Chef Wan may have started his career as an accountant, but this celebrity chef traded the corporate world for a career in the kitchen. Today, Chef Wan is a household name in Asia with more than 20 years of experience in the industry and is known for his flamboyant sense of style. His talents range from chef, author and actor to TV host and publisher.
Due to his contribution and role as a representative of Malaysia at various global gourmet events, world expos and tourism exhibitions, Chef Wan has had the honour of being the first celebrity to be bestowed the title of ‘Datuk’ by King Yang Di-Pertuan Agong in February 2010. This was followed by his appointment as ‘Culinary Ambassador’ by Tourism Malaysia in November 2010.
Well known for his extensive knowledge of Malaysian cuisine, Chef Wan has also been invited to perform demonstrations and conduct talks in China, Germany, London, Canada, Spain, Australia and Europe. At the World Gourmet Food and Media Awards in Beijing, Chef Wan won the Lifetime Jury Award at the “Le Mazille Prix” 2007 Gourmand for his contributions as the culinary ambassador for Malaysia to the world.
His international recognition has even captured the attention of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which, on behalf of the government and Royal Kingdom of Thailand, presented him with the ‘Friends of Thailand Award’ in September 2010.
With 12 cookbooks published and more on the way, Chef Wan is also a food critic for major dailies and magazines in Malaysia. He has also played the lead and several supporting roles in various films and theatre shows. His efforts earned him a nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ at the 13th Asian Film Festival for his performance in ‘Valley of Vengeance’.
Besides his many achievements, Chef Wan is also a firm believer of giving back to the community. He is an ambassador for several non-profit organisations such as the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia in March 2010, ‘Save Our Seafood’ Campaign in May 2010 and the National Cancer Society Malaysia in November 2010.
Most recently, Chef Wan was appointed to be the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Holiday Travel Icon Ambassador in November 2010 and will be creating gourmet packages for inbound and outbound holidays to and from Malaysia. His role as MAS Travel Icon Ambassador will also show him and his fans in a new reality series where they explore the world and its different cuisines.
excerpt taken from asian food channel
As Asia’s most celebrated chef, Chef Wan currently hosts several of his own TV shows, holds the role of Malaysia’s culinary ambassador and has even been invited to cook for Malaysian royalty! Nothing seems to daunt this seemingly unstoppable chef where food is concerned– well, almost nothing.
