Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung showed off a different side of himself during a recent visit to New York, trading official meetings for a food-focused video exploring the city’s diverse dining scene in Flushing.
With his overseas work schedule completed, Ong filmed a casual food vlog featuring several stops around the Queens neighbourhood, where he sampled dishes and shared his reactions with viewers. The video offered a more relaxed glimpse of the minister outside his usual government duties.
Ong has previously used social media to document his food adventures in Singapore. In 2022, he joined TikTok and posted a video of himself visiting Tiong Bahru Market, where he ate both black and white fried carrot cake while also speaking with healthcare workers and members of the public.
His latest New York food content continues that informal approach, with the minister taking viewers through Flushing’s food offerings rather than presenting the trip solely through the lens of his official itinerary.
The Queens neighbourhood is known for its large Asian immigrant communities and wide range of Chinese and other Asian cuisines, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts exploring New York beyond Manhattan.
Ong’s appearance as a food-focused content creator also reflects how Singapore public figures have increasingly used social media to communicate with audiences in a more personal and informal way.
The New York video gives viewers a glimpse of Ong away from his ministerial role, highlighting his interest in food and his willingness to share everyday experiences through social media.
