Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan wanted in Singapore for missing national service

Kevin Kwan could face up to three years in prison

Actor Henry Golding, actress Constance Wu, and Kevin Kwan at the LA premiere of Crazy Rich Asians (Getty)

The author of best-selling novel Crazy Rich Asians – which was recently adapted to the big screen – is wanted in his birth country of Singapore after allegedly defaulting from compulsory military service.

The country’s Ministry of Defence claims Kevin Kwan, who moved to the United States at 11 with his family, failed to register for national service in 1990 despite letters being sent to an overseas address.

The Ministry said in a statement to CNN: “In 1994, his application and subsequent appeal to renounce his Singapore citizenship without serving National Service (NS) were rejected. Mr Kwan has committed offenses under the Enlistment Act, and is liable to a fine of up to $10,000 (£5,685) and/or imprisonment of up to three years upon conviction.”

Kwan did not attend the Crazy Rich Asians premiere in Singapore earlier this week despite acting as executive producer on the movie adaptation. Other Singaporean members of the cast were in attendance.

Singapore law states that all male citizens must complete service in one of the country’s uniformed branches – Armed Forces, Civil Defence Force, or police – unless given exemption when aged 18.

Kwan has not responded to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Crazy Rich Asians has been a phenomenal success abroad, grossing $35.2 million (£27.4 million) in its first five days at the US box-office. The adaptation stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, and Ken Jeong.