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Rui En
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Rui En (born Loh Rui En on 29 January 1981) is a Singaporean actress, singer and host and was once managed by Hype Records.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Rui En was born on 29 January 1981. Her father worked as a property agent, and her mother is a housewife.[1] Her parents divorced when she was 17; her father remarried three years later, and her mother remarried in 2007.[2] While growing up, she shared in a 2008 The Straits Times interview, she used to smoke and drink socially to cope with the insecurity and instability she felt from her broken home, and after quitting ballet as a co-curricular activity (CCA) in secondary school.[2] She subsequently kicked the habit in 2004.[2]
Rui En studied at Singapore Chinese Girls' School for both her primary and secondary education, and subsequently at Raffles Junior College (RJC).[2][3] She graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a Bachelor of Business in 2004.[3]
Career
[edit]Modelling and music career
[edit]Rui En first started modelling after she completed her A Levels in RJC in 1999, and was managed by Phantom Management.[4] In 2001, she was featured in a SingTel ad which propelled her into the limelight and earned her a feature in Singapore's edition of FHM.[4] She subsequently signed on with Hype Records's subsidiary, Artistes Network.[2][5][6]
Rui En ventured into Taiwan in 2002 with the stage name 芮恩 (pinyin: Ruì'ēn). She made her first appearance as the female lead in label mate Jay Chou's music video for "Secret Code" and went on to co-endorse Panasonic GD68 with him.[7] Rui En subsequently released her debut regional Chinese album, Rui Σn vol. 01, in the same year under the co-production of Hype Records and Alfa Music.[8] Chou composed the song White Feather (白色羽毛) which was released in her debut album, Rui Σn vol. 01.[7]
Rui En was nominated as the Best Local Singer in the Singapore Hits Awards 2003 and was selected alongside Taufik Batisah to perform both the English and Mandarin versions of the 2005 National Day Parade's theme song, Reach Out for the Skies.[9]
After a six years' break, Rui En released her second Chinese album in late 2008 under Hype Records, titled United Nations.[9] This album was only released in Singapore, with all lyrics penned by Rui En herself. Since then, she resumed the use of her original name, 瑞恩. In April 2009, Rui En was invited to perform at Singapore Day 2009 at London's Hampton Court Palace, a yearly event organised by the Overseas Singaporean Unit in the Prime Minister's Office to engage overseas Singaporeans.[10]
Acting career
[edit]Rui En made her acting debut in MediaCorp drama, No Problem, in 2002. She landed her first leading role in 2005, with A Promise for Tomorrow. In the following year, she was identified as one of the most promising young actresses in the Singapore Entertainment Industry by local entertainment magazine I-Weekly and was hence labelled as one of the Seven Princesses of Mediacorp.[11]
In 2004, Rui En took over Steph Song's role in the English sitcom Achar! for the second season after Song left the series after falling out with the male lead, Jas Arora.[12] However, after reviewing her performance in that sitcom, Rui En felt that she was acting just for fame and popularity as a clutch to her broken family situation. Thereafter, in addition to quitting smoking and drinking, she decided to stop taking up roles that require kissing and/or intimate scenes. Thus despite being nominated for the Best Newcomer Award in 2004's Star Awards, she was limited in the choice of roles she could take on.[2]
In March 2008, Rui En was involved in a high-profile rejection of the role as an ambitious businesswoman struggling with mental illness in The Defining Moment, which subsequently went to Fann Wong instead.[13] She was reported to have rejected the role due to a rape scene in the script as part of her stance against revealing, kissing or intimate scenes[13] and has been criticised by some as unprofessional.[who?] She is reported to have been blacklisted by some producers after this role-rejection incident.[2] After playing a social service worker and AIDS patient in By My Side in 2008, Rui En started to gain recognition, winning one of the eight 'Top 8 Likable Female Lead Characters' awards with her only production that year.
