That telegenic appeal proved to be the winning formula for Singaporean Andie Chen, 22, as he emerged victorious at the ninth Star Search finals last night.

The Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduate, who recently completed his national service, beat five other hopefuls in a three-hour showdown at the MediaCorp TV Theatre.

The show tested finalists in their grooming, acting, wit and ability to perform stunts.

Hot favourite Chen impressed the seven-member judging panel - which included MediaCorp actress Fann Wong and Hong Kong singer-actor Kenny Bee - with a consistent performance.

Chen won $25,000 cash, $4,000 worth of prizes and a two-year MediaCorp contract.

Singaporean Jerry Yeo, 21, and Taiwanese Celia Pan, 23, both undergraduates, came in second and third respectively.

An elated Chen told The Straits Times he was relieved that four months of hard work had paid off.

He said: 'I have wanted to be an actor since I was 11. I have been waiting for this day.'

Since its inception in 1988, Star Search has uncovered TV talents such as Zoe Tay, Christopher Lee, Jacelyn Tay and Qi Yuwu.

sandral@sph.com.sg