Imagine juggling a high-profile career, a family split across continents, and a skyrocketing cost of living. That’s the reality for Taiwanese actor Li Liren and his wife, Matilda Tao, who’ve grappled with the challenges of raising a family in Singapore—a city known for its efficiency but also its steep expenses. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Matilda once praised Singapore’s education system as both affordable and superior to the U.S., Li Liren recently admitted the cost of living here is “a bit high.” So, what’s the truth? Let’s dive in.
Li Liren, 51, recently visited Singapore to promote the Taiwanese action thriller 96 Minutes, accompanied by his 16-year-old son, Lee Xiaolong (no relation to the legendary Bruce Lee, despite the name!). Xiaolong is no stranger to the city—he’s currently studying at an international school here, living in a dormitory to navigate academic life independently. Matilda, 55, relocated to Singapore last year to be closer to him, while Li Liren split his time between Taiwan and Singapore before the couple moved back to Taiwan in 2023. Together, they also have a 19-year-old daughter, Dou Dou, who’s studying in the U.S.
During his visit, Li Liren was asked by Zaobao.sg if he’d consider extending his stay to become a “stay-at-home dad.” His response was refreshingly candid: “Singapore is great, very convenient to live in, though the cost of living is a bit high.” This contrasts sharply with Matilda’s earlier remarks, where she claimed Singapore’s school fees were reasonable compared to the U.S. “With the money for one year in a U.S. university, you can study in Singapore for six years,” she had asserted, highlighting the annual $90K (S$120K) cost of private U.S. universities. She even went as far as saying Singapore’s education quality surpasses that of the U.S.
And this is the part most people miss: while Singapore’s education system is undoubtedly world-class, the overall cost of living—from housing to daily expenses—can offset its perceived affordability. Li Liren’s admission sheds light on this nuanced reality, raising questions about the true financial burden of living here. Is Singapore’s education system worth the cost, or are there hidden trade-offs? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Matilda’s praise, or does Li Liren’s perspective resonate more with your experience?
