Girl on fire

“Since young, I’ve always been daydreaming of becoming a star. My mindset was that if I failed my studies, I’d just become an actress. My parents were so exasperated and often scolded me!” recalls Ya Hui with a chuckle.

Although the 30-year-old rising star didn’t become a dropout, she did make good on her dreams—somewhat. She competed in the 2007 Star Search competition and won the Miss Telegenic title, and thereafter came a slew of supporting roles, including several that required her to put on a fat suit, bleach her tresses, and act as a Chinese vampire. While she has yet to land her first lead role even as this year marks her 10th year in showbiz, the starlet remains determined. One of her biggest roles to date is that of down-to-earth wanton mee seller, Hong Jinzhi, in long-form Channel 8 drama 118—a character she’s played since 2014. She’ll do whatever it takes to get her breakthrough role—shy of doffing her clothes. Phew.

To be honest, we think the sweet-as-pie persona suits her best. From her youthful mien to her bright smile, Ya Hui oozes naivete from every pore. She was named one of the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes at this year’s Star Awards, so she must be doing something right. Observing her interview, Ya Hui throws a longing final look at them and laments: “You see? I can’t have pets. When I play with them for even half a day, I’ll develop feelings for them already. My weak heart can’t take it.”