In 2010, Rui En was labelled as one of the 10 Faces to watch in 2010 by MediaCorp's Buzz.[14] Rui En also won several awards for the characters she portrayed, for instance her role as Zhang Luoyun in My School Daze which emerged as the 'Top 10 Favourite Female Characters' in Star Awards 2010, and Lin Jiaqi in The Dream Catchers which emerged as the 'Top 5 Favourite Female Characters'.[15]
In 2011, Rui En re-iterated her stance against revealing, kissing or intimate scenes after interviews for On the Fringe implied that Rui En had filmed a rape scene for the show.[16] Rui En clarified that the so called rape scenes only consisted of her being drugged and was brushed on the hair and face.[16] Rui En won the 'Most Favourite Female Character' award[17] with her role as Yang Xiaodong in Happy Family.[18] Rui En was also credited for her outstanding performance in portraying a widow in With You, winning the 'Best Actress' award in Star Awards 2011.[19]
Rui En was awarded the 'Best Actress in Leading Role'[20] at the 2012 Asian Television Awards, for her role as a tough cop in crime drama Unriddle 2.[21] She went on to win her third acting award in the following year at the Star Awards 2013 for the same role in Unriddle 2, earning her second 'Best Actress Award' at Star Awards. In 2013, Rui En was appointed the spokesperson for L'Oréal Paris Youth Code, making her the first Singaporean spokesperson for the international cosmetics brand.[22]
In addition to her roles in dramas, Rui En has starred in a three-part docudrama produced by Channel NewsAsia, as one of Singapore's pioneer painters, Georgette Chen. The English-language series, which was also adapted into Mandarin, aired on Channel NewsAsia, MediaCorp Channel 5 and MediaCorp Channel 8 in April 2015.[23]
In 2016, Rui En gained seven kilograms for her role as a housewife in If Only I Could[24][25] and was fat shamed afterwards.[9] She spoke out against fat shaming in 2017.[26]
Rui En received the All-Time Favourite Artiste award in the Star Awards 2016 after winning the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes award from 2005 to 2016 respectively with Qi Yuwu.
In 2021, Rui En left Artistes Network.[27]
Personal life
[edit]Rui En revealed in an interview that her parents divorced when she was 17.[9]
In January 2016, Rui En was also involved in a hit and run accident. There were no casualties involved, and both parties agreed to make a private settlement.[28]
On 13 April 2016, Rui En was involved in a car accident entering a carpark near her home when her car knocked over a stationary motorcycle. On 14 April, it was reported that Rui En was assisting the police with investigations into the accident.[29] She subsequently apologised and responded with an official statement regarding the accident.[30][31] The owner of the motorcycle accepted Rui En's apology through Wanbao on 15 April.[32] For this incident, Rui En was fined S$700.[28]
Community work
[edit]Rui En is the theme song singer for The Community Chest of Singapore. The song, titled "Listen to Your Heart", has been released in the form of EP in years 2003 and 2009.[citation needed]
She is also a regular volunteer at "Beyond Social Services".[33][34] She has also volunteered for several children welfare organizations. Notably, in 2016, she volunteered her services together with her fan club to commemorate their 9th anniversary.[citation needed]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Sense of Home: Kampung Kid | Caroline | Telemovie | |
| 2019 | Old Is Gold: The Bliss Keeper (老友万岁之守护幸福) | Han Xinxin | Telemovie |
Television series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | No Problem! (考试家族) | Jessica | ||
| 2003 | Chemistry | Rachel | [35] | |
| A Toast of Love | Angela Sun Yujia | |||
| 2004 | My Mighty-in-Laws | Li Yingying | [36] | |
| Achar! II | Stephanie | |||
| 2005 | You Are the One | Yukiko Hao Meide | ||
| Beyond The aXis of Truth II | Fang Xiuxiu | |||
| A Promise for Tomorrow | Fang Fang | |||
| High on Life | Herself | |||
| 2006 | Love at 0 °C | Sun Yixin | ||
