MEET Singapore's 'Golden Flower' - Chen Meixin.

The pixie-sized, 22-year-old actress has been handpicked by Guangxi TV, the state television station of Guangxi Province.

Her role?

As Singapore's representative, she has the all-important task of introducing our country to the mainland Chinese.

In conjunction with the 6th China-Asean Expo, which will be held in Nanning City, Guangxi, in October this year, Guangxi TV is specially producing a programme titled The Search For Golden Flowers, which will focus on each of the 10 Asean nations.

Every Asean member country will have a 'Jin Hua' (Golden Flower in Chinese, meaning a dashing, beautiful girl), who will play tour guide and take viewers on a visual journey of unique sights and sounds, culinary attractions and cultural aspects of the locale.

Meixin, who won The New Paper Flame Awards' Newcomer of The Year title in January, was the producers' unanimous pick for Singapore.

Speaking to The New Paper at the Singapore Flyer, where she was recording a segment for the programme, the bubbly lass did not hide her excitement at being the selected one.

'It's a great feeling to be able to introduce my home country to so many viewers in China,' said Meixin.

'I'm really looking forward to the preparation work ahead, like the opportunity to learn the traditional forms of Malay and Indian dance.'

Besides the Singapore Flyer, other places of interest that will be filmed include Clarke Quay's bustling night scene as well as the idyllic Hort Park off Alexandra Road.

The Search For Golden Flowers will make its television debut in mid-May and is projected to draw at least 600 million viewers.

Mainland Chinese won't find Meixin entirely unfamiliar.

Last year, acclaimed comedian-turned-filmmaker Zhao Benshan raised eyebrows when he picked her over more established artistes for the coveted female lead role in his hotly-anticipated drama series Guangdong Master.

Since the 45-episode series began airing in January, Meixin has received much attention.

She admits that when she walks on the streets of Guangxi now, 'I do get recognised from time to time'.

'However, I feel I still have many areas to improve upon as an actress,' she added.

Big time?

'I wouldn't say I have hit the big time yet, but it's nice when people notice me from the show (Guangdong Master) and know I'm 'the girl from Singapore'.'

Aside from being Singapore's 'Golden Flower', Meixin was also recently unveiled as the new spokesman for watch company City Chain Singapore.

Ms Tanya Sng, advertising and promotions manager of City Chain Singapore, said: 'We picked Meixin because of her increasing popularity, especially in China. She's definitely an up-and-coming actress to watch out for.

'Also, her sweet, friendly image is very much in line with City Chain's. We hope to appeal to the young and hip.'

Meixin will endorse the brand for a year, across all 36 outlets in Singapore.

The happy actress said this was her 'first major endorsement'.

Her previous advertisement was for local doughnut outlet Munchy Donut.

This article was first published in The New Paper.