The TikTok chief navigates political skepticism while reaffirming his roots in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi, head of the world’s most popular social media platform, has repeatedly made one thing clear: he is proudly Singaporean. But this hasn’t stopped political skepticism, especially from U.S. lawmakers, about his affiliations due to his company’s ties to China.
In March 2023, Chew garnered attention for his poised performance before the U.S. Congress, where he addressed concerns over TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government and harmful content moderation. Despite his efforts, the spotlight remains fixed on his nationality and alleged connections to China.
This scrutiny reached a peak recently when U.S. Senator Tom Cotton questioned Chew’s nationality and loyalty during a congressional hearing. Chew, with characteristic patience, clarified, “Senator, I served my nation in Singapore. I am a Singaporean with a Singapore passport.”
Despite Singapore’s strict laws against dual citizenship, which preclude him from holding Chinese citizenship, Senator Cotton persisted, asking if Chew had ever been a member of the Chinese Communist Party. Once again, Chew responded, “No, Senator. I’m Singaporean.”
The Persistent China Question
Chew’s Chinese descent and TikTok’s ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance have fueled suspicion among U.S. politicians. This has led to repetitive questioning about his loyalties, despite his clear statements.
Historically, Singapore has faced similar misconceptions. In the 1960s, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had to clarify on international platforms that he could not speak on behalf of China.
Senator Cotton’s questioning has been criticized as racially charged, perpetuating the stereotype that Chinese ethnicity equates to Chinese loyalty. Defending his stance on Fox News, Cotton suggested Singapore is influenced by China, further complicating perceptions of Chew’s role and Singapore’s independence.
Proudly Singaporean
Chew has embraced his Singaporean identity, repeatedly highlighting it in public appearances. In a WIRED interview, he cited Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, as a personal hero. He described Singapore as home, reflecting on childhood memories, National Service training in Brunei, and even the city-state’s distinctive humidity.
Photographer Lenne Chai, also Singaporean, captured Chew for the WIRED feature, amplifying his connection to Singapore. In a Vogue interview, Chew reminisced about growing up in Singapore, reinforcing his roots amidst the political storm.
Shifting the Focus
While Chew continues to defend his nationality, larger issues surrounding TikTok persist. Lawmakers have raised valid concerns about user safety, data privacy, and the platform’s role in protecting teenagers from online harm. These concerns extend to other tech giants like Meta, Snap, and X (formerly Twitter).
Rather than fixating on Chew’s nationality, the spotlight should be on TikTok’s responsibility to safeguard its users. Social media platforms, driven by engagement, often prioritize growth over ethical practices, necessitating greater regulation and oversight.
A Broader Perspective
Chew’s Singaporean identity, though politically significant, pales in importance compared to his role in ensuring TikTok operates responsibly. The real question isn’t about his nationality—it’s about his leadership and commitment to the platform’s global user base.