| 2007 | Honour and Passion | Bao Wenwei | ||
| Metamorphosis | An Xiaoqian | |||
| 2008 | By My Side | Zhang Yuhang | ||
| 2009 | The Dream Catchers | Lin Jiaqi | ||
| My School Daze | Isabel Teo | |||
| 2010 | Happy Family | Yang Xiaodong | ||
| With You | Ye Siqi | |||
| Unriddle | Hu Xiaoman | |||
| 2011 | A Tale of Two Cities | Zhang Yale | ||
| The In-Laws | Wang Jiazhen | |||
| Code of Honour | Ou Kelu | |||
| On the Fringe 2011 | Lin Shasha | |||
| 2012 | Unriddle 2 | Hu Xiaoman | ||
| Joys of Life | Han Yongyong | |||
| Poetic Justice | Liu Yanzhi | |||
| 2013 | C.L.I.F. 2 | Huang Zhijie | ||
| The Dream Makers | Fang Tonglin | |||
| Sudden | Cheng Chuning | |||
| 2014 | C.L.I.F. 3 | Huang Zhijie | [37] | |
| Against The Tide | Qiu Xueqing | |||
| 2015 | Life Is Beautiful | Shen Chuyi | ||
| The Journey: Our Homeland | Yang Meixue | [38] | ||
| The Dream Makers II | Fang Tonglin | [38] | ||
| The World of Georgette Chen | Georgette Chen | Three-part docudrama | [39] | |
| 2016 | If Only I Could | Chen Zhenhao | ||
| C.L.I.F. 4 | Huang Zhijie | |||
| 2017 | Have A Little Faith | Liang Sijie | [40] | |
| 2019 | Hello From The Other Side (阴错阳差) | Ma Ruyin | ||
| Old Is Gold (老友万岁) | Han Xinxin | |||
| 2020 | Mister Flower (花花公子) | Chen Huiling | ||
| 2021 | The Heartland Hero | Qiu Jingwen | [41] | |
| 2023 | Oppa, Saranghae! | Ouyang Qiqi | [42] |
Variety show
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Gotcha I | Host | Mediacorp Channel 5 | ||
| 2020 | Dare To Try (瑞恩的花花世界) | Host | MeWatch |
Discography
[edit]| Rui En discography | |
|---|---|
| Studio albums | 2 |
| Compilation albums | 2 |
| Singles | 3 |
| Music videos | 7 |
| Theme Songs | 3 |
Solo albums
[edit]- Rui Σn vol. 01 芮恩Rui Σn同名專輯 (December 2002)
- United Nations 共和國 (October 2008)
Compilations
[edit]- Morning Express VI 阳光系列6 (2003)
- This compilation album consists of Rui En's The Way To Be Happy 快乐方式 (Track 3) and Test 考验 (Track 9). The songs were released under Rui En's birth name – 卢瑞恩 (Lú Ruì'ēn).
- Celebrating 25 Years of Chinese Drama Collector's Edition 戏剧情牵25 (2007)
- This album is a Collector's Edition composed of memorable theme songs spanning across the Singapore Chinese Drama's Twenty-Five years' History. Tracks from Rui En include a remix version of "The Way To Be Happy 快乐方式" and "Unfreeze 解冻". The songs were released under Rui En's stage name – 芮恩 (Ruì'ēn).
Singles
[edit]- "Listen to Your Heart"
- This is the theme song for The Community Chest of Singapore and there are English and Mandarin versions to this song. The songs were released in the form of a Single.
- "Reach Out for the Skies (2005)"
- This is the theme song for National Day Parade, 2005 and there are English and Mandarin versions to this song. Music videos were produced for both versions.
- "Listen to Your Heart – Remix (2009)"
- A remix version of the theme song for The Community Chest of Singapore, the Mandarin track was first performed on televised charity show, TrueHearts Show 2009. The EP released in November 2009 consisted of the original tracks and the remixes in both English and Mandarin. This graphic artwork for this single was designed by Rui En's fan club, RBKD, on behalf of The Community Chest of Singapore.
- "Sky's the Limit"
- A single by Taufik Batisah featuring Rui En.
- "Numb" 麻木 (2013)
- A single by Rui En.
Drama theme songs
[edit]- Beautiful Connection – "The Way To Be Happy 快乐方式 "(2002)
- This song was nominated as Best Drama Theme Song in Star Awards 2002 and was first released in Morning Express VI. A remix version was released in Celebrating 25 Years of Chinese Drama Collector's Edition.
- No Problem! – "Test 考验" (2003)
- This is an insert song released in Morning Express VI.
- Love at 0 °C – "Unfreeze 解冻" (2006)
- This was Rui En's first set of self-penned lyrics published and also her first and only theme song for the drama she is starring in. This song is released in Celebrating 25 Years of Chinese Drama Collecter's Edition.
- By My Side – "Slow Dance 慢舞" (2008)
- This is an insert song found in Rui En's United Nations.
