Kevin Kwan: The Author Who Made Asia Shine
- Janeth
- May 11
- 2 min read
Kevin Kwan, the Singaporean-American author, captivated the world with his novels: Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, and Rich People Problems. What began as a satire has transformed into a collection of highly relatable anecdotes that resonate with many Asians, regardless of their wealth.
Early Life
Kevin Kwan was born in Singapore in the ’70s, the youngest of three boys in a well-to-do Chinese family. His family tree is filled with professionals who made significant contributions in their fields. Growing up, Kwan lived with his paternal grandparents and attended the Anglo-Chinese School. When he was 11, his family moved to Clear Lake, Texas.
Education and Career Beginnings
After finishing high school at Clear Lake, Kwan went on to the University of Houston where he earned a BA in Media Studies. He then moved to New York to pursue a BFA in Photography at the Parsons School of Design. In New York, Kwan worked for notable publications like Interview Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, and M&Co.
Inspiration for Writing
In 2009, Kwan began contemplating writing a book, inspired by his father, who was battling cancer at the time. During medical appointments, they reminisced about their days in Singapore, and Kwan started jotting down these memories. Encouraged by friends to share his unique perspective as an Asian with a Westernized view of Singapore, Kwan penned Crazy Rich Asians.
The Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy
Published in 2013, Crazy Rich Asians is the first book in a trilogy. Drawing from his childhood experiences in Singapore, the novel centers on a couple from Chinese high society and their extravagant wedding preparations. Kwan aimed to introduce contemporary Asia to North American readers through this story.
The trilogy continued with China Rich Girlfriend (2015) and Rich People Problems (2017). Kwan’s books are filled with characters inspired by real people he’s encountered, offering a glimpse into the lives of Asian aristocracy.
Film Adaptation and Success
In 2018, Crazy Rich Asians was adapted into a film, catapulting Kwan and his trilogy into the spotlight. The movie featured Constance Wu and Henry Golding, along with a predominantly Asian cast. It was the first modern-era film with a mostly Asian American cast since The Joy Luck Club (1993). The film’s success led Warner Bros. to confirm a sequel.
Currently, the film boasts a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its casting, technical execution, relatability to Asian viewers, and effective use of the rom-com formula.
Future Plans
Kevin Kwan now resides in Manhattan but is touring for his trilogy. He plans to shift his focus from writing novels to creating television shows in the future.
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