S'pore navy video goes viral with 30 million views on TikTok, cop 'aura farming' while on NDP duty

A video by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has gone viral on TikTok, garnering 30 million views and counting since it was uploaded on July 16.

The 14-second video shows servicemen on the deck of a naval ship performing the viral "aura farming" dance and includes footage of the 11-year-old Indonesian boy who inspired the trend.

The caption read: "MSRV Protector sailing out #DefendingOurEveryday and harvesting some sea-riously good auras - it does take great teamwork to keep our ships moving and ensuring that they are in high readiness."

MSRV stands for maritime security and response vessel.

In response to a Stomp query, an RSN spokesperson said: "Thank you for taking an interest in the RSN and the work that we do.

"The RSN is always looking for engaging ways to share about our sailors' work and their lives in the Navy.

"In this case, we were excited to share our version of aura farming as there is a strong connection to the seas as well as the teamwork required of our crews."

The video was recorded at Changi Naval Base as MSRV Protector was sailing out for exercise and produced on July 15.

This "aura farming" trend was inspired by a viral clip of Rayyan Arkan Dikha, 11, in sunglasses dancing while balancing on a moving canoe during a 2024 boat race in Riau, Sumatra. His feat came to define "aura farming", a term which means doing something to look cool or "badass".

Also hopping on the bandwagon - or boat, as it were - are the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

On July 18, SPF posted on social media a video of a police officer apparently "aura farming while on NDP duty" directing people on Jubilee Bridge next to Marina Bay.

The caption read: "+60 aura points for following crowd measures."

He might not be on a boat, but he was close to the water at least.