LIKE any other girl, Taiwanese indigenous songbird Rachel Liang had a clear idea of the sort of soulmate she wanted, or so she thought.

"I love a man who can sing well. How can a girl resist when a man serenades her," declared the singer with a laugh.

"When I was little, I used to think my boyfriend should be a tribesman. Because I grew up in the mountains and all the men were the strong and healthy courageous sort who could hunt and swim and give me a wonderful sense of security.

"Then, when I went to Taipei and embarked on an entertainment career. I also expanded my social circle and that made me realise that my ideal life partner need not be a tribesman. I felt it was better not to date another singer as things may get too complicated.

"Now I've reached another stage in my life, where I don't bother about any criteria. It doesn't matter to me even if he is a singer. I feel that an occupation cannot determine a person's character. We've got to get to know each other before we take things further."

Unlike some artistes who say they are too busy for love, Liang, thinks otherwise. "You can still take calls in a car when travelling. But, I would put a lot of effort into making a relationship work.

Known in Mandopop circles as Liang Wen Yin, the pretty lass whose real name is Lehea'ne is from Taiwan's aboriginal Rukai tribe. She was born in Kaohsiung County.

Looking adorable in a cute scarlet dress with matching leggings, the bubbly lass had a warm smile for everyone. She was in Kuala Lumpur recently to plug the repackaged version of her latest album, Soulmate, released in April this year. It is her third album after Love Poem and Love Always Exists.

After the press conference, she conducted a showcase to promote the album. "If you are not sure, just come and listen to me sing before buying my album. I've met fans who bought a whole stack of CDs, not knowing who to share them with. I'd rather people actually get the message I'm trying to convey before buying my album. "

Soulmate comes with a 10-track CD and a DVD with five music videos that include the filming of her music video for Yi Bai Wan Zhong Qing Wen (A Million Types Of Kisses).

"Unlike my previous two albums, this time I worked with different musicians and producers," said the 24-year-old Liang, who is ready to move out of her comfort zone.

Enjoying her newfound dance skills, Liang delighted her fans by dancing at her concert in Taiwan. "I really enjoy dancing and I've been taking lessons, so I look forward to becoming a performer who can both sing and dance. It's just that my current albums have not presented such an opportunity. But, it's different for concerts as we've got to put up a more eye-catching performance." Liang who has already staged a mini-concert in Singapore, said she hopes to perform in Malaysia soon.

She also hopes to write her own songs and play musical instruments while she sings, but added that she is not the type to rush into things blindly. "My forte is ballads. I know my strengths, so I hope to take things slowly. I like to be well-prepared although I've also come to realise that perfection is not crucial. Sometimes a little slip-up here and there can send fans into a screaming frenzy!"

Liang who has been appointed Taipei Tourism Ambassador, was also in Kuala Lumpur during the MATTA Fair in August to promote tours to Taipei.

Liang said she was initially surprised by the appointment but enjoyed her role as tourism ambassador.

"I love to travel and have fun and I truly enjoy life. Often, I'd make plans to visit places right after work, whether it's a trip to a music show or a visit to the hot springs. There are always creative and artistic events happening in and around Taipei, so you never have to worry about having nothing to do when you are there."

The sweet-natured singer got her break after she was named the first runner up in Taiwanese reality TV singing competition One Million Star Season 2 in 2007. She then dabbled in some acting, notably in the 2008 Taiwanese box-office hit Cape No.7, Taiwan's highest grossing domestic film which swept six awards at Taiwan's 2008 Golden Horse Awards. She has also acted in TV series like Roseate Love (2009) and Happy Together (2009).