Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians, defaulted on his NS obligations: Mindef
Singapore-born writer Kevin Kwan, whose book inspired the movie Crazy Rich Asians, defaulted on his national service obligations, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday in response to queries from The Straits Times.
“Mr Kevin Kwan failed to register for National Service (NS) in 1990, despite notices and letters sent to his overseas address. He also stayed overseas without a valid exit permit. Mr Kwan is therefore wanted for defaulting on his NS obligations,” Mindef said.
It added: “In 1994, his application and subsequent appeal to renounce his Singapore citizenship without serving NS were rejected.”
The film’s weekend takings of over US$35 million (S$47.9 million) in the US has far exceeded expectations for the romantic comedy. It was also No. 1 at the US box office over the weekend.
The movie, which was filmed in large part in Singapore and featured nearly 300 crew members who are Singaporean or Singapore permanent residents, had also been hailed as a breakthrough for racial representation in Hollywood and as a good showcase for Singapore.
The movie was supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Film Commission.
(source: The Straits Times)
