Yumiko Marches On...

Hong kong artiste YUMIKO CHENG may be better known for her multiple wardrobe malfunctions than for her creative contributions - she has actually released four albums and starred in several films - but the 26-year-old Shanghai-born lass is marching on with her head held high.

For the uninitiated, Yumiko made headlines in December last year when her trouser were accidentally pulled off while she was performing a stunt for a charity show. In June this year, she flashed her nipples without realising it, when her tube-top came loose during a performance in Canada's Wonderland.

Undeterred, the singer's star continues to shine brightly, and she was in town recently with Taiwanese pop idol DYLAN KUO to announce their appointment as spokespersons for fashion brand Soda. HOT was there of course.

How do you feel about being chosen as spokesperson?

I'm very happy. When they contracted me, I looked through their products in the brochure and immediately liked the clothes.

Did you know Dylan prior to this?

Not personally, I've read about him in the Hong Kong newspapers. He's taller than I expected him to be. And of course I think he's also very good-looking.

Did you have other ambitions before becoming an entertainer?

I though of becoming a teacher when I was younger, and also a policewoman. But when I began learning how to sing, I found myself liking it. And then the opportunity came up for me to go into showbiz.

You're singer, actress and model. What are you most happy doing?

I've been in this line for the last few years, and I've realised that I'm lucky to be doing what I like. I enjoy all types of work I'm doing.

What's your secret to looking so good?

I don't think it's a secret. I try to rest well and sleep more. I also try to go to the gym everyday for an hour if I can. As we age, it's important to take care of ourselves. But more importantly, I feel we should keep a joyful heart to look pretty.

So are you an optimistic person?

Yes. I think so.

How did you manage to overcome all the unfortunate accidents you've had?

I don't think this is a suitable time to talk about that (slightly embarrassed smile). But again, I feel it boiled down to one's philosophy of life. If you're an optimistic person, you will overcome it. So I'm okay. Don't worry about me!