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Reach Out for the Skies (with Taufik Batisah) | Non-album single | Hype Records |
| 2005 | 勇敢向前飞 |
Awards and nominations
[edit]Honours
[edit]In 2007, Rui En was presented with the "Nanyang Outstanding Young People Award" by her alma mater Nanyang Technological University.[6]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Rui En celebrates turning 39 with fan club by giving back to the elderly". CNA Lifestyle. 29 January 2021. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Chen, Andy (15 December 2008). "The Monday Interview – Inside the Outsider". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 17 December 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2010 – via asianewsnet.net.
- ^ a b Ng, Yan Bo (30 April 2009). "School Daze cast troop back to the classrooms". Archived from the original on 4 May 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Run, Rui En, run!". The New Paper. 16 January 2001. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ "Artiste Networks | Hype Records". Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
- ^ a b "Lu Rui En for Nanyang Outstanding Young Alumni Award Recipient". NTU. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Did you know that Rui En was in a Jay Chou music video 15 years ago?". Stomp. 11 February 2017. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
- ^ "芮恩和師兄周杰倫不來電 歌迷不要想太多". nownews. Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
- ^ a b c d Ho, Guo Xiong (22 March 2023). "10 Things You Didn't Know About Singapore Actress Rui En". Her World. Retrieved 3 August 2025 – via The Singapore Women's Weekly.
- ^ "Overseas Singaporeans get to play their part at Singapore Day 2009". www.strategygroup.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 1 December 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
- ^ "七公主之个性女王——芮恩". I-Weekly via Xin.sg. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
- ^ Narayanan, Sheela (1 December 2004). "Ready to be served – Achar! 2". The Straits Times.
- ^ a b "新传媒年度大戏辞演风波郭蕙雯接演谢宛谕角色搭戴阳天演情侣". Lianhe Wanbao. p. 34.
- ^ "Faces to watch in 2010!". MediaCorp Buzz. Archived from the original on 15 January 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
- ^ "戴阳天白薇秀稳拿《红星大奖》"媒体最喜爱男/女艺人"奖？". xinmsn.com. Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ a b "拖瑞恩下水 抬高自己 粉丝怒斥张耀栋虚伪". Lianhe Wanbao (in Chinese (Singapore)). 31 July 2011. p. 19.
- ^ "Rui En edges over Jeanette Aw for Favourite Female Character". XinMSN. Archived from the original on 21 April 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
- ^ "Star Awards 2011: Jeanette Aw, Christopher Lee voted fave on-screen couple". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 18 April 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
- ^ "Star light, star not so bright". TODAY Online. Archived from the original on 26 April 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
- ^ "Asian Television Awards 2012 Winner List". Asian Television Awards. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Asian Television Awards 2012 Winners". Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ "Rui En The New Face For L'Oreal Paris Youth Code". styleXstyle. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
- ^ Martin, Mayo (20 June 2014). "Rui En meets Georgette Chen". MediaCorp. TODAY. Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
- ^ "Rui En gets 'dolled down' for If Only I Could". Toggle. 3 November 2015. Archived from the original on 8 November 2015. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
- ^ "瑞恩素颜"增胖"演安娣 陈邦鋆明年再攻台" (in Chinese). Toggle. 3 November 2015. Archived from the original on 5 November 2015. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
- ^ Tan, Celine (10 January 2017). "Rui En talks about body-shaming". 8days. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ Sng, Suzanne (5 August 2021). "Actress Rui En joins Instagram, leaves Artiste Networks after 20 years". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Actress Rui En fined S$700 for careless driving". TODAYonline. Archived from the original on 8 November 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
- ^ Sng, Suzanne (13 April 2016). "Channel 8 star Rui En involved in accident: Manager says it was a case of misjudgment". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
- ^ "撞车事故引关注 瑞恩：我很抱歉". wanbao.com.sg. Archived from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
- ^ "Rui En responds with official statement regarding her accident- Toggle". 8days.sg. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ "Motorcycle owner forgives Rui En, wishes her luck with Star Awards". The Straits Times. 15 April 2016. Archived from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
- ^ "Treating our children as ordinary people 25/12/2009". Beyond Social Services. Archived from the original on 8 February 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ "Knock-Knock 敲敲门: Rui En 瑞恩". Xin.sg. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
- ^ "I forgive Rui En". AsiaOne. 3 July 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Style Evolution: Rui En". TODAYonline. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ Seah, May (11 April 2014). "My awkward moment: Sora Ma". Today. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ a b "She takes lessons for opera role". AsiaOne. 11 July 2015. Archived from the original on 26 August 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
- ^ Martin, Mayo (27 April 2015). "Rui En's special moment with Van Gogh". Today. Archived from the original on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
- ^ "Rui En Is Back And She's Been Exercising Like Crazy". 8days. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ Teng, Yong Ping (1 September 2021). "Elvin Ng and Rui En are ex-convicts in 130-episode drama The Heartland Hero". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ Khoo, Yi-Hang (27 April 2023). "'It probably sounded very bad to a Korean': Cynthia Koh attempts long scolding scene entirely in Korean". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ "Star Awards 2010". TODAY. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ 林明文 (15 November 2018). "《第23届亚洲电视大奖》入围名单公布 本地演员全落选". 早报 (in Simplified Chinese). Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
- ^ Lee, Amanda (30 April 2012). "Of overdue wins and surprising snubs". Today. p. 2. Retrieved 31 October 2025 – via NewspaperSG.
