Singapore — After taking over Instagram and revealing that the glasses he wears have no lenses, 80-year-old Progress Singapore Party leader Dr Tan Cheng Bock is now being referred to as a “hypebeast”.
As older folk are often taken as out of touch with the trends and slang of the day, Dr Tan has made quite the impression on Instagram users. According to a report in todayonline.com, his presence on the social media platform has put him on the radar of younger generations.
On Wednesday (July 1), Dr Tan posted this video on Instagram. The clip featured him putting a finger through his spectacle frame, and was met with comments calling the opposition politician a “hypebeast”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCFz7ZZnK8o/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCH2owkHDRC/
Other Instagram quotes by Dr Tan have rendered him a social media sensation, as many have found his attempt to become more well-versed with current slang amusing. For example, according to todayonline.com, when an Instagram user tried teaching Dr Tan to use the popular term “shoutout”, the politician replied: “I can’t shout in Parliament. Only debate is okay.”
Many have commented on Dr Tan’s Instagram post, calling him a “true hypebeast.” Others called him “cool.”
It seems as though Dr Tan is using his social media fame and new lingo to connect with a particular group of Singaporeans — the youths. Based on the number of views of his Instagram videos, this tactic just might be working. It also coincides with his recent statement: “I earn my votes, I never expect them.” /TISG