22-Yr-Old NTU Student Buys Mercedes-Benz As First Car, Says His Businesses Helped Pay For It

Most university students in Singapore probably check their bus app to see if they will be on time for class.

Rayyan Afiq, on the hand, zips around campus in his aqua-blue Mercedes-Benz.

Yes, the 22-year-old makeup influencer, better known online as Rayyan Roulette on TikTok and Instagram already has his own Mercedes.

And here's another surprising detail. He only got his driving licence about a month before showing off his car.

Rayyan, who previously studied Mass Communication at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, is currently pursuing a business degree at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

In a recent episode of Booty Call, hosted by Class 95 DJs The Muttons, Justin Ang and Vernon A, Rayyan was asked the question many Singaporeans would probably have.

How on earth does someone his age afford a Mercedes-Benz?

"Wah! I think it's because I started being on social media when I was really young. Throughout my journey, I also started a few companies that thankfully were profitable," he explained.

It is unclear what model Rayyan owns, but according to SG Car Mart, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon can cost up to 220K without COE.

And it turns out Rayyan hasn't just been making money from posting makeup videos.

He started a nightlife business before running a marketing agency

Before becoming a marketing agency founder, Rayyan had already ventured into the nightlife business.

Together with a business partner, he co-founded Afterlife, an events company that organised nightlife and entertainment events.

The venture reportedly enjoyed a strong start, with some events generating as much as S$40,000 in revenue in a single night.

Not bad for someone who was still in his teens or early 20s.

But business reportedly slowed during quieter periods, particularly at the start of the year when people were spending less on nights out.

Rayyan and his business partner subsequently moved into marketing, initially operating under the name EO Collective before developing the business into AIKO Collective.

The company now provides services including social media marketing, content creation, public relations and talent management.

But while his successful ventures have helped him get to where he is today, Rayyan admits there were plenty of attempts that didn't work out.

"I only talk about the businesses that were successful, but I started so many that failed as well," he shared.

His advice to other young Singaporeans hoping to start a business?

"My mum always tells me, when you are young, just try anything. So if you are entrepreneurial and you really want to start something, just try everything and then maybe you will land on something that works,” he shared.

Of course, being able to afford a car is one thing. Choosing a Mercedes-Benz as your first car is another.

Apparently, his dad had quite a bit of influence.

"I was asking my dad what car I should get, and he was saying, 'Okay, once you drive a continental car, you cannot go back,'" Rayyan recalled.

And after trying a Mercedes, he understood what his dad meant.

"I drove a Mercedes and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I cannot go back to a Hyundai!' Nothing wrong with a Hyundai, by the way!" he laughed.

Pops also had some rather strong opinions about other German car brands.

"My dad told me, 'Don't ever buy an Audi or a BMW because those are super unreliable,'" Rayyan shared.

Umm… BMW and Audi owners might have something to say about that.

And because a regular Mercedes apparently wasn't quite enough, Rayyan decided to give his car a makeover.

The influencer revealed that its custom colour was done by Cheng Chuan Motor Services.

Initially, he'd wanted the car to be green.

But after looking at the available shades, he decided they weren't quite what he had in mind.

"At this point of my life right now, I want it to be poppin', you know?" he explained.

When Justin wanted to know how much the custom colour cost, Rayyan gave an embarrassed laugh and went, "I don't know leh, I got it sponsored.”

And if you're wondering whether Rayyan has made any modifications to improve the car's performance, well, not exactly.

When Justin pointed out that his modifications seemed to be purely aesthetic, Rayyan readily agreed.

"Yaaa... I need my car to be pretty," he drawled.

But perhaps the funniest detail about his new ride was something considerably less glamorous.

The P-plate. When Justin pointed it out, Rayyan had a rather dramatic reaction.

"Oh, it's so ugly! Guys, I actually just got my licence, like, last month," he admitted.

And judging from his reaction, the P-plate might just be the one car accessory he can't wait to get rid of.