The entertainment industry has always been filled with diverse talent, with each individual contributing a unique, creative hue to art in all of its forms. One such vibrant thread is Yixin, a Singaporean actress, model, and influencer who has graced both screen and stage with her performances. From her beginnings in applied drama and psychology to her recent role in the Netflix series Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters, Yixin has taken an exciting journey to reach her dreams. In this illuminating interview with View of the Arts, Yixin spoke about her experiences, challenges, and goals as she navigates the world of acting, modelling, and influencing.

View of the Arts: What was the role of film in the early years of your life that made you want to become an actress?

Yixin: There wasn’t any specific role that sparked my interest in being an actress – it was the passion of my peers that really propelled me to fight for my dreams. I think I truly figured out what I wanted after being exposed to dance. Along with my diploma in applied drama and psychology, my introduction to theatre really opened up my view and became the catalyst that put me on this career path. 

VOA: Recently, we watched you in Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters, a Netflix show. How did you get involved in the project itself, and how did you prepare for the role of Ling?

Yixin: I was fortunate to be given the opportunity for an open audition back in 2019. Back then, the name of the show as well as the production were still a secret. So, I had no idea what I was auditioning for. 

When we got the call, I was absolutely blown away. I think reading up on the script, as well as having countless discussions with the directors, writer, and producers, really helped a lot. I also took up acting classes to refine my interpretation of Ling. Beach House Production also hosted a bootcamp one month prior to shooting for us so that the cast could get familiar with one another.

VOA: As a live-action adaptation of a popular book series, what challenges did you face in bringing the characters and stories to life on screen?

Yixin: I think it was respecting the art and hard work of the production house as well as the writer. I wanted to try my best to portray Ling as authentically as she’s presented in the books and not disappoint the fans. 

The struggle between cultures was definitely a challenge. I think the producers, writers, and directors have tread very respectfully in introducing our South-East Asian culture and folklore. We didn’t want to sensationalise or trivialise certain rituals, traditions, and beliefs.  

VOA: Can you share any memorable experiences or behind-the-scenes moments from the set of Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters?

Yixin: I think it’s truly the bonding between the cast because we’re from different countries. Being able to be in the same space, learning from scratch and from one another, has truly been an honour. We filmed it during the pandemic, so we were shooting the show under strict restrictions, which also meant we could only have limited interactions with people. So, we really spent a lot of time with one another, and it’s been an absolute blast!

VOA: How do you handle the balance between acting, modelling, and being an influencer? Are there any particular challenges you face in managing these different roles?

Yixin: I think that our current media culture has slowly evolved these three roles into one. Being in this industry, I have to slowly adjust to being able to understand the importance of these three jobs.

But I think the main motivating factor is really being able to interact with my audience and use these platforms for the greater good. 

What has been your most exciting modelling experience so far, and why?

Yixin: I think being able to be asked to be in front of magazine covers that I’ve only thought I could dream of as a kid. It’s just so surreal that people would want me to front their name and brand. As much as it’s an honourable experience, it’s also daunting to take up such a responsibility, but it only drives me to continue honing my craft and expanding my interests.

VOA: What draws you to collaborations with brands like Aldo and PUMA? How do you choose the brands you work with?

Yixin: Vibes don’t lie. And I think energy really speaks for itself. My manager and I have a really close relationship, so we’re able to communicate and fully understand where our principles and beliefs lie. I’ve been very grateful and blessed to be given the opportunity to work with so many like-minded brands. 

VOA: What are some of the most significant lessons you have learned throughout your career as an actress, model, and influencer?

Yixin: I’m aware of the responsibility such a position holds, and I’ve learned that our words to the public really matter. I think constantly educating myself on the ever-changing world and every culture is part of our job scope. 

VOA: Can you tell us about your experience working with renowned fashion magazines like NüYou and The Observatory? How did these opportunities shape your career?

Yixin: It has definitely opened many doors to the fashion world, for which I will forever be grateful. The people behind these magazines are truly some of the most brilliant individuals I’ve ever worked with, and it’s just been an honour to even have the opportunity to be in the same room as them. Having this platform has also allowed me to better understand my own style and voice. They have really given me the chance to explore all kinds of images and directions to figure out what suits me best. 

VOA: How do you stay inspired and motivated at work? Are there any specific sources or practices that help you stay creatively engaged?

Yixin: I think the main source from which I garner my inspiration is travelling. To be able to meet people from all walks of life is such a grounding experience, and it really forces me to take *multiple* steps back and see things from a macro point of view.

It’s so easy to get swooped into all glitz and glamour of the industry. It’s so easy to lose yourself in the moment of fun. And this may work for some individuals, but I’ve learned that this isn’t what works for me. Travelling allows me to learn about different cultures, different art forms, different traditions, and different mindsets. For lack of a better word, it really puts things into perspective for me, and I think that has been my go-to routine to keep me creatively engaged. 

VOA: What is your favourite aspect of being an actress? And what about being a model and influencer?

Yixin: My favourite part about being an actress would be the beauty of teamwork. The “click” moment when you get to work with a production house and crew of like-minded people that you can just bounce ideas off in a safe space to make mistakes and take risks. 

Meanwhile, my favourite part of being an influencer is when I’m able to have the space to curate my view on life for the public. I’ve always been in love with photography, and I’m so glad social media goes hand in hand with that particular hobby of mine. I even have a photography account (@xineries) where I just post all my favourite corners of the world.

VOA: Are there any specific roles or types of projects that you would like to pursue in the future?

Yixin: I think I would love to be able to be involved in more art films as well as international projects. 

VOA: How do you navigate the demands and pressures of the entertainment industry while maintaining a sense of authenticity and staying true to yourself?

Yixin: I think facing demands and pressures comes with every career. It’s the way we filter feedback that counts. It took me a while to be at peace with it, but I can say it’s still a work-in-progress. The main thing I’ll focus on is to ultimately be kinder to myself. I can’t control how the public perceives me or how people expect me to be, but I can definitely control my reaction when I’m faced with these opinions. Like I’ve mentioned, I’ve been really, really blessed with so many good people in my life, and they have been able to keep me in check. It’s also the art of balancing self-confidence and pride and drawing the line between constructive feedback and just plain bullying. 

I also strongly believe that the eyes are the window to our souls, so taking regular breaks from the Internet really helps with my mental health. 

VOA: Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans can look forward to?

Yixin: I’ve just finished a local production. It’s my first attempt at a Mandarin series. But after the release, I do have plans to focus more on myself and my audience. Something fun will be coming up, so stay tuned!

VOA: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not working on your career? Any hobbies or activities you like to indulge in?

Yixin: Apart from travelling, I think spending time with my family, friends, and cat is my go-to healing process. 

VOA: As a Singaporean actress, how important is it for you to represent your country’s film and television industry on both local and international platforms?

Yixin: It is so important to me to represent more local work. The sense of pride to know that Singapore, the little red dot, is slowly gaining so much more attention internationally is overwhelming. And to slowly witness the progress of our local work touching on more “socially sensitive” topics is definitely something to recognise. There will always be room for improvement, but the direction we are steering towards is definitely commendable.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}