From Data Scientist to ‘Uncle Roger’: The Rise of Nigel Ng and His Expanding Empire
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Nigel Ng, the Malaysian comedian known globally as “Uncle Roger,” has rapidly ascended from a career in data science to become a viral sensation, restaurateur, and soon-to-be father. His signature orange polo shirt and exaggerated critiques of egg fried rice have resonated with millions, turning a simple cooking observation into a thriving brand.
Ng, born March 15, 1991, in Kuala Lumpur, initially followed a traditional academic path. He graduated from Chong Hwa Independent High School in 2009 before moving to the United States to study engineering and philosophy at Northwestern University, completing his degree in 2014. He later worked as a data scientist at Monzo, a London-based online bank, before dedicating himself fully to comedy.
His breakthrough came through YouTube, where he began posting videos in November 2012. However, it was his persona, Uncle Roger, that catapulted him to fame. The character, born from a critique of a fried rice tutorial, quickly gained traction for its relatable humor and sharp observations. A viral video featuring his commentary sparked a global following.
“Uncle Roger claims to make the best fried rice,” as noted by I’m Hungry For That, a food blog that attempted to recreate his recipe. The character’s popularity led to appearances on British comedy shows like Mock the Week and Comedy Central’s Stand Up Central, as well as hosting the comedy podcast Rice to Meet You with Evelyn Mok. He earned recognition at the Amused Moose Laugh-Off in 2016.
Beyond entertainment, Ng has successfully ventured into the culinary world. In 2024, he opened his first restaurant, “Fuiyoh! It’s Uncle Roger,” in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. A second location followed in November 2024 at IPC Shopping Centre. He has ambitious plans for expansion, targeting Australia, the UK, and the US, with a third restaurant slated to open in April 2026, co-owned with Daren Liew and Keng Yew.
On a personal note, Ng, previously divorced, married Sabrina Ahmed, a lawyer based in Miami, Florida, in a three-day ceremony in Sintra, Portugal, on July 19, 2025, blending Chinese and Bengali traditions. He recently announced, via an Instagram post, that the couple is expecting their first child, sharing the news with a humorous caption referencing the Lunar New Year and Ramadan.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, California, Ng’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, derived from social media earnings and brand collaborations. His journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of entertainment and entrepreneurship in the digital age, demonstrating how a unique voice and relatable content can build a global following and a multifaceted career.
