SINGAPORE - Actress Yvonne Lim, 37, has gotten engaged to her boyfriend, former Taiwanese boyband member, Alex Tien, 34.

According to the Shin Min Daily News, the surprise proposal came during Lim's cover photoshoot for Nuyou magazine in Singapore early this month.

Mid-way through the shoot, Tien got down on one knee and pulled out a diamond engagement ring, leaving Lim flabbergasted and in tears.

The usually reserved actress said she did not know how to react to the sudden proposal.

"It was so unexpected, I felt very 'pai seh' (embarrassed) at first, why did it have to be in front of so many people?" said the petite actress while laughing.

"As you know I've always been low-key and shy, and then so many people saw me burst into tears... But I felt really happy, there were a lot of emotions running through me at that moment."

Their relationship was exposed by Taiwanese media just two weeks ago, when paparazzi caught the pair holding hands and embracing while leaving Tien's home in Taiwan.

Describing Lim as a "mature and well-known Singaporean actress," the reports alleged that the couple were cohabiting.

However, as early as January, Shin Min Daily News reported that the couple were already captured in Instagram photos together with friends in Singapore.

Tien, a member of Taiwanese boyband B.A.D in the early noughties, was previously married to Taiwanese model Sharon Xu. They tied the knot in 2009 but separated in November 2012, according to media reports.

Many failed relationships

Shin Min Daily News also reported that Lim had opened up on a television talkshow a few years ago, sharing about her many relationship heartaches.

Lim was once engaged to be married, but her cheating fiance later backed out of the wedding. The betrayal led to an emotional breakdown, with Lim developing insomnia. She revealed to The New Paper that she was even suicidal at one point.

However, things have since changed since meeting Tien, whom Lim says has made her believe in love again.

"He is very sweet. When I'm busy filming, he will fly over to accompany me. And on Valentine's Day, even though we are in different countries, he still sent me flowers."

As for their wedding plans, Lim says they have not discussed it yet.

Said the actress: "I'm still in a state of shock, everything happened so quickly. And immediately after he proposed, I started filming a new drama. He is also busy with his business, so we have not had time to sit down and plan for a wedding."

But Lim indicated that they may not hold a wedding dinner in both Singapore and Taiwan, although it will depend on her fiance's wishes, as well as what both families want.

To fans who wonder if Lim's career will now be diverted to Taiwan instead, Lim says it is "not likely".

"He (Tien) is open-minded in this area, and has always encouraged me to do what I love."

"When I'm filming, it can take up to two or three months at a time. So we have to adjust to each other's schedule. He has many relatives and friends in Singapore, so it has not been a problem so far."

What about plans for kids in the future?

Lim told Shin Min that they both love children and would love to raise a family of their own, but they will "let nature take its course".

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