Just for Laughs Now in Asia

By Ron Chua

Since the cessation of broadcast operations by TVMobile early this year, disappointed viewers have been petitioning for the return of popular hidden-camera comedy show Just for Laughs Gags.

This accounted for the large crowd at the mobile road show organised by MediaCorp that marked the launch of the newly-minted Asian edition of Just for Laughs Gags and highlighted the first time the show was produced in Asia.

Held at the open space between ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City on Saturday, the event allowed the eager audience a preview of the candid scenes caught on local camera. Scenes such as a victim walking along Clarke Quay being ambushed by a group of screaming girls wanting his autograph had the audiences in fits of laughter.

Singapore had been chosen as the inaugural filming location and there are plans in the pipeline to produce the series in other Asian countries as well.

Just for Laughs Gags Asia crew member Eugene Lim, 18, said, “The public is very enthusiastic and many came to take pictures with us. They did not need prompting.I

Kevin Chum, marketing promoter for MediaCorp Channel 5, believes that Just for Laughs Gags Asia will be well-received as “it is a first for Asia and Singapore.”

To simulate the responses of unsuspecting subjects à la the popular hidden-camera comedy show, a creative photo moment contest was held in conjunction with the road show.

Ai Tong Primary School student Gerald Lim, 12, was one of the winners. A loyal follower of the series since Primary One, he had specially attended the event with his mother and sister.

“I am very happy and excited that Just for Laughs is in Singapore and I prefer Singapore’s version,” he said.

Fans who missed the road show can catch the crew at Raffles City or Vivo City today at 2.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively.