Rebecca Lim
Horoscope: Libra
Age: 20
School: SMU Accountancy
Status: Single

You've recently been spotted on TV as the "spokeswoman" for the upcoming Miss Singapore Universe pageant. How did you end up signing up for the 2005 pageant? Did you ever imagine it would end up taking you this far?

I took part in an inter-JC pageant. The organisers [of that pageant] asked a few of us who met the height requirement to go for the Miss Singapore Universe audition.

I went purely for fun, honestly. I had 8 months of holidays, so I just wanted to try it out. I was initially quite apprehensive about attending the audition, but my brother encouraged me to go. Even throughout the semi-finals and finals, I was in it for the fun of it. But… it turned out better than expected!

You were one of the cover girls for 8 Days' annual swimsuit issue. How easy/difficult was that for you?

I felt quite uncomfortable at first, because I don't really have a "swimsuit body". It took a while to get warmed up. After the first day of the photoshoot, we had a chance to review the photos taken. Mine were quite bad, so I told myself, "I have to buck up!" and it was much better from the second day on because I got more confident and comfortable posing in bikinis and I told myself, "Hey, this is work! Got to focus and do well!" I wouldn't want ugly pictures of myself on the magazine either!

Have you always wanted to be a Mediacorp artiste, or is your current status a case of seizing an opportunity?

In a way, it has always been a childhood fantasy of mine. When I was younger, I would look at magazines and wished that I was the one on the cover. However, I was a chubby kid then, so I didn't really dare to dream of becoming a model. Eventually, I lost all my puppy fat and jumped on the opportunities that came along. Having said that, I also wanted to be a doctor.

So, what's a sweet young thing like you doing in the notoriously cut-throat entertainment industry?

The people in Mediacorp tells me that the industry in Singapore is quite "clean", compared to Hong Kong or China. For me, it has been a fun experience and I guess it's ok as long as I don't get influenced in the negative way. For example, if the people around you smoke, you shouldn't end up becoming a smoker. If you are backstabbed, you shouldn't be backstabbing for revenge. It probably happens in every workplace. So I just do my work!

You're in Accountancy, not exactly an easy course to go through. How do you juggle between acting and school?

I'm blessed that I have a group of close friends in school. If I miss lessons due to work, they'll help me collect my notes and teach me stuff. I try to stay home on weekends to study instead of going out. Sometimes it's hard to do that when my mind's not really focused! I also try to pay attention during lectures by switching off my laptop so that I don't end up surfing the net instead of paying attention.

We hear you're a Muay Thai exponent. How did you get started in that?

I heard it was a very good cardiovascular workout. It's not exactly a sport most girls would go for; I was the only girl in the class, so I boxed all the guys! The physical training was quite demanding, so I got a very good workout.

If you are going on a holiday:

a. Where would you go?
b. What book and what CD would you bring?
c. If you could bring only one companion, who would it be?

a. I'd probably go to Venice. I studied English Literature in secondary school, and we did "The Merchant of Venice". It looks like a nice place… very romantic. I like romantic, scenic places.

b. I'd bring my Bible. If I'm there on my own, I'd have lots of time to myself, and Venice has lots of nice churches, so I'd just soak in the atmosphere. I'd bring my MP3 player because it contains all my favourite songs. I like The Eagles and Collin Raye.

c. My sister. The two of us are close, and we've always wanted to go on a holiday by ourselves.

What superpower would you like to have?

I'd like to have the power to stop time, so that I can catch up on my work!

What do you hope for in 2007?

I hope to get more exposure on TV, whether from English or Mandarin-speaking roles. I'd also like to get "meatier" roles. Academically, I'd like to be more disciplined.

Will we be seeing more of you in the coming year?

I hope so! Actually, there's a Mandarin sitcom coming out at the end of February. I'll be in it, but it's a very small role.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Hopefully, I'll still be working in Mediacorp… hopefully they'll still want me! It'd be too early to get married, so in 5 years time I'll probably just be working. I don't know what kind of work I'll be doing though. I'll just take things as they come.

If you were looking for a guy, what would your personal ad be?

"Traditional girl looking for a humourous Christian guy who's good to his family, and who will be good to mine. Must like dogs and children."

3 words to describe yourself.

Old-fashioned. Hardworking. Funny.