Richie Koh is one of Singapore’s most exciting young actors — and in 2026, he is more in the spotlight than ever before. Known for his deeply committed performances and willingness to take on challenging roles, he has gone from a campus talent show runner-up to a Golden Horse Award nominee in just over a decade. His portrayal of a drag queen caring for his estranged mother in the film A Good Child earned him recognition on one of Asia’s most prestigious film stages. If you are just getting to know Richie Koh, this is the full story.
Personal Details & Social Media
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richie Koh |
| Real Name / Chinese Name | Xu Ruiqi (许瑞奇) |
| Date of Birth | 16 June 1993 |
| Age (2026) | 32 years old |
| Birthplace | Singapore |
| Nationality | Singaporean |
| Profession | Actor |
| Height | Not officially confirmed |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Diploma in Financial Informatics, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (2014) |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with actress Hayley Woo (confirmed February 2024) |
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @richiekrq | |
| Richiekrq |
Biography
Early Life & Background
Richie Koh was born on 16 June 1993 in Singapore. His Chinese name is Xu Ruiqi (许瑞奇), and he uses “Richie Koh” as his professional stage name — a name that has since become well-known in local entertainment circles. Details about his family background and parents are not publicly available, as he tends to keep those aspects of his personal life private.
Education & Pre-Acting Life
Before entering the entertainment world full-time, Richie Koh completed a Diploma in Financial Informatics at Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 2014. His path into acting was not exactly planned — it came through a scouting opportunity that changed his life.
In 2013, while still a polytechnic student, he was spotted when Channel U’s talent show Hey Gorgeous sent a team to campuses across Singapore searching for contestants. Richie joined, made a strong impression on both judges and viewers, and finished as the first runner-up. During the competition, veteran host-actress Quan Yi Fong advised him to use “Rui Qi” as his stage name — advice he took at the time before later shifting to “Richie Koh.”
After completing his studies, he went on to serve National Service before officially launching his acting career.
Career Journey
Acting Debut: When Duty Calls (2017)
After completing National Service, Richie Koh made his formal acting debut in 2017 with the Channel 8 army-themed drama When Duty Calls. It was a strong start — fans responded warmly to his natural delivery and screen presence, and his performance earned him a nomination for Best Newcomer at Star Awards 2018. It was clear from the beginning that he had genuine talent, not just good looks.
Expanding His Range
Over the next few years, Richie appeared in a wide range of productions — from supporting roles to lead parts. He played a gangster boss in Jack Neo’s film Wonderful! Liang Xi Mei (2018), which attracted new fans from Singapore and across the causeway. He also took on roles in online productions such as Star Crossed, Divided, and The Distance Between.
Notably, he signed a co-management deal with China’s LongAllStar Entertainment Group in 2018, spending two months training in China to develop his craft further. It was a demanding experience, but one that pushed him to grow significantly as a performer.
Breakthrough: Your World in Mine (2022)
The role that changed everything for Richie Koh was Zheng Tiancai — a young man with intellectual disabilities — in the 2022 Channel 8 drama Your World in Mine. As outlined on his Wikipedia profile, the performance was widely praised for its sensitivity, depth, and authenticity. He did not just portray the character — he inhabited him.
The result? Richie Koh won the Star Awards Best Actor at Star Awards 2023 — and at just 29 years old, he became the second youngest actor in the history of the award, after Christopher Lee who won in 1997 at 26. It was also his first time being nominated in the Best Actor category, making the win all the more extraordinary.
He also received a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Asian Television Awards 2022 for the same role — international recognition that confirmed his growing reputation beyond Singapore.
A Good Child & The Golden Horse Nomination (2025)
Perhaps the most daring chapter in Richie Koh’s career so far is his role in A Good Child, a drama film in which he plays a drag queen who must care for his estranged mother. The role required not only emotional depth but a complete physical transformation and commitment to a character who lives and moves in ways entirely different from Richie’s own everyday life.
The performance earned him a nomination for the Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actor at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards — one of Asia’s most prestigious film accolades, held in Taiwan. He was nominated alongside acclaimed actors including Chang Chen, who ultimately took home the prize. Being in that group at all, as a Singapore-based Mediacorp actor, is a remarkable achievement that very few have matched.
As covered by CNA Lifestyle, the nomination was seen as a significant milestone not just for Richie, but for Singapore’s entertainment industry as a whole.
