In 2008 , Aw spent four months filming in China for the Chinese production '' The Shaolin Warriors . '' She then starred as Chen Xiaorou in '' Rhythm of Life and '' Lin Keyi in '' The Defining Moment '' where she was praised for her good acting . Then came Aw 's big opportunity : to star in Mediacorp 's mega-blockbuster production , '' The Little Nyonya '' . Several actresses auditioned for the main female lead role for which Aw was selected . Many viewers saw it as a series conceived to boost Aw 's television career and to secure the Best Actress award for her at the following Star Awards , and criticism was leveled at Mediacorp 's bias towards Aw . Several viewers also believed that the producers intentionally wrote Aw 's first role as a mute in attempt to conceal her imperfect delivery of Mandarin . In response , producers lauded Aw 's work , saying that she performed in a professional manner . Aw 's dual portrayal of Yamamoto Yueniang and Huang Juxiang ( the mother to her primary character ) was also praised by members of the audience . The drama became the most watched Singapore drama in 15 years and was a huge success . Aw gained many more fans and was hailed as the third-generation '' Ah Jie . '' Despite receiving a third Best Actress nomination at Star Awards 2009 , Aw surprisingly lost to her co-star Joanne Peh . In end-2009 , Aw acted in '' Together '' with Dai Xiangyu for the third time
Star Awards 2009
Star Awards 2009
Jeanette Aw