'I think the uncle meant no harm': 10-year-old busker shares his POV on Bei-Ing Wanton Noodle hawker incident

A different perspective, through a child's eyes: "I think the uncle meant no harm."

That was the take on the recent Bei-Ing Wanton Noodle incident from a 10-year-old musician and busker, whose views have gone viral online.

The incident sparked widespread discussion after a 73-year-old hawker was allegedly shoved to the ground by a customer at a coffee shop in Roxy Square last week.

The shove occurred after the elderly man patted a customer's young daughter's head. The hawker has since reportedly suffered a fractured back following the incident.

The incident even captured the attention of former president Halimah Yacob, who shared that she used to pat children on the head as a gesture of affection and called for stronger intergenerational bonds in Singapore.

Busker Shayne Ko shared his views on the incident in an Instagram (IG) video posted on Wednesday (August 19).

His video has been viewed over 307,000 times and liked 15,900 times as of Thursday afternoon.

'I think the uncle meant no harm'

In the video, Ko said he wanted to share his views from the perspective of a child busker.

Ko said he is constantly approached by the elderly during performances, and that some offer him drinks, snacks, and even pat him on the head.

"I've never encountered any of them with ill intentions, and they are always very friendly and encouraging," said Ko.

According to Ko, it was also "quite common" for some aunties and uncles to give him a big hug as a way of showing their encouragement.

"I think the uncle meant no harm," Ko said. 

"It's just a misunderstanding and a cultural difference."

He went on to highlight that displays of violence in front of children should be avoided, as children could easily emulate such behaviour.

Ko also pointed out the dangers of low-impact falls for the elderly.

His advice for adults, specifically addressing the father in the incident: "Control your anger."

Netizens applaud Ko's maturity

Many online users praised Ko for speaking out.

"Kudos to you boy! So young yet so mature," wrote a netizen on IG.

Another commenter said: "You are a smart boy. I agreed with your advice."

"Finally, a kid speaks out on this!" chimed in another netizen in the comments section.

"Very well said!" praised another commenter, adding that it was refreshing to hear from a child's perspective.

Others on Threads, however, have been quick to point out that this was a completely different situation from busking, and that the Roxy Square incident raised questions about personal boundaries.

Another commenter said: "Interactions between strangers and children can be highly sensitive, and boundaries are very important to protect everyone involved."

AsiaOne has reached out to Ko's parents for more information.

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helmy.saat@asiaone.com