The Sun, 27 June 2007

For rising star Chermaine Poo, the one shining moment in her life is, of course, winning third placing at the Miss Malaysia/World 2005 despite falling sick

By Anansa Jacob

They say “Never judge a book by its cover”, and never has that held more true than in the case of Chermaine Poo. The 20-something’s looks are usually the first thing people notice about her, but she is more than just a pretty face.

A rising actress, model, former beauty queen and qualified chartered accountant, the world seems to be opening up to the bubbly, confident young woman.

The eldest of three children, the Kuala Lumpur-born Chermaine started modelling in children’s commercials at the age of four. Despite the early start in showbiz, she admits that her initial ambitions had nothing to do with the entertainment industry.

“I actually wanted to become a China historian,” she said. “Apparently, my family is related to the last Emperor of China, and I really wanted to explore that world. But when I reached high school, I lost interest.”

Already in the Science stream, Chermaine took a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance in the United Kingdom, studying and working at the same time until she graduated early at the age of 19.

Once she qualified as a chartered accountant, she got a job in KL in 2004. But several months later, her life would become a little more interesting when she joined Miss Malaysia/World 2005.

“My friend Karen Ang, who won the title two years before, suggested that I enter the competition,” she recalled. “She even sent in my application. I myself never really thought about participating. I had done some commercials, but had no experience on the catwalk.”

Despite that, Chermaine decided to go for it. She learnt discipline, due to tight schedules and various rehearsals. She also proved her dedication to the competition.

“On the night of the finals, I caught food poisoning,” she revealed. “But I managed to get up from bed and go onstage. I could walk, wave and smile, but everytime I got off, I’d run to the side and vomit before going back on. I can laugh about it now, but back then it wasn’t funny.”

Chermaine’s determination earned her the position of second runner-up. The modelling and acting offers grew in number, including a chance to act in a local English-language movie last year. “The producer got in touch with me and asked if I would like to audition for a role. I did and landed the part of the female lead.”

The movie, ‘Orange For Mama’, was a heartwarming story for the Chinese New Year season, and tapped into one of Chermaine’s many loves. “I was always interested in movies and how they were made,” she said. She had officially caught the acting bug.

After the experience, Chermaine decided to further her skills. “I took acting classes with (stage legend) Joe Hasham,” she said. “I had to audition to get into his class.

When I got there, he told me to cry. So I stood in the middle of the room in front of everyone, bawling my eyes out.”

Her efforts got her in. “The class was amazing. Joe taught us how to tap into our emotions, and to break free from our inhibitions in order to express ourselves properly.”

She took on another film role, starring in the local production ‘Dukun’. Joe and his wife Faridah Merican also offered her a role on the successful stage play ‘The Odd Couple’.

Chermaine also landed a role in Ang Lee’s ‘Lust, Caution’, which starred Taiwanese actor/singer Wang Lee Hom. “It was a small role, but it was still a privilege to work with such famous stars,” she said. “I learned
a lot from that experience.”

Currently, Chermaine is signed up for another local movie, due to begin filming in August. She described the film, directed by Brando Lee, as a big budget action film, starring Eman Manan and M. Nasir. “I play their
characters’ love interest. My role is more of an emotional one, so I won’t be doing any major action scenes.”

With acting now her primary focus, where does she see herself in 15 years time?

“If everything goes well, I’d still like to be acting. It’s either this or accounting. I’d also like to start my own family by then.” With her determination, there is no doubt that this budding star will soon chart her own way to the top.

Wardrobe by Gallo, Telawi 3, Bangsar and Shoes by Fiorucci; Make-Up Artist and Hairstylist by A Cut Above, Bangsar Village 2