Confident. Controlled. Crisp. At just 15 years old, Rayyan Syafiq Abdullah commands the stage with sharp, intentional movements, leading his dance team from the front. Not long ago, he was a student staying late after school just to dance. Now, he makes history as the youngest choreographer ever to take the spotlight at President’s Challenge Night.
On 2 November 2025, Mediacorp’s annual President’s Challenge Night returned with the heartfelt theme, “We All Have Something To Give.” It reminded Singaporeans that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a real difference. This year’s campaign raised an impressive $14,980,947 for 52 beneficiary organisations nationwide – an inspiring leap from last year’s $9,699,979.
This special night marked Rayyan’s debut as choreographer of a flawless waacking routine performed alongside local celebrities Eswari Gunasagar, Hazelle Teo, Zuhairi Idris, Xixi Lim, and Jaynesh Isuran.
Falling in Love with Waacking
Under the stage lights, Rayyan’s movements are precise and full of flair—each flick of his wrist and sharp pose telling a powerful story of spirit and style.
Rayyan’s journey began at Crest Secondary School, where joining the dance club was initially just an after-school activity. “I realised it’s actually fun,” he recalls. “I kept checking Instagram to watch my coach teaching and even earning from classes, it seemed pretty cool.”
His passion grew as he discovered waacking, a bold and energetic dance style defined by rapid arm movements and confident poses. His biggest inspiration came from Waackxxxy, a South Korean dancer and 2023 Red Bull’s Dance Your Style World Final champion. “If you (do) waacking, you have to know her name—she’s the top one. She can’t be beat,” Rayyan said with awe.
Stepping Into the Spotlight at President’s Challenge Night
Rayyan’s fiery spirit ignited on stage thanks to the mentorship of dance coach Miss Amira Maail, who gave him freedom to shape his choreography and lead his team. “I hope he meets people who will champion him as he grows,” she shared.
This mentorship nurtured Rayyan not only as a dancer but as a leader, showing that talent is just the start – support and teamwork are key to success…
The nerves were real. “Right now, I’m feeling a bit scared because tomorrow’s the day,” Rayyan confessed. Having only started rehearsals in August, the months of teaching his team and local celebrities were exhausting. He shared that managing both groups was a challenge that often left him feeling “very burnt out”. “I didn’t break down big, but I shed tears, I just cried quietly while they were practicing…I was pretty stressed,” he shared in a quiet, hoarse voice.
But through it all, what kept Rayyan going was the unity of his team. “If this choreography had a voice, it’s giving teamwork,” he said. “Our communication was one of a kind.”
As a student from Crest Secondary School—the first specialised institution for Normal Technical stream students, Rayyan felt the weight of stereotypes. “People look down on us,” he said. “We’ll show them what we can do, for Crest, and for Crescent for the family of Crescent groovers.”
His message was clear: “I want to give them (Crest Secondary School dancers) an opportunity to show their talent. We took the opportunity and we’re just going to give our best.”
Days Leading Up to the Big Performance
Watch Rayyan and his team’s full waacking performance from President’s Challenge Night 2025.(VIDEO: Mediacorp)
In the final days, Rayyan balanced nerves with responsibility, coaching both his peers and celebrities through the intense routine. “It was pretty hard for me to teach,” he admitted. “My team is always there for me when I was feeling anxious…teaching the celebrities when my team wasn’t there, I felt like I can’t do this anymore.”
Luckily, team member Hazelle came to his aid as he was struggling to pick up small details in the choreography, boosting his confidence by “going through the steps together”. “Hazelle really came in clutch,” Rayyan said.
On the eve of the event, Rayyan admitted to being scared but understood that dance meant more than just movement—it was about communication, courage, and connection.
His words reflect the spirit of determination that defines the team, which is also a reminder that everyone has something to offer, and with passion and resilience, anything is possible.
What’s Next for Rayyan?
This night was only the beginning. The experience ignited Rayyan’s ambition to keep growing and to explore new dance styles. He’s determined to participate in future dance battles and push his limits further beyond waacking, challenging him to grow as a dancer.
About President’s Challenge Night
Launched in 2000 by the late President Mr S R Nathan, Mediacorp’s flagship fundraiser supports Singapore’s underserved communities, including persons with disabilities, low-income families, and seniors.
The annual event brings together diverse performers, celebrity guests, and moving stories to inspire generous giving from individuals, corporations, and community groups. Proceeds support a wide range of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and social service programs, ensuring real, lasting impact for those in need.
