SINGER-actress Chen Meixin won Newcomer of the Year the day the pilot episode of Guandong Master was aired nationwide on China Central Television.
The serial created a brief stir last year, when its director, acclaimed comedian-turned-filmmaker Zhao Benshan, picked the 22-year-old newcomer over more established artistes in mainland China for the coveted lead role.
The 45-episode drama has been named by news portal China.com.cn as one of the top 10 hotly anticipated television series this year.
Benshan, in an interview with the Chinese media, said he looked forward to it 'topping viewership ratings' and added that 'a sequel is definitely possible'.
With Guandong Master now reaching millions of households in China and our Flame Award in her bag, who can blame Meixin for being over the moon?
'I'm so happy,' said the Singaporean, sounding jubilant on the phone.
'When I first heard that I was nominated, I was very excited and announced it via my MSN tagline, also on my blog.
'I have to thank everyone who SMSed and voted for me, and of course The NewPaper.'
Hours after this interview, she was to fly to Beijing and Shenyang for promotional work on Guandong Master.
'Career-wise, the China market has given me a lot of opportunities and I will continue taking them up if they come my way,' she said.
'However, Singapore is still, and will be, my home, so I will not relocate. I might have to do a lot of travelling to and fro, but that's okay.'
Although Meixin disappeared from local television for some time, viewers may remember her for her supporting role in the Channel 8 drama Dear Son-In-Law (which aired in October 2007), as well as her wacky co-host stint with Jeff Wang in the variety programme Way To Go.
'It would be great if I have the chance to act in a local production again,' she said.
'Also, I'm working on my full-length album with musician Lee Wei Song and other local music teachers. If all goes well, it will be released later this year.'
This article was first published in The New Paper on Jan 27, 2009.
