The Star reported that in an interview with Singapore-based Chinese-American actor and host Allan Wu, Chen described the move as a “natural and logical” decision, citing both financial and personal reasons.

“Since we’re Malaysians, we have an advantage. We can reduce our living expenses and stay in a bigger home,” said Chen, who holds permanent resident status in Singapore. “If we had stayed in Singapore, I don’t know if I’d ever have a chance to stay in a landed home as I’m not Singaporean.”

He also mentioned the rising cost of education and general living expenses in Singapore, noting that school fees and after-school care for permanent residents are comparable to international school fees in Malaysia—a significant factor for Chen, who has two daughters aged nine and seven.

On the personal front, Chen said having extended family in Malaysia and none in Singapore also made Johor a more convenient choice, according to The Straits Times.

“But that doesn’t mean Singapore isn’t good!” he clarified, adding that he has not ruled out moving back to the city-state in the future.

Chen, 47, is a former Malaysian national badminton player who rose to fame after joining Singapore’s state-owned media conglomerate Mediacorp in 2005. He gained widespread recognition in 2015 after winning three awards at the company’s annual Star Awards.

In a previous interview, he revealed that his family moved back to Johor in August last year.