establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon.
Expanding Beyond Military Comedies
Beyond the Ah Boys to Men franchise, Neo continued to explore diverse themes. Long Long Time Ago (2016) depicted the struggles of ordinary families, The Lion Men (2014) examined martial arts and masculinity, and I Want To Be Boss (released January 2025) tackled anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence. I Want To Be Boss features long-time collaborator Henry Thia as a man who purchases an AI robot to assist with household chores, leading to comedic complications.
At the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony on January 2, held at Golden Village VivoCity, Neo reflected on his motivation. “Every time my movie is released in theatres, I see many people, many families, coming to see it, especially the Chinese New Year films,” he said, adding that this support “encourages me.”
While not always critically acclaimed, Neo’s films consistently achieve commercial success, particularly during festive seasons like Chinese New Year. More recently, in February 2025, I Want To Be Boss faced online criticism, with some viewers urging others not to see it in cinemas. Neo responded by emphasizing the significant time and effort invested in filmmaking and calling for respect for the creative process. “I released this movie after it went through many rounds of professional editing and critique. The movie is definitely not something that would make the audience want to leave the cinema halfway or fall asleep,” he stated during a livestream.
In an industry where scandals can quickly derail careers, Neo’s resilience and continued relevance are noteworthy. For Neo, a film’s true value lies in its ability to spark conversation. “Without a message, people leave feeling empty,” said the 2005 Cultural Medallion recipient. “If a film has some message, at least after watching it, people can go out and have something to discuss.”
