‘Die die must do well’: Jonathan Goh balances ladders and sceptics as Singapore’s first Circus Arts graduate

SINGAPORE, Oct 5 — Balancing high on a ladder against the city skyline, Jonathan Goh looks every bit the seasoned street performer.

What most spectators may not realise is that the 30-year-old busker is also the first Singaporean to graduate with an honours degree in Circus Arts, The Straits Times (ST) reported.

According to ST, the National Centre for Circus Arts in London confirmed that Goh completed its three year programme in July 2025, making him a trailblazer in a country where circus studies are virtually unheard of.

“I was like ‘Okay, die die must at least have good results.’ Throughout my studies, most of the time I’m the just pass, average kind of student... But there was a lot of pressure when I went to circus school knowing that I’m the first... If you don’t do well, then what’s the point of being the first?” he told ST.