- ^ "Star Awards 2014 Show 1 Winners! Predicted VS Unexpected..." InCinemas SG. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ 钟, 雁龄 (6 March 2014). "《红星》「区域最受欢迎艺人」 范文芳 刘子绚 没合约 出局！". Shin Min Daily News. pp. 10/11.
- ^ "The Dream Makers tops Star Awards 20 list with 19 nominations". TODAY. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
- ^ "Star Awards 2022: Chantalle Ng and Xu Bin nominated for Favourite CP, Top 40 Most Popular Artistes revealed". AsiaOne. 10 March 2022. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ "Star Awards 2024: All That Glitters up for the most awards, Andie Chen has double nominations". CNA Lifestyle. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Rui En
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Family background
Rui En, born Lu Rui En on January 29, 1981, in Singapore, grew up as the only child in her immediate family.[8][3] Her father worked as a property agent, while her mother was a housewife.[9] The family experienced significant upheaval when her parents divorced in 1998, shortly after Rui En turned 17; she later described them as "the most incompatible couple I have ever seen," noting their constant fighting had created an unstable home environment.[9][10] This event profoundly affected her adolescence, fostering deep feelings of insecurity, guilt, and self-blame, as she often internalized the conflicts and felt like an outsider in her own home and social circles.[9][10] In reflecting on the period, Rui En recalled withdrawing emotionally to avoid escalating tensions, which contributed to a sense of loneliness and shaped her early approach to relationships.[9]Education and early challenges
Rui En attended Singapore Chinese Girls' School for her primary and secondary education before proceeding to Raffles Junior College for pre-university studies.[9] She later enrolled at Nanyang Technological University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Business degree with a specialization in banking and finance. Despite the demands of her emerging career, she successfully graduated in 2004.[11] Growing up as the only child in a turbulent household marked by her parents' constant conflicts, Rui En experienced significant emotional instability, which intensified when her parents divorced around age 17.[10] This family breakdown contributed to feelings of insecurity and isolation, exacerbated by a sense of not fitting in at her elite schools due to socioeconomic differences.[9] In her adolescence, Rui En turned to smoking and drinking socially as a way to cope with these challenges and seek attention, often associating with peers who influenced such behaviors to appear "cool."[10] These habits persisted into her early 20s but became a focal point of self-reflection during her university years. In 2004, coinciding with her graduation, she made a deliberate decision to quit both smoking and drinking as part of a broader personal transformation aimed at overcoming her insecurities.[9] This period of introspection and habit cessation helped Rui En build resilience, setting the stage for her focused entry into professional pursuits by redirecting her energy toward positive growth and stability.[9]Career
Music and modeling beginnings
Rui En entered the entertainment industry through modeling, debuting in 1999 shortly after completing her A-level examinations. She was signed to Phantom Management, a prominent Singaporean modeling agency, where she built a portfolio that included commercial work such as a 2001 SingTel advertisement featuring her as the iconic "running girl."[10][10] In December 2002, Rui En transitioned into music with her debut album, Rui Σn vol. 01, a regional Chinese-language release jointly produced by Alfa Music and Hype Records Pte Ltd. The album, distributed by BMG Taiwan, featured five tracks blending pop and ballad elements, marking her emergence as a Mandopop artist in Singapore and beyond. Under Hype Records' management, which handled her musical career during this period, the release established her vocal style and songwriting contributions.[3][12] Rui En's second studio album, United Nations, followed in October 2008, produced exclusively by Hype Records and distributed solely through CD-Rama stores in Singapore for the local market. Comprising 11 tracks, the album explored themes of unity and personal growth, with Rui En co-writing several songs to reflect her evolving artistic identity. Key promotional efforts included live performances, such as her appearance at Singapore Day 2009 in London, where she performed selections from her discography at Hampton Court Palace before over 12,000 overseas Singaporeans.[3][13][14]Acting breakthrough and developments
