Rui En: More fun than you might think

Rui En is not cold, she’s cool. 

That is according to Malaysian-born actor Shaun Chen. 

The 36-year-old plays Rui En’s love interest in new Channel 8 blockbuster The Journey: Our Homeland.

He told The New Paper : “She is not as ‘ice-queen’ as she seems. 

The local actress caused a stir at this year's Star Awards when she appeared to not be enjoying the show as much as the other actors.

Chen was eager to stress that this was not the case and that she is very lively on set.

“She’s very fun and nice to hang out with," he said 

"Working with her is very pleasant and smooth, it’s comfortable.” 

Our Homeland is the final installment of The Journey’s trilogy which marks Singapore’s 50th anniversary. 

The series debuted on July 16.

Shaun Chen in The Journey PHOTO: MEDIACORP

DANCING IN THE STREETS

Chen recounted how Rui En would ask him to dance for her while they were filming in Malaysia. 

“She would join in and dance with the kids on the streets, and we would laugh loudly,” he said. 

“We definitely get along well, I hope that we can work together again.” 

This is not the first time Chen has played Rui En’s lover on the small screen. 

He first played her love interest in the popular 2013 blockbuster The Dream Makers. Their onscreen chemistry was an instant hit and lauded by many viewers. 

When asked about their relationship, Rui En, 34, smiled and said: “Shaun and I work really well together both on and off screen. I think we brought that chemistry with us to (Our Homeland). We have our moments of craziness while filming and it’s really comfortable working with him.” 

She added: “It’s an easy experience.” 

Chen bagged the highly coveted Best Actor award at the annual Star Awards in April for his role as a good-hearted gangster Hu Jia in the second series of the drama, The Journey: Tumultuous Times. He hopes to get another award next year. 

He said: “Of course, I want to win something again. However, my role in the third instalment is more flat compared to the second one. If I can be nominated, that will be good enough.”