Shirli Ling Biography: Age, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Business

Ling Shir Li, famously known as Shirli Ling, is a Singaporean actress, influencer, and businesswoman known for her role as Chow Ai Lian in Jack Neo’s 2022 comedy film Ah Girls Go Army.

A mother of five and grandmother at 34, Ling has garnered attention for her candid social media presence, where she shares insights into her personal life, parenting philosophy, and culinary ventures.

Profile

• Full Name: Ling Shir Li
• Stage Name: Shirli Ling
• Born: 15, July 1988
• Age: 37 years old
• Birthplace: Singapore
• Nationality: Singaporean
• Occupation: Actress, Influencer, Businesswoman
• Height: 1.63m
• Parents: Mr. Ling and Mrs. Ling
• Siblings: One sister
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: 5
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.2 million

Early Life and Education

Ling Shir Li, known as Shirli Ling, was born on July 15, 1988, in Singapore to Mr. Ling and Mrs. Ling. She grew up alongside a sister who now manages a second hotpot stall.

Ling’s early life was marked by challenges, including becoming a mother at 17 and dropping out of school to support her family. Specific details about her educational background are not publicly available, as her focus shifted early to work and parenting.

Of Chinese descent, Ling’s religious beliefs are not disclosed, reflecting her preference for privacy in certain aspects of her life.

Career

Shirli Ling began her professional journey outside entertainment, working as a nightclub dancer-singer and cosmetics salesperson while raising her children. For six years, she took on extra roles as a calefare, hoping to break into acting.

In 2019, she auditioned for Mediacorp’s Star Search but was rejected, prompting her to focus on her hawker business, 8889 Chicken Hotpot, which she opened to gain financial stability. Her persistence paid off when she landed a role in Jack Neo’s Ah Girls Go Army (2022) after an online audition, despite exceeding the age limit.

Playing the tattooed recruit Chow Ai Lian, Ling’s performance in the military comedy spin-off of Ah Boys to Men marked her acting debut and brought her initial recognition.

Ling’s entrepreneurial ventures flourished alongside her acting career. Her chicken hotpot stall at Ang Mo Kio, offering flavors like mala, herbal, and collagen, gained popularity, with a second stall operated by her sister at Bukit Batok.

By 2022, she was exploring franchising opportunities to expand her business, which once moved up to 50 kampung chickens daily before the pandemic impacted sales. Her role in Ah Girls Go Army boosted her visibility, and she leveraged her 20,000+ Instagram followers to share food vlogs and lifestyle content, establishing herself as an influencer.

In 2025, she starred in the film Provocative, further solidifying her presence in Singapore’s entertainment scene.

Shirli Ling remains a multifaceted figure, balancing her roles as an actress, influencer, and businesswoman. Her YouTube channel features food content, showcasing her culinary passion, while her Instagram videos offer candid reflections on parenting and personal growth.

Despite closing three F&B stalls recently, Ling’s resilience shines through as she plans to legally adopt her daughter to secure inheritance rights, a process she discussed publicly in 2025. Her openness about her life, including becoming a grandmother at 34, has sparked widespread discussion, cementing her influence as a relatable and inspiring figure in Singapore’s cultural landscape.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @shirli_ling

Personal Life

Shirli Ling has been married three times and is currently in a stable marriage with her husband, a field engineer, for over a decade. She has five children—two sons and three daughters from four different partners.

Her first marriage at 17 ended due to financial struggles, and her third relationship involved domestic violence, leading to a legal battle for child support for her fourth child. Ling became a grandmother at 34 when her eldest son, then 17, welcomed a child.

She advocates for guiding her children with love and responsibility, sharing her experiences openly on social media. Despite past hardships, including supporting her family as a single mother, Ling remains dedicated to her children and her hotpot business.

Filmography

• Ah Girls Go Army (2022)
• Provocative (2025)

Net Worth

Shirli Ling has an estimated net worth of $1.2 million. Her primary income sources include her acting roles, notably in Ah Girls Go Army and Provocative, and her business, 8889 Chicken Hotpot, which has faced challenges but remains a key revenue stream.