Matthias Lim, 25, Investment Banker Boyfriend of: Yeoh Mongchin (@mongabong) How did you and Mongchin fall in love?
We met during sports camp in SMU and were in a school pageant together. Subsequently we became close friends and hung out a lot more that following year. I would say we were two good friends who became lovers. She still is my best friend.
How do you feel about your girlfriend being constantly in the public eye?
It needs some getting used to but I think she handles the attention really well and is not one to let it get to her head. Because of that, I’m reassured and I fully support her in this path.
Have you ever been recognised on the streets as being Mongchin’s boyfriend? Yes, I have. There have been instances where people come up to me and say hi.
Joal Ong, 22, Actor Boyfriend of: Christabel Chua (@bellywellyjelly) How did you and Christabel meet?
Images Shane Lim, Joal Ong, Matthias Lim Text Liu Kai Ying.
We met on set during a video shoot [for The Smart Local]. Shortly after, we acted as an on-screen couple for a web comedy series and I started asking her out.
Is it difficult to have so many strangers getting a glimpse of your relationship?
I would say that it’s something I would share even if she wasn’t an influencer, because I’m proud of who she is. We never intended to be “relationship goals” or whatsoever. Then again, I’d like to remind people that there’s always a side they don’t see. We have our fair share of bickering, but we always make up and that’s the most important.
What are some perks of dating a social media influencer? Free stuff! Just kidding. We get to experience a lot together and I got to learn a bit about photography as well as hosting. The truly best part about dating [Christabel]? It’s not the fact that she is [an influencer], but that she touches and inspires me the way she does.