Mr Lionel Lim, 30, is a manager in the civil service who handles planning issues.

"Tenacity is one of my greatest qualities," he declares. "When I believe in something, I will do my best to achieve it."

This quality has been instrumental in his work, he says, which involves diffusing public complaints, solving personnel issues and coming up with creative solutions.

"I'm a firm believer that life is short and can only be lived once, so we must all live life to the fullest with no regrets. In order to challenge
myself, I took part in the recently concluded Mr Singapore 2007 pageant and was placed in the Top 10."

In his free time, Lionel enjoys life to the fullest as well. He lists his interests as poetry writing, gym, karaoke, movies, shopping and travelling. Of these, he likes poetry writing and working out at the gym most.

"I enjoy poetry writing most as it is a very personal activity and allows me to translate my thoughts and emotions into a written piece," he lets on.

He happily shares that his poems have been published in the United States and shared with people from all over the world.

"Looking through the different pieces over time is like taking a walk down memory lane for me as each piece records a particular episode in my life and is special."

Besides the brains, he's got a nice body too. "A thrice-weekly gym workout has also helped me become more disciplined, fitter and healthier, as well as look younger," says Lionel, who wasn't afraid to send in a photo of his toned body for this contest.

Why you should vote for me: "I'm able to connect effectively with people from different walks of life. I always wear a megawatt smile on my face and an emotional badge in me"

Ms Alina Tan, 26, is a personal assistant in a film production firm.

She used to be be a producer, but decided to put the crazy hours - sometimes at a stretch of 48 hours - behind her, now that she is married.

She handles projects for the producers now, keeping more regular hours so that she has more time for "homely" stuff, says Alina, who is currently learning to play tennis. And sewing as well, because it is a life skill, she says.

She hopes to be able to sew her own clothes one day. "I like pretty clothes, but I think a lot of them out there are overpriced and overly acessorised," she expains.

"I want to go back to the times when people would DIY a lot of things. Since being stuck in a flourescent-lit cubicle really isn't my thing, I decided I'd be better off with skills I could apply anywhere.

"That still is my ultimate aim. I'm saving as much money as I can so I can take up skills that won't shackle me to the confines of a corporation."

Keeping her company at home are two baby "girls" -- pet parrots Lola and Blu, which are around one year old. She loves animals, and recalls starting a pets club in Primary school with friends to feed strays and keep records of those living around the school.

However, Alina said she didn't become a veterinarian or marine biologist that she had aspired to be because she tends to be "over-emotional" when it comes to animals.

"Their innocence and lack of defence against our inexplicable aggressions is the reason why we have a responsibility to fulfil in respecting and protecting them," she adds.

Why you should vote for me: "I want to make the world a better place; for animals at least."