Rui En made her acting debut in 2002 with the MediaCorp Channel 8 drama series No Problem, portraying a supporting role in the family-oriented comedy.[10] She followed this with appearances in several subsequent MediaCorp productions, gradually building her presence in Singaporean television.[3] Her early public recognition from the SingTel advertisement provided a springboard into these acting opportunities.[15] Rui En achieved her acting breakthrough in 2005 with her first leading role in the MediaCorp drama A Promise for Tomorrow, where she played a central character in a story of family and redemption, earning critical notice for her emotional depth.[10] Over the next decade, she solidified her status as a prominent MediaCorp actress, taking on diverse roles in genres ranging from romance to crime thrillers, while affiliated with Artiste Networks, the agency's management arm under Hype Records, for nearly two decades.[16] This period marked her professional growth, with consistent series work that highlighted her versatility. In 2021, Rui En departed from Artiste Networks after 20 years, announcing the move via her newly created Instagram account to share personal updates independently.[16] That same year, she starred in the MediaCorp series The Heartland Hero, embodying a community leader in a neighborhood-focused narrative.[17] Her career arc has since incorporated transitions into hosting and variety formats, including leading the 2021 show Dare to Try (Rui En's Flower World), where she explored lifestyle challenges with celebrity guests.[18] By 2023, Rui En returned to leading roles in the MediaCorp fantasy romance Oppa, Saranghae!, playing a woman entangled in a time-travel love story opposite South Korean actor Kim Jae-hoon, which blended K-drama influences with local storytelling.[19] This role underscored her adaptability in evolving television landscapes, maintaining her relevance through a mix of scripted dramas and lighter variety engagements.[20]Personal life
Health challenges
In April 2016, Rui En was involved in a car accident when she lost control of her BMW while entering a carpark near her home in Clementi Avenue 2, mounting a kerb and colliding head-on with a stationary motorcycle, which was knocked over but caused no injuries to the owner.[21] She pleaded guilty to one count of careless driving and was fined S$700 on July 1, 2016, avoiding any driving disqualification as sought by prosecutors, who had requested a three- to four-month ban.[22][21] Reports also indicated an earlier minor incident earlier that year where her vehicle had collided with another without her immediate awareness, discovered later during repairs, though no charges resulted from it.[23] In February 2022, Rui En tested positive for COVID-19 with the Omicron variant, experiencing mild symptoms including a sore throat, cough, runny nose, and brief insomnia, but no fever or body aches; she recovered at home and expressed a sense of relief at finally contracting the virus after prolonged anxiety about it.[24] Rui En faced a significant mental health struggle in the first half of 2024, battling depression and severe insomnia that left her sleeping only 1 to 4 hours per night, during which she described feeling a "terrifying" sense of hopelessness and helplessness, with emotions reaching an all-time low.[4] In an October 2025 interview with Lianhe Zaobao ahead of World Mental Health Day, the 44-year-old actress shared recovery insights, emphasizing small daily steps like seeking professional help and self-compassion that gradually restored her well-being and renewed her motivation for community involvement.[5]Community involvement
Rui En has been a long-term volunteer with Beyond Social Services, an organization dedicated to supporting children and youths from low-income backgrounds in Singapore. Her involvement includes visiting rental flats to assist families in need and organizing activities at a children's home in Sembawang, such as arranging a Christmas performance by singer Taufik Batisah to bring joy to the residents.[25] Through her fan club, RBKD, Rui En has coordinated annual charity drives, including care packages for elderly residents during Chinese New Year and distributions to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, mobilizing thousands of supporters since 2010. She has also participated in events like the Walk for Our Children fundraiser for the Singapore Children's Society, emphasizing support for vulnerable youth.