Johor-born Chieng is the toast of The Daily Show

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia-born comedian Ronny Chieng is getting glowing responses following his appearance as a guest host in the popular satirical news American programme The Daily Show.

Fellow Malaysians like @benzboleh were thrilled.

“Ronny rocked it! Awesome!” benzboleh posted on YouTube with a Malaysian flag.

Chieng, who is based in New York, joined The Daily Show team 2015 as a correspondent.

Four days ago, he appeared as the guest host for the first time.

“I am Ronny Chieng, and I am guest hosting for one day only. Dreams do come true.

“I just want to thank the network for believing in me for 23 minutes only,” he deadpanned.

On Friday, the actor and stand-up comedian shared his sentiments on Facebook.

“What a dream to host @thedailyshow! Everything good that has happened to me in America is because of this show,” wrote Chieng, 38.

He also commended comedian John Oliver, whom he interviewed on the show.

“And thanks to John Oliver for all the advice over the years and for being the best guest interview I could ask for.”

The video footage of him being the guest host has had over half a million views so far.

And the praises were aplenty for him.

“If Ronny had only been born in the States, I would support his run for POTUS!” wrote @nstark1066, referring to the US presidency.

(Chieng is a Johor boy who spent years in Singapore and the United States. He studied law in Australia.)

Another commentator, Shen Poh, wrote:

“Well done! We used to go see you perform in a small Port Melbourne pub to 15 people and you’d give us your drink tickets. (You’ve) come a long way since those days, congratulations!”

Wa Tak Tau wrote: “Another new milestone! Recognition of your great talent. Congratulations.”

@MK-jn9uu wanted to see more of Chieng.

“Why doesn’t he have a larger segment, let alone his own show? He consistently gets the most views.”

@patrickdgarez86 was impressed too, saying:

“If Ronny became the permanent host, I would return as a regular viewer. Without denigrating any of the other hosts, this gentleman is on another level of delicious stinging sarcasm and polished, intelligent, delivery.

“I spent 20 formative years in Singapore as an expat, so am a little biased. Mr Chieng is a perfect fit.”

@laurenbain1629 posted “Ronny needs to host more!” while @judevector echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Please, please, all we want is more of Ronny.”

Besides his success as a comedian, Chieng has also had several acting roles including in Crazy Rich Asians and Marvel’s Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings.

In 2017, Chieng starred in the sitcom Ronny Chieng: International Student, based on his own experience as a Malaysian student in Australia.

He holds a degree in commerce as well as a degree in law, but decided to do stand up comedy after practising law for a few months.