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SCMP’s Asia desk

A simple pat on a child’s head has sparked debate in Singapore after an elderly man was shoved to the ground by a girl’s father.
Police said on Sunday they had identified a 40-year-old man in connection with the incident at a food court on Saturday afternoon, CNA reported.
“Members of the public are advised not to speculate on the incident or its circumstances, and to allow the police to conduct investigations and establish the facts of the case,” they told the broadcaster.
The incident on Saturday came to public attention after Bei-Ing Wanton Noodle stallholder Ray Yeo posted a CCTV video on social media on the same day, asking for information about the man who pushed his 73-year-old father, Yeo Song Khoon.
In the video, the elderly man can be seen walking with difficulty past some tables with patrons having their meals. He stops to steady himself at a table where a woman and her daughter are sitting, then briefly pats the girl on the head.


The mother looks up and puts out her hand to stop him. Seeing the altercation, the girl’s father appears, gestures at Yeo before grabbing him by his arms and swinging him around, causing him to fall onto the floor.
“Our family members were there and immediately rushed over to help my father get back up. In that moment, we were angry and wanted to confront the man. But my father, despite what had just happened to him, kept telling us that he was OK and that he did not want to pursue the matter further,” the video post reads.
“Afterwards, the man sat down with my father, apologised and offered him a drink. While we appreciate that he eventually apologised, my father is now suffering from severe back pain following the incident. A drink and an apology cannot simply take away the physical pain or injuries he is experiencing.”
Yeo said the family had made a police report over the incident in Roxy Square.
The video, which received over 57,000 reactions on Instagram by Monday, has generated debate about personal space and generational divide.
“A clash between old-school kampong kindness and modern-day overreacting,” one said.
It is a friendly gesture practised by the elderly, according to some social media users. “Pat on kids head by elders was normal back in the 80s,” a user wrote. Another said: “A gentle pat on a child’s head is quite a common gesture, especially from an elderly person.”
One parent said: “I have a kid too, and people always touch and high five with him, whats wrong with this family? Cannot touch don’t bring out, lock in safe box.”

Yeo is a familiar figure at the food court, known for his loud calling of orders, according to regular patrons who have defended his gesture towards the girl.
“Uncle patted my head too, and now I’m buying wanton mee from him – best decision ever! Because of Uncle, good food and good vibes only,” one patron said.
Speaking to Mediacorp’s 8world on Sunday, Yeo said he had simply found the girl “very adorable”, adding that older people liked to pat young children’s heads.
Ray Yeo said on social media his father finally agreed to go to hospital for a checkup on Monday. The stall will be closed until Thursday.
Bei-Ing Wanton Noodle was founded in 1984 by the younger Yeo’s aunt at the basement food court. He took over when she retired and his father was in charge of taking orders.
Ah Boys to Men actor Noah Yap, went to the stall to show his support. “I have been patronising Bei-Ing for over 20 years and the uncle practically saw me grow up. He is one of the friendliest and nicest guys I know, and he wouldn’t hurt a fly,” said the actor, whose photo with Yeo from 10 years ago is proudly displayed at the stall.
A father of a girl about the same age said: “That’s a huge overreaction and uncalled for. It’s just a harmless gentle pat on the head. Some elderly folks love kids a lot. Even if not happy, there’s no need to throw him on the floor. Just tell him nicely you are not comfortable with it and not to do it again.”
Other parents said, however, that they did not like strangers touching their children.
“When it comes to other people’s kids ... best to keep your hands to themselves. As a parent, I also don’t like it when others touch my boys [although it could be just a show of affection]. We do not know each other so stay in your lane,” a father wrote.
In response, the younger Yeo posted: “Yes, I admit my dad probably disturbed their peace. Some parents don’t like strangers touching their kids and I completely understand that. [To be honest] I wouldn’t like it either.
“But pushing an elderly man over something like this? Are you even human? There are ways to tell someone to back off without getting physical.”


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Shoving incident in Singapore over man patting girl’s head stirs heated debate

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Some defend the man for his ‘friendly gesture’ commonly practised by the elderly, while another says he should ‘stay in your lane’


Some defend the man for his ‘friendly gesture’ commonly practised by the elderly, while another says he should ‘stay in your lane’.


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Shoving incident in Singapore over man patting girl’s head stirs heated debate

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Some defend the man for his ‘friendly gesture’ commonly practised by the elderly, while another says he should ‘stay in your lane’

Some defend the man for his ‘friendly gesture’ commonly practised by the elderly, while another says he should ‘stay in your lane’