Actor Ryan Lian, 39, allegedly stabbed in the face at least 3 times outside NEX by man, 21

Singaporean actor Ryan Lian, 39, was allegedly attacked outside NEX shopping mall in Serangoon on Nov. 22, 2024.

According to Shin Min Daily News, Lian was reportedly stabbed at least three times in the face by a 21-year-old man, leaving him worried that the wounds would leave him scarred and disfigured.

Speaking to the Chinese news outlet, he said he might consider retiring from showbiz after the attack.

Lian is best known for his roles in Jack Neo-directed movies, such as "Long Long Time Ago" and its sequel, both released in 2016, where he played the character Ah Long, as well as "Ah Boys To Men 4" (2017).

At the taxi stand

Shin Min Daily News reported that Lian was at the taxi stand outside the mall with his friends when a man apparently went up to him and attacked him with a knife.

The man stabbed Lian in the face at least three times.

Lian managed to escape after a struggle.

"I saw him holding a knife, and then I realised my face was bleeding. I was so scared that my hands were shaking. I can still remember it clearly. If I hadn't reacted quickly, I might have died," he added.

One of Lian's friends, who reportedly owned a hair salon along in NEX, saw the attack and rushed to help Lian.

This resulted in him sustaining an injury as well.

The two then subdued the attacker, and the friend called a colleague for help.

The colleague then called the police and ambulance.

Two medical staff who happened to pass by helped bandage Lian and his friend while they waited for the authorities to arrive, Shin Min reported.

Lian also said he was discharged from hospital on Nov. 25.

"The doctor told me to be mentally prepared that even if I recovered, my face would be affected and I would definitely have scars," Lian said.

He added that he may retire if he does not act in a movie after his injury.

Charged

The 21-year-old attacker, Aaron Samuel Yukon, was charged on Nov. 23 with one count of voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, Yukon used a knife to slash Lian multiple times, causing him to suffer multiple lacerations and abrasions.

Yukon could be jailed for up to seven years, with caning, a fine, or any combination of such punishments if found guilty.

He is scheduled to be back in court on Nov. 29.

Related story

Top photo via Google Maps & Ryan Lian/Facebook