[26][27][28] In January 2025, Rui En launched her brand EN's inaugural bak kwa sales for Chinese New Year, featuring flavors like laksa and applewood, with pre-orders opening on January 3 via www.enonline.sg. All proceeds from the sales benefited Brave Club, a faith-based initiative providing support to children with special needs and their caregivers, aligning with her commitment to festive giving.[29] Rui En has raised awareness for dementia through personal connections, such as hosting singer Kit Chan on her platform in September 2025 to discuss caregiving for Kit's mother, who battled the condition for eight years before passing away. This initiative highlighted the emotional challenges of dementia care and encouraged public empathy for affected families.[30] Her personal health recovery has inspired her sustained dedication to these community efforts, viewing them as meaningful ways to extend care beyond her own experiences.[25]Filmography
Films
Rui En's film work primarily consists of telemovies, with her debut in the medium coming in the anthology episode Sense of Home: Kampung Kid (2008), directed by Thean-jeen Lee. In this 80-minute TV movie, she played Caroline, the dedicated assistant to a Singaporean entrepreneur based in Cambodia, who accompanies him on a journey back to his rural hometown, confronting themes of cultural displacement and personal reconnection amid challenging filming conditions in rural Cambodia.[31] She later starred in the standalone telemovie Old Is Gold: The Bliss Keeper (2019), directed by Lim Mee Nah, which served as a two-hour conclusion to the popular Channel 8 series Old Is Gold. Rui En reprised her role as Han Xinxin, a resilient caregiver navigating marriage pressures and family integration with her much older partner, Ping Pong, emphasizing themes of age-gap relationships and elder care in modern Singaporean society.[32]Television series
Rui En's television career began with her debut in Mediacorp Channel 8's No Problem in 2002, where she played Jessica, a supporting character in a family comedy-drama exploring everyday challenges in Singaporean households.[33] This marked her entry into scripted serials, establishing her presence in local dramas focused on relatable social themes. She achieved her first leading role in 2005's A Promise for Tomorrow, portraying Fang Fang, a resilient young woman shouldering the responsibility of caring for her step-siblings amid family hardships and personal growth.[34] The series highlighted her ability to convey emotional depth in family-oriented narratives, a staple of Mediacorp productions. Rui En's performances gained critical acclaim starting in the early 2010s, particularly in investigative and relational dramas. In 2010's Unriddle, she starred as Hu Xiaoman, a determined police officer unraveling complex cases while navigating personal dilemmas, contributing to her reputation for strong, multifaceted female leads.[35] Her role as Si Qi in 2011's With You earned her the Star Awards Best Actress, depicting a wife grappling with her husband's coma and family secrets in a poignant exploration of love and forgiveness.[36][37] In 2012's Unriddle 2, Rui En reprised a similar investigative role as Hu Xiaoman, solving intricate crimes that tested her character's moral boundaries, which won her a second Star Awards Best Actress.[38] Later series showcased her versatility in contemporary settings. In 2021's The Heartland Hero, she played Jingwen (also known as Momo), a reformed former loan shark runner turned bakery owner who aids ex-convicts in rebuilding their lives within a tight-knit neighborhood.[39][40] Her most recent lead came in 2023's Oppa, Saranghae!, a fantasy romance where she portrayed Ouyang Qiqi, a single career woman in her 40s who magically pulls a Korean drama character into reality, blending rom-com elements with themes of self-discovery and unexpected love.[41][20]| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | No Problem | Jessica | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Debut role in family comedy-drama.[33] |
| 2005 | A Promise for Tomorrow | Fang Fang | Mediacorp Channel 8 | First leading role; family responsibility narrative.[34] |
| 2010 | Unriddle | Hu Xiaoman | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Police procedural; career turning point.[2] |
| 2011 | With You | Si Qi | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Star Awards Best Actress; themes of loss and family.[36] |
| 2011 | C.L.I.F. | Ng Tze Keat | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Police drama; high-viewership series.[42] |
| 2012 | Unriddle 2 | Hu Xiaoman | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Sequel investigation drama; Star Awards Best Actress. |
