SINGAPORE: Singapore football is riding a wave of optimism after securing a historic qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup last November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watching the Lions’ rise from the sidelines with pride \u2013 and perhaps some envy \u2013 is a boy from Liverpool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really enjoy watching the team \u2026 but it’s frustrating for me, because I’d love to help them and play in front of the amazing fans here,\u201d said Cardiff City defender Perry Ng Tian Hee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 30-year-old, who was born in Liverpool, told CNA he is eager to don the national colours of his Singapore-born grandfather and play his part for the Lions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng received his Singapore permanent resident status in March 2025 and has since applied for citizenship via the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme (FST).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy desire (to play for the Lions) is stronger than ever. I just try to be as patient as I can \u2026 play at a high level, keep fit and healthy, stay injury free,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFingers crossed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The professional footballer frequently spends his off-seasons in Singapore and has become so familiar with the country that he often plays tour guide when friends visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng spent the past month reconnecting with family here, immersing himself in the community and volunteering with local organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among his activities were volunteering with the Society for the Physically Disabled and Samaritans of Singapore. He also helped the Singapore Cancer Society run a health and fitness programme, and spent time playing football with at-risk children and youths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng said the experience has strengthened his connection with Singapore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGetting closer to my family again, spending longer periods with them, meeting so many friends and people,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like the people here are really friendly and peaceful. The way of life here and the culture is just so relaxing, and it’s a really joyful place to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His only complaint?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cObviously the weather is tough sometimes,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I really enjoy it compared to being in the windy, wet Liverpool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
INSPIRED BY THE LIONS’ PROGRESS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng said he has dreamed of representing Singapore since he was 16 and has followed every step of the national team’s journey towards the Asian Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was also present in the stands for Singapore’s friendly against China earlier this month, where the atmosphere left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe second half I spent with the SingaBrigade \u2013 it was amazing, they shocked me with how passionate they were,\u201d Ng said, referring to the Lions\u2019 fervent supporters\u2019 club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe heat that night was mental. I couldn’t even take it myself, but they were jumping up and down the whole night. It was a pleasure to be with them, they really made me feel like home, and it was a really good experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng has also trained with the Lions during previous training camps and said he admires the work of head coach Gavin Lee, who guided the team to the Asian Cup qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“After watching the games where they qualified, I thought they played unbelievably, and (Lee\u2019s) done an unbelievable job. He thoroughly deserves it. I really look forward to hopefully working with him,\u201d Ng said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Singapore will next compete in July’s ASEAN Championship, where the Lions face Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Timor-Leste in Group A before making their Asian Cup appearance in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng hopes he can eventually be part of that journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LEADING CARDIFF’S REBUILD<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before that, however, his attention must turn back to club football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng recently signed a new two-year contract with Cardiff City. The club will compete in the Championship next season, one tier below the English Premier League, after earning promotion from League One.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having spent five seasons at the Welsh club and a two-time player of the season winner, Ng said the appointment of new manager Brian Barry-Murphy convinced him to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe way he’s changed the culture of the club is unbelievable,\u201d he said. \u201cThat’s why I’ve recently signed again. I wouldn’t leave to play for another manager because I rate him so highly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With many younger players in the squad, Ng believes he now has an important leadership role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter the relegation season, I feel like we’ve all grown, and learned stuff \u2026 which we can take into this year, and I think we’ll surprise a few (people). So, it’s really exciting going back. I can’t wait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ng believes his experience in English football \u2013 one of the world’s most competitive football systems \u2013 could benefit Singapore if he eventually earns the chance to represent the Lions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For now, he is making the most of his time in Singapore before returning to the United Kingdom for pre-season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Away from football, volunteering and family visits, his itinerary is refreshingly simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just like walking around the country and finding new things, and new places to eat,\u201d he said. \u201c(There\u2019re) so many places to eat. So, I’m just chilling out, eating some good food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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