A remorseful Rui En apologises at Star Awards 2016

It was a visibly humbled and remorseful Rui En who took to the stage last night at Star Awards 2016 Show 1.

Receiving the awards ceremony's highest accolade, All-Time Favourite Artiste,alongside actor Qi Yuwu, the 35-year-old local actress was not her usual cool and aloof self during her acceptance speech.

Last Tuesday afternoon, she had crashed her car into a parked motorcycle in Clementi. The incident sparked off an online brouhaha when it was reported that the first thing she allegedly told the biker was: "Do you know who I am?"

Police are investigating the accident.

Last night, Rui En delivered her acceptance speech after a video montage celebrating her TV career. She held back tears, gasped for breath, asked for forgiveness, and apologised - twice - to the crowd.

At the end of her speech, the actress even bowed deeply.

"This is a milestone year for my career but at the same time, it's a year where I have to face difficulties in life," she said in Mandarin.

"Regarding the case that happened earlier in the week, I hope all of you will forgive me for not being able to comment to the media, as it is still under investigation.

Rui En looking solemn during her acceptance speech for the All-Time Favourite Artiste Award. PHOTOS: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

"I'm extremely sorry for causing so much inconvenience to everyone. I know a lot of people have given me unconditional love, I really thank them for that."

She also expressed gratitude to her bosses and colleagues at management company Hype Records, who she said "have stood by me and supported me even though I've done wrong".

The star also thanked her ardent fans for "never forsaking" her.

Often labelled an ice queen, Rui En showed a softer and more vulnerable side, even musing at one point: "To be a responsible actress, it's not just about acting well, but also about presenting your best side to audiences.

"I'm so straight-talking and I don't hide my emotions, whether they're happy or sad emotions. And I'm aware this could cause divisive, controversial opinions (of me).

"Until now, I wonder if I'm suitable for showbiz."

'SINCERE'

Mr Bahrom Sarmiten, 52, the owner of the parked motorcycle that Rui En hit last Tuesday, told TNP over the phone that he watched Rui En's acceptance speech.

"Too bad I don't understand Mandarin, but I can tell that she wanted to cry," he said.

"I can feel that she is very sincere."

To Rui En, Mr Bahrom added: "The higher you climb, the challenges you face are tests from God."

He said he "does not feel any more anger" over the accident.

"In the past, I would have gone haywire (sic), but I think maybe I'm an old man now, I have mellowed."

OTHER WINNERS

Star Awards 2016, an annual show that celebrates the best in Channel 8 entertainment, was held for the first time at Mediacorp's new campus at one-north.

It is held over two weekends - Show 2, where the Best Actor and Best Actress awards are given out, will be held next Sunday.

For the highly-anticipated Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes list, Joanne Peh, Rebecca Lim, Felicia Chin and Jesseca Liu all managed to snag a spot.

The only surprise of the night was when rising star Carrie Wong, 22,beat Jeanette Aw's winning streak in the Social Media Award category.

"I didn't expect this," a stunned Wong told reporters backstage.

"Lately, I've been so busy with work, I haven't been active on my social media platforms."

It was also a great night for former The New Paper New Face contestants Julie Tan and Jayley Woo.

Tan, 23, a first runner-up in TNP New Face 2009, won the Rocket Award for showing vast improvement over the year, as well as a spot in the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes list.

Woo, a TNP New Face 2011 finalist, was a first-time winner in the Top 10 category.

I was really shocked... because I had read online that the predicted winner was a man.

- Actress Julie Tan (above) backstage, after winning the Rocket Award, given to the artist who showed the most improvement

I thought of the jokes myself. I've always felt that I was quite humorous, just that no one realised it.

- Actor Qi Yuwu (above, with actress-wife Joanne Peh), on the jokes he cracked on stage. He won the All-Time Favourite Artiste Award, alongside Rui En.