Recent Work (2026)
In 2026, Richie Koh continues his upward trajectory. He appeared in the Chinese New Year film Luck My Life (opening 17 February 2026), continuing his commitment to diverse projects. His profile continues to rise both locally and across the region.
Net Worth
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | SGD $300,000 – $800,000 |
| Primary Income | Acting (TV dramas and films) |
| Secondary Income | Brand endorsements, sponsorships |
Richie Koh’s net worth has not been officially disclosed. The above estimate reflects his career standing as an award-winning Mediacorp actor with growing regional recognition.
Income Sources
- Acting (TV dramas): His main income comes from Mediacorp Channel 8 productions.
- Film roles: Appearances in local and regional films add to his earnings.
- Brand deals & endorsements: His popularity on social media and award-winning status make him a sought-after partner for lifestyle and fashion brands.
- Regional co-productions: His China co-management deal also opened doors to regional earning opportunities.
Personal Life & Relationships
Richie Koh and Hayley Woo
Richie Koh is in a relationship with fellow Singaporean actress Hayley Woo. The two made their relationship official in a sweet way — Hayley confirmed they were dating on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2024, describing Richie as a “romantic boyfriend.” The couple are both part of Singapore’s entertainment world, and their relationship has been warmly received by fans of both.
As of 2026, Richie Koh is not married. He and Hayley Woo are in a confirmed relationship, but no further public announcements have been made about marriage plans.
Lifestyle & Public Image
Richie Koh has a reputation in the industry for taking his craft seriously. He is not the type to coast on looks or popularity — he actively seeks out challenging roles that stretch his abilities, as seen with his autistic character in Your World in Mine and his drag queen role in A Good Child.
He underwent a significant physical transformation to prepare for A Good Child — losing weight and adopting a completely different physical presence to authentically portray his character. This level of dedication has earned him respect from fellow actors, directors, and critics alike.
On social media, he maintains an active Instagram presence under @richiekrq, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal moments, and career updates. He comes across as thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely passionate about storytelling.
He almost quit acting at one point — before his Your World in Mine breakthrough in 2022 gave him a new sense of purpose and confidence in his abilities.
Interesting Facts About Richie Koh
- He is the second youngest Best Actor winner in Star Awards history, winning at age 29 in 2023.
- He played a drag queen in A Good Child — a bold, transformative role that earned him a Golden Horse nomination.
- Before acting, he studied Financial Informatics at Ngee Ann Polytechnic — a very different path from entertainment.
- 🇨🇳 He trained in China for two months after signing with a Chinese management agency in 2018 to develop his craft.
- He almost quit acting before the breakout success of Your World in Mine in 2022 changed his trajectory.
- His Golden Horse nomination for A Good Child made him one of Singapore’s rare nominees at the prestigious Taiwanese film awards ceremony.
- He made his relationship with actress Hayley Woo official on Valentine’s Day 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Richie Koh?
Richie Koh (Chinese name: Xu Ruiqi) is a Singaporean actor signed with Mediacorp. He is best known for winning the Star Awards Best Actor in 2023 for Your World in Mine and for receiving a Golden Horse Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in 2025 for the film A Good Child.
How old is Richie Koh?
Richie Koh was born on 16 June 1993, making him 32 years old in 2026.
Is Richie Koh married?
No, Richie Koh is not married. He is in a confirmed relationship with actress Hayley Woo, which was publicly announced on Valentine’s Day 2024.
What is Richie Koh known for?
He is best known for his deeply emotional performance as an intellectually disabled young man in Your World in Mine (2022), which won him the Star Awards Best Actor in 2023. He is also known for his bold drag queen role in A Good Child, which earned him a Golden Horse Award nomination in 2025.
What awards has Richie Koh won?
Richie Koh won the Star Awards Best Actor in 2023 for Your World in Mine. He was also nominated for the Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actor in 2025 for A Good Child, and received a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Asian Television Awards 2022.
Conclusion
Richie Koh’s journey from polytechnic student to Golden Horse nominee is one of Singapore’s most compelling entertainment stories in recent years. He has proven that he is not afraid to take risks — whether that means training in China, portraying characters with disabilities, or stepping into a drag queen role that demands everything from him. In 2026, he stands as one of the most respected and versatile actors Mediacorp has produced. Whatever role comes next, fans and critics will be watching closely — and Richie Koh is unlikely to disappoint.