| 2013 | The Dream Makers | Fang Tong Lin | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Entertainment industry drama; high-viewership series.[38] |
| 2021 | The Heartland Hero | Jingwen (Momo) | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Community redemption story.[43] |
| 2023 | Oppa, Saranghae! | Ouyang Qiqi | Mediacorp Channel 8 | Fantasy romance inspired by K-dramas.[19] |
Variety shows
Rui En began her foray into variety television early in her career by co-hosting the prank comedy series Gotcha! on Mediacorp Channel 5, where she participated in staging elaborate hidden-camera gags to surprise unsuspecting members of the public.[44] The show, inspired by the format of Candid Camera, highlighted her playful side as she collaborated with co-host Soo Kui Jien to execute comedic setups, fostering audience engagement through relatable humor and light-hearted surprises.[45] In 2020, Rui En returned to hosting with Dare To Try (瑞恩的花花世界), a lifestyle experience series on meWATCH, in which she immersed herself in the daily routines and challenges of fellow celebrities as guest stars.[46] Notable episodes featured her attempting soccer training with Elvin Ng, cooking under the guidance of Kym Ng and Chef Eric Teo, and exploring personal hobbies with guests like Chongqing Liu and Ben Yeo, emphasizing themes of empathy and personal growth through interactive segments. The format allowed Rui En to showcase her adaptability and humor, drawing viewers with authentic interactions that bridged her acting persona and real-life curiosity.[47]Discography
Studio albums
Rui En's debut studio album, Rui Σn vol. 01, was released in 2002 under the joint production of Alfa Music and Hype Records, with distribution handled by BMG Taiwan across the region. The album showcased a pop-oriented sound, featuring contributions from notable composers such as Jay Chou, who penned the track "White Feathers" (白色羽毛), alongside other highlights like "Proof of Absence" (不在场证明), composed by Lin Mai Ke with lyrics by Xu Shichang, and "Leave Me Alone" (你管我), composed by Lin Mai Ke with lyrics by Fang Wenshan.[48] Produced primarily in Taiwan, the record marked Rui En's entry into the music industry following her modeling breakthrough, which aided in promoting the release through visual media tie-ins. After a six-year break focused on acting, Rui En returned with her second studio album, United Nations, released in late 2008 exclusively for the Singapore market.[3] The project was produced by Hype Records and distributed solely through CD-Rama music stores, emphasizing local accessibility over regional expansion.[49] Key tracks included the title song "United Nations," which served as a lead single, along with "Frog" and "Slow Dance," blending upbeat pop elements with introspective themes reflective of personal growth.[50] The album's production highlighted Rui En's evolving vocal style, supported by Hype Records' in-house team, though it remained confined to domestic commercial channels without broader chart documentation.[3]Singles and theme songs
Rui En has released several standalone singles and contributed theme songs to Mediacorp dramas, often tying into her acting roles. These works highlight her vocal range in Mandarin pop and ballads, frequently addressing themes of emotion, resilience, and relationships. Many of her drama themes were nominated for or won awards at the Star Awards, underscoring their popularity in Singaporean Chinese media. Her non-album singles include the charity EP "Listen to Your Heart" (2003), produced by Hype Records as the theme for The Community Chest of Singapore, featuring both English and Mandarin versions ("关怀是阳光") to promote community support.[51] Another notable single is "Reach Out for the Skies" (2005), a duet with Taufik Batisah serving as the theme song for Singapore's National Day Parade, emphasizing national unity and aspiration with lyrics by Selena Tan and music by Elaine Wan Chan.[52] "Numb" (麻木) was released as a single in 2013.[53] Rui En's drama theme songs are closely linked to her on-screen performances, blending storytelling with melodic introspection. Key examples include:| Year | Song Title (English/Mandarin) | Associated Drama | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | The Way to Be Happy / 快乐方式 | Beautiful Connection (九层糕) | Opening theme; first released on the compilation album Morning Express VI (阳光系列6); nominated for Best Theme Song at Star Awards 2002.[54][55] |
| 2006 | Unfreeze / 解冻 | Love at 0°C (爱情零度C) | Opening theme; Rui En's first self-penned lyrics.[56] |
| 2008 | Slow Dance / 慢舞 | By My Side (不凡的爱) | Closing theme; also featured as an insert track on her album United Nations, but released separately for the series.[57][58] |