Meet James, 8, and the youngsters breathing new life into the yo-yo scene in Singapore

SINGAPORE – On stage for the first time, little James Liew steeled his nerves, heaved in a deep breath and blocked out the cheers from the crowd.

At the beat drop, the seven-year-old unleashed the yo-yo that was resting in his palm, and his moves morphed into a blur of rapid movements and smooth tricks.

That evening in July, James placed ninth among 13 participants in the junior division at the Singapore Yo-yo Championship. The division featured players aged 16 and under.

For James, though, the placing did not matter. Just competing on stage at the Foochow Building in Jalan Besar, in front of almost a hundred people, was a milestone in his yo-yo journey. He first picked up the activity in February 2024, and it has since grown into one he practises with zealous devotion.

The Primary 2 pupil, who turned eight shortly after the competition, told The Straits Times: “The best part is learning new tricks and showing them to my family and friends. It makes me really happy, and I never get bored with it.”

James is part of a group of peppy young players fronting a refreshed wave of interest here in the decades-old hobby.

Since August 2024, he regularly attends yo-yo meet-ups, where about 30 other enthusiasts – most of whom are aged from seven to their 20s – band together to practise routines, and share tips and tricks.

The monthly sessions are organised by Mr Marcus Koh, 32, founder of yo-yo company ThrowRevolution.

While the yo-yo is a popular pastime enjoyed by generations, hype around the “modern” yo-yo – featuring sophisticated parts like ball bearings – landed in Singapore in the 1990s, buoyed by the popularity of the ProYo by American maker Playmaxx.

A product of that era, Mr Koh went on to become a yo-yo world champion – the sole Singaporean to do so – in 2011, and in 2015, began mentoring ardent up-and-comers like James.

He recalled how yo-yo speciality shop Spinworkx – a

former hangout spot

and organiser of the Singapore Yo-yo Championship – closed its physical shop in Orchard Central in 2020.

And by the time the pandemic was over, the yo-yo scene was “practically dead”, Mr Koh said.

“That’s when I decided to step up and take the lead,” Mr Koh said. He began organising yo-yo meet-ups in 2022. Recently, they have been held at the “100 Plus Promenade” at the National Stadium.

The yo-yo meet-ups organised by Mr Marcus Koh, founder of yo-yo company ThrowRevolution, draws a crowd of about 30 attendees each month.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

There have been encouraging signs for the scene.

Local yo-yo retailer Yoyoshopsg recorded a 15 per cent increase in yo-yo orders between January and August 2025, compared with the same period in 2024. About a third of all yo-yos sold in 2025 are beginner models, priced between $7 and $30, its founder Jonathan Lee told ST.

Many of his customers are parents buying yo-yos for their children, typically under 12, who developed an interest in yo-yos after seeing viral videos online, Mr Lee said.

This is the appeal of players who shape the competitive scene, dubbed “yo-yo influencers” by Spinworkx co-founder Colin Wan, 45.

One video of 22-year-old eight-time world champion Hajime Miura from Japan, whom Mr Wan cited as an example, garnered more than 800,000 likes on TikTok.

Inspiration can be found close to home, too. James, for example, counts Mr Koh and Mr Xavier Ng – the reigning and four-time local champion – as his “idols in the yo-yo world”.

James’ mother, Ms Grape Wongsongja, 39, said that yo-yoing is an alternative to screen time and has become a social bridge for James.

“In a world where so much of childhood is spent staring at screens, whether for learning or entertainment, many kids and parents crave something that feels more tangible, more physical, and just… real,” she said.

Mr Wan added: “In the past, parents used to be quite sceptical about yo-yos. To them, it’s a distraction from studies. Now, yo-yos are seen as something to get kids off their mobile phones.”

Mr Wan has observed more supportive parents, like Ms Wongsongja, tagging along for yo-yo meets.

Mr Soh Peng Kai, 44, who accompanies his nine-year-old son to the gatherings, said: “We go because it’s amazing to see him surrounded by people who share the same passion. And honestly, it’s fun for us too.”

He, too, started to grow curious about yo-yos.

“I’ve tried a few tricks myself. My wife too. Though she’s more into collecting the pretty ones,” quipped Mr Soh.

Spinworkx co-founder Colin Wan has observed more supportive parents tagging along for yo-yo meets in Singapore.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

The fun and benefits yo-yoing offer are not just for kids. Since 2024, the Yo-yo Association of Singapore has also been taking the activity to seniors at active ageing centres islandwide.

Dr Nur Farhan Alami, who specialises in geriatric medicine and co-founded Alami Clinic, said practising the activity can give the elderly a sense of purpose.

“In terms of physical benefits, yo-yoing can develop their fine motor skills and help improve hand-eye coordination,” she said.

The yo-yo association relies on community outreach efforts like these to grow the activity, which has not been officially recognised as an urban sport or a performing art here.

Mr Chong Yichen, the association’s chairman, said this ambiguity on how to define the activity has also meant the association faces added challenges in fund-raising efforts.

Mr Wan said: “Yo-yoing has always been in a weird position… so it’s important for it to be community-driven.” In 2003, he co-founded the Asia-Pacific Yo-yo Championships, touted as Asia’s premier yo-yo contest, although it has not been held since 2019.

The competition, since rebranded as the AP Yo-yo Open, will make its return in March 2026 after a six-year hiatus. It will host more than 200 contestants from about 15 nations and territories at *Scape.

For budding players like James, such a stage is an aspiration to work towards.

“One day,” he said, “I want to be like my idols and represent Singapore.”

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