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

Balancing high on a ladder against the city skyline, Jonathan Goh looks every bit the seasoned street performer. — Picture via Instagram/tranceonfire

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 05 Oct 2026 2:50 PM MYT

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.

Goh’s fascination with circus arts began at 11, after watching a fire spinning act. 

He dreamt of formal training while still in secondary school but chose to perform full time instead. Then, the Covid-19 pandemic came and disrupted his career, pushing him to take “a leap of faith” by enrolling in London, despite annual overseas fees of about £18,000 (RM97,167).

As co-chairman of Buskers’ Association Singapore, Goh said his income now ranges between S$6,000 (RM19,129) and S$12,000 a month. Not bad for someone who spends his time balancing ladders and juggling rings. 

He laughed that the question he hears most often is, “Can earn money, meh?” But once people find out what he actually pockets, the scepticism usually vanishes.

According to Goh, student life was demanding, and to make ends meet he performed at Covent Garden, earning between £200 and £400 a week. He also took his act to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe during summer breaks, while winters saw him return to Singapore to perform instead.

Today, he credits the intensive training with sharpening his skills across disciplines including trapeze, aerial and Chinese pole, teeter board, and juggling. For him, the degree was not just about recognition but about refining a craft that continues to draw audiences.