Perry Ng's Journey to Represent Singapore: Cardiff Defender Embraces New Role

Perry Ng has spent years talking about it. Now, for the first time, it feels within reach.

The Cardiff City defender says he is finally closing in on his ambition of pulling on the Singapore shirt, a goal rooted in his family history and fuelled by a desire to leave a mark on the international stage.

Born in Liverpool but eligible for Singapore through his paternal grandfather, Ng has long made it clear where his heart lies when it comes to international football. The process, though, has not been simple.

The 30-year-old was granted Singapore permanent resident status in March 2025 and has since applied for citizenship under the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme. It has been a slow, often confusing journey.

Ng has previously admitted the red tape left him frustrated and unsure of the next step. Now the picture is finally starting to clear.

"I think we're getting closer," Ng said. "I think in September I'll have to go, maybe do a few more different things for the criteria for the passport, but hopefully it's not too far away now."

This summer, he did more than just talk about Singapore. He lived it.

Ng spent a month there during his off-season, immersing himself in the country he hopes to one day represent.

"I spent a month in Singapore [this summer]," he said. "I got to do a lot of activities and spend time with my family and different community events. It was fantastic."

The trip only deepened his connection with the place and the people. The next step is the jersey.

While the paperwork ticks along in the background, Ng’s club career has rarely looked stronger.

Last season he was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year as Cardiff City clinched promotion back to the Championship. Reliable, consistent and influential, he has become one of the pillars of a side that has ridden out turbulence and change.

He has seen plenty of that in south Wales. Managers have come and gone at a dizzying rate.

"I think I've lost count now. I think it was 11 or 12 [managers]," Ng said.

That is why the current moment feels different. Under head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, Ng has found a figure he wants to build with, not just play for.

"I've been waiting for a manager like Brian to come in. So I feel like, why would I leave now?

"I want to continue working with Brian mostly. I think he's one of the best managers in the league and I'm sure he'll have a bright future.

"Just the way he sees football and the way he wants us to play, and how detailed he is on and off the pitch. I think that's been missing at times from my time at Cardiff. He's just a joy to work with every day."

Cardiff clearly see Ng as central to that project. He is under contract until 2028 and Barry-Murphy has been open about how central the defender is to his plans.

"We're now looking for him to really assume the leadership role that he's done so well and improve himself because he's a very important player for us," the head coach said.

"Perry is a rhythm player. Once he gets his rhythm and starts playing a lot of games, he tends to improve very quickly. We want that from him."

So Ng stands at a crossroads of opportunity: a key figure in a resurgent Cardiff side, and on the verge of becoming eligible for the country he has chosen to represent.

Club leadership on one side, an international debut with Singapore on the other. The paperwork might still be pending, but his path has rarely looked clearer.