Grow a backbone: Public on ex-NOC Ryan Tan being ‘officially broke’

Former co-founder of Night Owl Cinematics (NOC), Ryan Tan, announced on social media that he was “officially broke.” According to Mr Tan, he had lost “more than 90 per cent” of his money and was affected by costs from legal fees, starting up new companies and not having an income.

Netizens however had a different definition of what being broke is. One asked, “Have hands and legs, physically intact cannot find a job?” while another said, “Broke? Nahhh…. Find a better word, he still has that remaining 10% which could very well be a few hundred thousand $$$.”

When asked to define “broke,” Mr Tan the former NOC co-founder wrote in another Instagram story, “I lost 90 per cent of what I used to have, and each month I have to pay rental, salary, loans, bills and legal.” He added that he was in an industry where clients don’t necessarily pay on time.

“But freedom is priceless, so I’m not really super depressed, haha,” Mr Tan added in a series of Instagram stories uploaded on June 24 and was reshared by a netizen on Hardwarezone.

He also noted that his current team consisted of about 12 individuals, which is where his money went to.

Mr Tan also shared screenshots of people helping him out with donations. One was Mentai-Ya Japanese Cuisine founder Khoo Keat Hwee who gave him S$1,000.

Mr Khoo said in a separate TikTok video that he didn’t know much about NOC or Mr Tan, but came across his stories. “Bro lets jiayou and pick up from where we all fell. Let’s learn and grow from our pain and mistakes,” he said in the caption.

Members from the online community didn’t share similar definitions of being broke as Mr Tan.

“Is this some publicity stunt? He can’t be as broke as the 75-year-old auntie near my home clearing cardboards from morning till 8:30 pm every day,” said Facebook user Andrew Chan in a comment with over 200 likes.

“I thought this chap was showing off his condo and all the modern expensive things inside?” he added, noting that the remaining 10 per cent of Mr Tan’s assets could very well be a few hundred thousand dollars.

“Generally, people who say they are broke on Instagram are not really broke,” noted Facebook user Jevan Li. “They are just “Instagram broke” for their followers and sycophants.”

One Zig Steenine advised in a comment with over 120 likes, “There are people out there sweating it out come rain or shine delivering food, and here you are complaining about being broke. Grow a backbone.”

“Sell the penthouse and downgrade to rental flat if THAT poor… Pls don’t wayang,” added another netizen.

Meanwhile, Facebook Billy Lee noted that being officially broke can happen due to many reasons. “But starting up new businesses shouldn’t be included as part of the reasons.”

/TISG

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