Poh Ling Yeow
Poh Ling Yeow | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 17, 1973 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Occupation(s) | Cook, artist, actress, author, television host |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Known for | MasterChef Australia (runner-up, contestant, judge), Poh's Kitchen, Poh & Co |
Poh Ling Yeow (; born 17 December 1973) is an Australian-based cook, artist, actress, author, and television host originally from Malaysia. She has presented culinary programs such as ABC’s Poh's Kitchen and SBS’s Poh & Co, alongside publishing multiple cookbooks. Poh gained prominence as the runner-up on Network 10's inaugural season of MasterChef Australia, finishing second to Julie Goodwin. She has since appeared as a guest judge and mentor, competed again in the twelfth season (2020), and joined the judging panel starting from the sixteenth season (2024).
Early life and background
Yeow was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, into a fifth-generation Malaysian Chinese family with Hakka roots. At the age of nine, she migrated to Australia, settling in Adelaide, South Australia. She completed her schooling at Seymour College and obtained a Bachelor of Design degree from the University of South Australia. Early on, she pursued freelance work as a graphic designer, illustrator, and makeup artist.
Her makeup artistry portfolio included corporate clients such as L'Oréal and Attitude magazine, as well as collaborations with the Australian String Quartet and the short film My Last Ten Hours With You. Personal clients included Megan Gale and Lisa Ho. These experiences led to partnerships with artist David Bromley, which enhanced her insight into the art industry. Yeow also modeled nude for Bromley during this period.
Up until age 25, she used the Western name Sharon but later returned to using Poh Ling to reconnect with her cultural identity. In 2002, she transitioned into a full-time career as a professional artist.
Artist
Yeow’s artistic practice primarily involves acrylic painting on canvas. Her initial works were characterized by richly textured backgrounds, whereas her more recent creations exhibit a smoother surface with intricate detail and refinement.
Her Chinese ancestry is evident in her art through motifs such as goldfish, lotus blossoms, along with native Australian plants and animals. A prominent figure in her latest pieces is The Girl, an autobiographical representation mirroring Yeow’s own appearance, developed as an emotional outlet embracing elements of her physical self. Recent series delve into personal narratives including the conclusion of a significant relationship, exemplified by works like "Was That the Last Goodbye?" and "You Haven't Left and I Miss You Already." The Mermaid series employs imagery of goldfish scales and fins to convey themes of identity dissolution and transformation.
Since debuting her solo exhibition in 2002, Yeow has frequently showcased her work at Hill Smith Gallery and Libby Edwards Gallery. Her art has been highlighted and critiqued in media outlets such as Vogue Australia, House & Garden, and The Advertiser.
In 2003, Yeow contributed artwork to aid breast cancer research at Flinders Medical Centre. Her pieces were featured on the cover of Olivia Khoo’s 2007 publication The Chinese Exotic. She acted as a judge for Youthscape 2008 and participated in a 2009 glamour photo shoot for Who magazine.
In 2018, Yeow was extensively interviewed by Richard Fidler on the radio program Conversations.
Culinary and Food Television
Yeow made her television debut in April 2005 on ABC's Beat the Chef, where she prepared dishes such as Ying Yang Prawns and Basil Thai Fried Rice. She rose to national prominence as one of the top 20 competitors on the first season of MasterChef Australia in 2009, ultimately securing the runner-up position behind Julie Goodwin. Yeow returned to the series in 2019 as a mentor and competed once more in the 2020 Back to Win edition, finishing in sixth place.
Following her breakthrough on MasterChef, Yeow entered into a contract with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to host her own cooking show, Poh's Kitchen, which debuted in 2010 along with a two-book deal through ABC Books. The program expanded with a second season titled Poh's Kitchen on the Road in 2011, showcasing culinary journeys across Australia and Southeast Asia, followed by a third installment in 2012. In 2015, she introduced Poh & Co. on SBS, blending varied cooking techniques with lifestyle segments.
Yeow ventured into the gourmet food scene by establishing a stall named Jamface by Poh at the Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market, later opening a cafe under the same name at Adelaide Central Market from 2016 until its closure in 2019.
In August 2023, Yeow collaborated with fellow MasterChef alum Adam Liaw to co-host Adam & Poh's Great Australian Bites on SBS, highlighting regional Australian dishes through partnerships with local producers. Shortly after, Network 10 announced Yeow as a permanent host and judge for the sixteenth season of MasterChef Australia, joining new judges Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli alongside returning judge Andy Allen. This appointment followed the death of former judge Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong’s departure from the show.
Film and Television Roles
Yeow’s filmography includes appearances in four films: Human Touch (2004), Peaches (2004), Hey, Hey, It's Esther Blueburger (2008), and the Tropfest short film Jackie's Spring Palace (2009), where she also served as production designer.
Outside of culinary programming, Yeow has featured prominently on shows such as Room 101, Can of Worms, and Reality Check. In 2013, she appeared alongside Dave Lawson in ABC’s comedy series It's a Date.
Reflecting on her career choices, Yeow commented, "I've always just followed what I've enjoyed doing ... in all areas of creativity."
Beginning in 2021, she co-hosted the Australian adaptation of Snackmasters. The following year, Yeow competed on the eighth season of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and later took part as a celebrity contestant on the Lego Masters Australia Christmas special.
In 2023, Yeow made a guest appearance as a cooking show judge during the sixth episode of Thank God You're Here.